Fred Osborn wrote:

Paul,

I just noticed a subtle change in the new Light Sport Aircraft(LSA) rules.
Previously everything I had seen regarding LSA engines read "single
non-turbine engine". The latest is "A single RECIPROCATING engine, if
powered". Recently there was a discussion here regarding rotary engines
at Reno. As I remember it the rule there is "reciprocating" and the
consensus was that ruled out a rotary.

Question to all. Does it appear that the above change in the LSA rules
represents an attempt to prohibit Wankels in LSA? If so, will you join
me in protesting this change to the EAA and FAA? I believe it would be
an arbitrary and totally unnecessary limitation.

Fred Osborn

I agree Fred but are not Light Sport Aircraft certified?

Paul Lamar

We need to get this fixed. They are probably trying to rule out
turbines. When you register your homebuilt, the engine choices does not
include "rotary", only "reciprocating" so this may be a generic FAA
term. The online data on my plane says "reciprocating". It would be nice
if they could broaden the definition of the term. I have two LSA
concepts I'm working on, that will have rotaries of course. LSA can be
experimental or certified, I think.

Perry

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