On Thu, 10 Aug 2006 22:30:31 -0400, "Peter Dohm" wrote:

I am not sure how much is set in stone so far, but will stay tuned. My
understanding was that LSA was to be complete (ready to fly), SLSA was to be
kits, and ELSA was not yet final. Of course, that is now old info and may
have changed...

"LSA" is a definition. FAR 1.1, Definitions: "Light-sport aircraft means an
aircraft, other than a helicopter or powered-lift that, since its original
certification, has continued to meet the following..."

SLSA means "Special Light Sport Aircraft"; an LSA that has received a
Special-category airworthiness certificate.

ELSA means "Experimental Light Sport Aircraft," an LSA that has received
certification in the Experimental category, under the "LSA" subcategory (as
"Amateur-Built" is another subcategory).

SLSAs must be constructed in accordance with the process that the FAA has
accepted meets the consensus standards, and must be maintained in accordance
with the standards. ELSAs must also be constructed in accordance to the
process, but once certification is receive, the owner is not required to
maintain the aircraft in accordance with its certification.

Aircraft can receive ELSA certification a number of ways. A builder may
construct an ELSA in compliance with an approved kit or plans. The owner of an
SLSA can convert his or her aircraft to ELSA. The owner of an existing
non-certified aircraft (e.g., two seat ultralights) can gain ELSA certification
(for the next year and a half). The builder of a plane meeting the LSA
definition can receive ELSA certification (again, until the deadline in January
2008).

Ron Wanttaja