Ed Janssen wrote:
> Briefly, according to FAA regulations - If you build at least 51% of a > KR2S > per plans you may apply for certification as an E-AB (Experimental-Amateur > Built)... I knew all that stuff Ed, but you were good to mention it because Dwight probably didn't. But what I was fishing for (I knew you were the guy to answer it) is how those same questions are answered with respect to LSA, since that seems to be important to him. I could look it all up, but I know you know it off the top of your head, and have melded several sources into the "real" answers. There are some nuances about LSA pilots flying Experimentals, so I'd think if you could license it as LSA to start with, you might be ahead. Again, I defer to Ed and others on that.... Thanks, Mark Langford Dwight, Well, unfortunately, neither the KR series nor the Sonex can be built and certified as an E-LSA - yet. Given the current manufacturer, it's pretty unlikely that a KR will ever be certified as a Light Sport Aircraft. If either manufacturer should successfully complete a rigorous process requiring jumping through a lot of hoops (paperwork and guidelines) and produces at least one aircraft eligible to be certified as a Special Light Sport Aircraft (S-LSA), then that manufacturer will be able to offer a kit which can be completed (51% rule does not apply) and certified as an Experimental Light Sport Aircraft (E-LSA). So, except for a few other options (not favorable for the type of flying we like to do), the only really viable option is to build and certify either aircraft as an Experimental Amateur Built (E-AB). Those with Sport pilot certificates may fly any aircraft that fits the definition of a Light Sport Aircraft (use your browser to find necessary characteristics). If the KR has been built and is demonstrated as fitting those parameters, a Sport Pilot may fly it. Hours needed to fly off the flight testing phases is typically 40 hours for Amateur built but whoever issues the "Operating Limitations" may require something different. Hours to fly off testing of E-LSA varies also - I've seen one Operating Limitation example showing only 5 hours needed. Ed
