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Simple Aircraft (Like LSA) Need Simple Rules

September 13, 2013 by Dan Johnson Leave a Comment

Four other FAA audited companies (clockwise from top left): Evektor, Progressive Aerodyne (SeaRey), CubCrafters,Tecnam.

In this post I’m going to do something potentially risky. I am going to make some statements about the politics of aircraft certification. While rather dull, this subject is nonetheless something pilots and others feel rather strongly about as the safety of aircraft — for persons in or under aircraft — is involved. Doesn’t everyone except a handful of thrill seekers care deeply about safety? I certainly do yet I feel it’s time for some new directions. I fully expect not everyone will agree, but I feel strongly that these statements need to be made. So, here goes …

My term as Membership Secretary of ASTM’s F37 LSA committee will complete later this year; I will be term limited out. That’s perfectly fine … I’ve done my duty for several years. ASTM’s F37 committee is the group that wrote and updates the standards used to gain acceptance for Light-Sport Aircraft. F37 is populated by some exceptional people that are largely unsung heroes for all the hard work they’ve done with little recognition. It has been my distinct honor to work with them.

I’ve been invited to remain on F37’s Executive Committee to provide the industry viewpoint due to my other volunteer role as president and chairman of LAMA, the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association. My parting hope as I leave the Membership Secretary post is that a subgroup might emerge to work at simplifying and making less strict some of the ASTM standards set. Yes, less strict. I think such a project needs a champion and I hope someone (more qualified than me) will rise to the task.

ASTM’s F37 committee people have worked diligently for more than 10 years. Many of these dedicated people have functioned as volunteers, a good many of whom even pay their own way to meetings. They have always had to be very careful to write language that FAA would accept. They’ve been enormously successful as FAA has accepted every new ASTM standard (except the electric propulsion standard, acceptance of which will require an exemption or rule change). As committee members, some FAA personnel have been involved in writing these standards. FAA is only entitled to one vote in the committee’s deliberations but when an FAA representative said the standards ought to be worded in some way, the committee was powerfully encouraged to write it that way or face FAA’s possible refusal to accept a standard.

Nonetheless, in the drive to continue winning FAA acceptance ASTM rules have become increasingly like Part 23 rules, which, ironically, FAA now wants to simplify by empowering a new ASTM committee (F44). Over the years, I have observed the ASTM standards set become more like Part 23. Full disclosure:  I am part of that “problem.” I drafted the standard for airframe parachutes based heavily on my experience at BRS Parachutes which, back then, had recently won FAA approval for a parachute system for the Type Certified Cessna 150. The ASTM airframe parachute standard was genuinely tougher than the Special Conditions FAA set out for the Cessna 150 parachute. So, I know for an absolute fact that ASTM standards can be and sometimes are more stringent than FAR Part 23 regulations, despite many GA pilots believing otherwise (and therefore thinking that LSA are somehow substandard to Type Certified aircraft).

Now the challenge — a rather large one in my opinion: trying to slim down those standards so they remain effective at safety yet become more achievable for smaller companies with innovative designs. Please note that the SLSA safety record is genuinely quite good; FAA has repeatedly described LSA safety as “acceptable.” While F44 has learned and is learning from F37’s experience for LSA, they may take the simplification process beyond what has been achieved in F37 (especially since I perceive that F37 has bulked up its standards set). That would be ironic but welcome. So, is anyone willing to volunteer as chair of the F37 “Simplification Task Group?”

One last thought … Since 2008, FAA has been assessing and later auditing LSA producers. FAA officials have often said they find plenty of non-compliance. Some media reporters and potential LSA buyers interpret FAA comments to mean these aircraft have manufacturing or quality problems. I believe the non-compliance is primarily paperwork errors or deficiencies rather than design or production problems and in proof of this belief, I have often stated that FAA has yet to ground the first SLSA. If safety of flight problems existed (to use FAA’s term), they definitely would have grounded a suspect airplane. They have never done so. Thus, while further refinement and tighter control of manufacturing processes and documentation can and should be achieved by SLSA builders, these companies have consistently put out technologically advanced and airworthy aircraft that kept a lot more people flying. For that the industry and ASTM committee members deserve applause!

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Filed Under: Arion Aircraft, LLC, Lightning LS-1, Splog Tagged With: 3-Axis 2-Place, Fixed Wing Aircraft

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Evektor is Number One and always will be. The Czech company's SportStar was the number one SLSA to win approval but engineers have steadily improved the model far beyond that 2005 version that started the race.

Flight Design USA imports CT, one of the best selling Light-Sport Aircraft in American and the world. CT is 98% carbon fiber |with superb performance, roomy cockpit, great useful load, and a parachute as standard equipment ...a market leader for many years!

Bristell USA distributes the highly-refined Bristell aircraft in North America. The Czech-built aircraft is a 5th generation design with excellent performance, wonderful handling, and a most appealing shape. Other airplanes may look similar but Bristell has gone far beyond.

AirMax designed and manufactures a wonderful Light-Sport amphibious flying boat of the same name. Created in Brazil SeaMax is a beautifully finished, high performing aircraft, the first to win FAA acceptance as a SLSA and it sets a high standard for light floatplanes.

Hansen Air Group represents recognized brands in the LSA|space: FK Lightplanes and their distinctive biplane Comet, FK9, and FK51 plus the great-flying Magnaghi Sky Arrow. Based in Atlanta, Georgia Hansen Air Group is an experienced player in the LSA space.

