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Sportpilot/Kitfox 5 highlites

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For those that have opened the .pdf file of the "Final Rule", looked at it and said "I ain't reading all that...." here are a few key points as it applies to the discussion....

Here is the origin of the words "since original certification....

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 143 / Tuesday, July 27, 2004 / Rules and Regulations 44801

The words, ‘‘since its original

certification has continued to meet the

following’’ are added to the introductory

text of § 1.1. The reasons for this are

discussed in the section titled

‘‘Modification of Type-Certificated

Aircraft to Meet the Light-Sport Aircraft

Definition.’’

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 143 / Tuesday, July 27, 2004 / Rules and Regulations  44792

Modifications of Aircraft To Meet the

Light-Sport Aircraft Definition

Some commenters stated that aircraft

with quite high payload and

performance characteristics that far

exceed the stated definition of lightsport

aircraft could be modified to meet

the definition of light-sport aircraft. The

FAA has revised the definition of lightsport

aircraft in the rule to prevent these

modifications. The FAA notes that these

types of modified aircraft are outside the

stated purpose of the proposal. The

proposal identified light-sport aircraft as

aircraft that exceed the limits set in

§ 103.1, and are compatible with the

skills and training required to obtain a

sport pilot certificate. Light-sport

aircraft are simple low-performance

aircraft that are distinct from small

aircraft that can be designed and built

to existing airworthiness standards. In

the proposal, the FAA permitted sport

pilots to fly any aircraft that meets the

light-sport aircraft definition. In

prohibiting modifications to aircraft to

meet the light-sport aircraft definition,

the FAA seeks to ensure that the lightsport

aircraft operating characteristics

are consistent with the skills and

training for the sport pilot. The FAA is

concerned that modifications to an

aircraft to meet the light-sport aircraft

definition may increase its complexity

to a level that is inappropriate for the

capabilities of the sport pilot. This is the

FAA’s rationale for excluding these

modified aircraft from the light-sport

aircraft definition.

Here is the origin, and definition, of "Maximum Takeoff Weight" as it applies to lightsport aircraft

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 143 / Tuesday, July 27, 2004 / Rules and Regulations  44793

Some commenters stated that lacking

a definition of maximum takeoff weight,

aircraft with fairly high performance

characteristics could meet the definition

of light-sport aircraft by limiting the

approved weight and payload of the

airplane.

The FAA responded with the following:

The FAA considers this a valid

concern and has provided some

additional constraints on the weight as

detailed below. The maximum weight of

a light-sport aircraft is the sum of:

(1) Aircraft empty weight;

(2) Weight of the passenger for each

seat installed;

(3) Baggage allowance for each

passenger; and

(4) Full fuel, including a minimum of

the half-hour fuel reserve required for

day visual flight rules in § 91.151(a)(1).

Here is an example of the rule(s) being applied, as presented by this author to the EAA.

Your information is not accurate with regards to Sport pilot privileges and aircraft weight limits. The only “official” defining weight limit is “Maximum Takeoff Weight”.

As you know, the definition of “light sport aircraft” is found in FAR 1.1

Light-sport aircraft means an aircraft, other than a helicopter or powered-lift that, since its original certification, has continued to meet the following:

(1) A maximum takeoff weight of not more than—

(i) 660 pounds (300 kilograms) for lighter-than-air aircraft;

(ii) 1,320 pounds (600 kilograms) for aircraft not intended for operation on water; or

(iii) 1,430 pounds (650 kilograms) for an aircraft intended for operation on water.

The FAA realized it needed to, and did, include the definition of “maximum takeoff weight” as it applies to the LSA definition in 1.1 and it is found on page 44793 of the Federal Register;

Certification of Aircraft and Airman for the Operation of Light-Sport aircraft; Final Rule. Dated July 27, 2004

It says, verbatim,

"Some commentators stated that lacking a definition of maximum take off weight, aircraft with fairly high performance characteristics could meet the definition of light-sport aircraft by limiting the approved weight and payload of the airplane. The FAA considers this a valid concern and has provided some additional constraints on the weight as detailed below. The maximum weight of a light-sport aircraft is the sum of :

(1) Aircraft empty weight;

(2) Weight of the passenger for each seat installed;

(3) Baggage allowance for each passenger; and

(4) Full fuel, including a minimum of the half hour fuel reserve required for day visual flight rules in FAR 91.151(a)(1)"

This definitively states the definition of ”maximum takeoff weight” of a light-sport aircraft as is used to determine what may be considered a light sport eligible aircraft and no other definition, or use of the term “maximum weight” as found in the F.A.R’s or elsewhere may be substituted at will. Not Gross weight, Maximum Gross weight, Maximum gross takeoff weight, or any of the other terms that are tossed around. This weight, “maximum takeoff weight”, as defined specifically by the FAA for LSA issues, as the sum of (1), (2), (3), and (4),

Example:

A Kitfox Series 5, with an empty weight of 710 lbs (1) with both seats filled (2), and, full fuel tanks (3), still leaves 63 pounds of for baggage allowance as required by (4)

Seats filled 2 x 180 = 360 lbs

Full tanks (inc header) 27 gal. x 6 lbs = 162 lbs

Empty weight as on current W&B = 710 lbs.

-----------------------

1232 lbs

Baggage allowance 25 lbs

--------------------

1257 lbs as weighed and loaded

Weight at time of takeoff is 63 lbs LESS THAN 1320 lbs.

Note: In this loading configuration the aircraft is well within it’s demonstrated and published flight envelope

AND, the aircraft has not been altered or modified since it was issued it’s airworthiness certificate, in order to meet the definition.

Example: The fuel capacity has not been modified to lower the weight of (4) “full fuel.” as a result of installing smaller tanks.

Therefore, it has met the condition “since its original certification, has continued to meet the following:

1) A maximum takeoff weight of not more than… (add (1), (2), (3), and (4) (1320lbs max. land use) has been met

One pilot may, under Sport pilot privileges, operate the aircraft at “maximum takeoff weight” up to 1320 lbs, another pilot flying under private pilot privileges, up to the design weight, in this case 1400 lbs. Same aircraft.

----------------------------------------------------

Enough for now...

  steve  84KF

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