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

Byron Ward wrote:

In the Sept 04 issue of EAA's Sport Pilot Magazine pg 25 it states that:

"To qualify as an S-LSA or E-LSA, an aircraft must meet the following
parameters.....Single, reciprocating engine only, including diesel and
rotary engines..."

This is also stated in the FAA's final rule which is on www.sportpilot.org
Page 87 2nd full paragraph says:

"The FAA notes that in the final rule the term 'single non-turbine engine'
has been modified to single reciprocating non-turbine engine. This was done
to preclude light-sport aircraft powered by rocket engines but still permit
rotary and diesel engines"

However looking at the consensus standards (published by ATSM) which are
available (but $$) on the ATSM website I'm not sure if it would allow any
auto engine conversions because it seems that a manufacturer of an
aftermarket conversion of the engine would not have access to the data
required (parts lists, drawings, material and process specs) or the ability
to prove conformance of each engine that was delivered to the engine/design
that was used for the required "declaration of compliance" with the
consensus rules

Byron

 
The Rotary Engine NewsLetter.  Powered by Linux.
ACRE NL web site. http://home.earthlink.net/~rotaryeng/            
Copyright 1998-2004 All world wide rights reserved.