AeroJones Aviation builds the very popular CT-series of Light-Sport Aircraft for Asia-Pacific markets. CTLSi is the latest version... a 98% carbon fiber design with superb performance, roomy cockpit, great useful load, and a parachute as standard equipment.


Vickers Aircraft has created one of the most distinctive new LSA seaplanes yet to emerge. Powered by the 180-horsepower Titan IO-340CC by Continental Motors, their Wave model is like no other seaplane ever introduced with multiple features to set it apart from the crowd.

US Sport Planes offers the all-composite, well-proven Jabiru line, one of the most popular Light-Sport Aircraft in America and the world. Under new leadership in Texas, the fast, handsome, and especially roomy Jabiru models are supported with exceptional service.

Tecnam is the world's leading manufacturer of Light-Sport aircraft offering more models and variations than any other producer. Besides the world's fastest-selling light twin and their new P2010 four seater, Tecnam offers these LSA: P-92 Eaglet, Astore, and P2008.

Lockwood Aircraft is the builder of two of light aviation's best-recognized flying machines: AirCam and the Drifter line. Most sport aviators already know the Lockwood brand, a leader in Rotax maintenance and aircraft services.

Evolution Trikes developed and continues to refine their Revo, an absolutely magnificent weight shift control aircraft (or trike). Rev is their new very affordable single place machine.

Aero Adventure offers what is likely the lowest cost boat-hull seaplane in the light aircraft space with a kit that, complete with engine, sells for less than $50,000. Add a long history to its credit and Aventura is a seaplane worthy of a close look.

The Airplane Factory (TAF) produces the Sling series of world-circling aircraft (literally) and now this fine-flying, all-metal beauty is available in the United States as a Special Light-Sport Aircraft. Here is an LSA to follow.

American Legend has been in the LSA space since the beginning, offering their iconic yellow taildragger. The Texas company offers a full line of LSA and kit-built aircraft including the 180-horsepower Super Legend HP.

Aerolite 103 is a remarkably well priced (way below $20,000), well-equipped, Part 103 ultralight that flies beautifully. Several hundred are airborne and production has never been more solid. Here is an airplane every pilot can love and afford.

Aeropilot USA ends your search for a Light-Sport Aircraft that is both familiar and new. Consider L600. This 80%-sized copy of Cessna's 182 is built with modern materials and well equipped but for tiny fraction of the cost of a new Skylane.

North Wing is America's leading manufacturer of weight shift LSA and Part 103 ultralight trikes. The company's wing designs are so good that most other trike manufacturers use them. Aircraft prices are highly affordable by all.

Glasair Aviation became famous for their Glasair series. Today the Washington state company is focused on the newer Sportsman in several varieties and on Merlin LSA. Later in 2017, buyers can buy a Merlin in fully-ready-to-fly form from this much-admired company renown for its top-tier customer service.

Aeromarine-LSA represents the Part 103 Zigolo, a dual-purpose ultralight and motorglider with prices starting at only $12,000, a genuine bargain among fixed wing, three axis ultralights. Powered by a gasoline engine now, the company is also developing electric propulsion. Click here to read more…

BushCat is the distinctive Light-Sport Aircraft within reach of almost any budget. With a solid heritage BushCat by SkyReach is fun, capable, and available as a kit, fully-built SLSA or ELSA.

SportairUSA imports the dashing and superbly-equipped StingSport S4 that has won a loyal following from American pilots. More recently, they introduced their TL-3000 high-wing LSA. SportairUSA is a full-line operation with maintenance and training, too.

Aeromarine-LSA offers the remarkably well-priced Merlin PSA, a fully enclosed, all-metal single seater. Quick build kits are only $16,500; build time is a swift two weeks. A flying Merlin can be finished for under $30,000. Merlin performs most enthusiastically on a two- or four-stroke engine. Click to read more…

Sonex Aircraft is one of aviation's best-known brands offering exciting performance, easy building, prices to match the budgets of most pilots, and you will do business with some fine people. Taking years of success to new heights, Sonex debuted the "B" models with numerous upgrades.

Arion Aircraft has designed and built one of the most beautiful low wing entries in the Special LSA and kit-built aircraft sector. The all-American designed and built aircraft is priced fairly and flies wonderfully ... need you search for more?

SilverLight Aviation created the first all-American gyroplane with modern sophistication and equipment, built by a proven expert. Gyroplanes like AR1 fly much like fixed wings but with real advantages.

Just Aircraft has delivered more than 300 kit aircraft since 2002, but in 2012 they electrified pilots with the awesome performance of their all-new SuperSTOL. It may look extreme and performs extremely well, but it is truly docile and forgiving to fly.

Progressive Aerodyne designed and supplies the SeaRey series, arguably the most celebrated of all light seaplanes in America. A close community of hundreds of owners offers camaraderie few other brands can match.

BRM Aero manufacturers the handsome Bristell all-metal SLSA. This highly evolved, next-generation Light-Sport was carefully engineered for luxury, comfort, excellent stability, and safety while being fun, fast, and easy to fly.

Aerotrek Aircraft imports the A240 and A220 tricycle gear or taildragger Special Light-Sport Aircraft. A finely finished aircraft at an excellent price, Aerotrek has wide, affordable appeal.




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