Earthstar Forums

Here's the link to the Powered Sport Flying article that called attention to the FAA proposed rule-making.

http://www.psfmagazine.com/2014/03/more ... aa-policy/

Notice that all electric-powered light sport planes would be restricted. As would any former SLSA that had been modified and re-registered as an ELSA, regardless of the modification. It takes the Designated Airworthiness Representatives (DAR) out of the loop and makes a blanket change of airworthiness restriction no matter how airworthy an aircraft may actually be. And it probably makes it impossible to challenge.

Thunder Gulls currently registered as ELSA apparently would not be affected as they were never registered as SLSA category aircraft.


The other little nugget I've learned in discussions arising from this: electric-powered aircraft are not currently light sport aircraft because they are not powered by a "reciprocating engine". Thus they cannot be flown by a light sport pilot. Maybe the eGull avoids this problem by being an ultralight. In that case, you sure want to make sure it stays an ultralight if you have one.

 
Dick O'Reilly

Hmmmm, electric powered light planes cannot be called light sport airplanes? And cannot be flown by sport pilots? Makes you want to have the private pilots license and fly the plane as an experimental amateur built, that way if it’s a few pounds heavier than a true ultralight, so be it. That would probably not work for me as my plane is already registered as an E-LSA, being one of the fat ultralights converted in that narrow time-frame we had a few years ago. Since I didn’t build the plane, I can’t apply for an EAB registration, but I was able to take the LSA Repairman class and get my license to work on my own ‘N’ numbered plane only, but sounds like I still can’t electrify it and be legal, . . . . . . . . hmmmmmm.

The way people lose rights is by sitting on the sidelines bitching among themselves and never bothering to send their comments to those who
actually can do something about it. The FAA is proposing taking away
pilots' rights by making this rule change. The comment period exist to
allow people to object, offer ideas, etc. A simple comment is to ask
that the comment period be extended because this is a far-reaching rule
change and it deserves more comment from those potentially affected who
are just learning about it.  Sending a comment is as easy as sending an
email. Of course, at the moment comments received after March 30 will
simply be ignored.
 

Dick O'Reilly

Richard, thanks for the heads up. My comment went in a few minutes ago.

Bob

Mine too. Thanks!

Sent my comments yesterday.