In a direct final rule published today, the FAA is revising certain aspects of its definition of light sport aircraft. The changes expand the definition so that lighter-than-air aircraft with a 1,320-pound MTW limit will be considered light sport aircraft and a light sport aircraft intended for water operation may now have “retractable” landing gear (as opposed “repositionable” landing gear in the current regulation).
The FAA believes that the direct final rule will “result in a common land-based LSA maximum takeoff weight limit and allow the LTA LSA industry to design and build safe, functional LTA aircraft.” Further, by allowing retractable landing gear for LSA intended for operation on water, the rule change “recognizes the realities of the operation of these LSA and will also enhance the growth of that industry.”
In the absence of adverse comments, the direct final rule will be effective June 4, 2007. Comments to the final rule must be received by the FAA on or before May 21, 2007. If you would like more information, you may contact Larry Werth, Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Certification Service, Small Airplane Directorate, ACE-114, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; telephone 816-329-4147; fax: 816-329-4090; e-mail: larry.werth@faa.gov.
