RUMINT has it that the FAA may be in the works of redefining a "light sport aircraft". In essence, the weight limit would be increased from 1,300 lbs to 3,600 lbs. I don't know if the FAA is thinking about increasing the 120kt speed restriction for LSAs, but, with ADS-B, they may have some data as to what speeds LSAs are really flown at.
The attraction for LSAs is that no medical certification paperwork is required. But, and this is a "but" that gets ignored, every time a LSA (or Basic Med) pilot flies, that pilot is certifying that he or she has no disqualifying medical conditions.
What this means is that if there is a problem that results in bending metal or attracts the FAA's attention, you can get in some trouble for essentially fibbing about being fit to fly. The insurance company can deny coverage.
So if you have a disqualifying medical condition, LSA gets you nothing more than what has been traditionally available: Gliders, balloons, and single-seat ultralights.
Cat Pawtector!
3 hours ago
4 comments:
So that would put e.g a PA28 or a C172, even an M20F in the new category?
M20F, only if they lift the 120kt speed limit.
I once heard a loud noise behind a orchard's farm stand, was told it was the guy that flew a ultra-light to work (some 10 miles Port Ewen to IBM Poughkeepsie, which had monster parking lots that would do nicely to land at)...it turned out the guy had his license taken away after a number of DUIs. Well, it's pretty much a guaranteed Darwin Award to FUI.
Maybe some of the P28A’s. I doubt the Archer, probably the Warrior.
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