On Tue, 02 Aug 2005 18:53:26 GMT, (sleepy6) wrote:


I see it a little different Ron. Instead of an FAA written approval
process, the FAA approved and accepted the procedures in the consensous
standards for LSA. The FAA had to publish that official approval in
the federal register. They have also stated that if other consensous
standards from other sources were written, the FAA could approve or not
approve those standards for the design and construction of LSA as well.
Without that FAA approval, the consensous standards (and standards
approved by other countries) mean nothing.

In other words, I think the planes produced under the consensous
standards are "produced under FAA approval" the same as type certified
planes are produced under FAA approval.

Sorry, can't agree. In the initial publication of the LSA/Sport Pilot Rules and
the logic behind them, the FAA has this key statement:

"The use of Form 337 is not required because special light-sport aircraft will
be built to a consensus standard "accepted" by the FAA, but not "approved" by
the FAA." (page 136 of the Word document).

This is echoed by FAA Order 3120-2F Change one, Paragraph 121 d:

"d. Light-Sport Aircraft Construction. The manufacturer of an aircraft for
airworthiness certification in the light-sport category must manufacture the
aircraft to the design requirements and quality system of the applicable
consensus standard that has been accepted by the FAA and published through a
notice of availability in the Federal Register."

"Accept" is not the same as "Approve." Imagine your best friend saying to you,
"I'm gay." Responding, "I accept" is a HECK of a lot different than saying "I
approve." :-)

Ron Wanttaja