licensing for homebuilts

Ron Wanttaja wrote:
On Sun, 19 Feb 2006 20:55:21 -0500, "Morgans" wrote:


"Hawkeye" wrote


If I build a Flybaby, can I do the first flight and subsequent testing
while using my "Sport Pilot" classification?

How about a one-off Experimental Category design that is engineered to
comply with the Light Sport Aircraft operating limitations?

Thanks, Hawkeye Hughes

Yes, and yes.


Ditto, and Ditto. :-)

If an aircraft meets the Light Sport definition, it can be flown by a Sport
Pilot regardless of its certification category.

The only issue that might come up is if some FAA'ian wants to dispute whether
your one-off Experimental aircraft meets the definition. If it weighs 1,000
pounds, has only 50 sq.ft of wing area, and an IO-540 for power, it's probably
likely the plane can't meet either the speed requirements...top OR bottom. But
as far as I know, there are no formal procedures for legally establishing
whether a unique aircraft (and each Experimental/Amateur Built aircraft,
legally, *is* unique) meets the definition. There are certification
requirements if the plane is to be *licensed* as Light Sport, but they don't
apply if the plane is in some other category.

Ron Wanttaja


While all of the above is true, there is one additional factor that should be
considered.

Do you have enough experience in a similar type if aircraft to be competent in
the new one?

Beyond the obvious tailwheel/chin wheel question.

Is Cessna 150 experience adequate to fly an RVxA?

Cub time would be great for a Flybaby, but for a Cassut?

What would prepare ANYBODY to fly a Moller Air car?!!?


Richard