Why are some RV12's EAB and some ELSA?

[DonFromTX]

Another point for a buyer, if you feel that the ELSA is "better" because it was built strictly according to a standard, think again. The day AFTER the ELSA certificate, most any changes you might dream up are perfectly legal and do not have to be in accordance with the ELSA requirements. If you like your lawnmower engine, you can now fly behind your lawnmower engine. After all, it is EXPERIMENTAL!

[DaleB]

Originally Posted by DonFromTX

Another point for a buyer, if you feel that the ELSA is "better" because it was built strictly according to a standard, think again. The day AFTER the ELSA certificate, most any changes you might dream up are perfectly legal and do not have to be in accordance with the ELSA requirements. If you like your lawnmower engine, you can now fly behind your lawnmower engine. After all, it is EXPERIMENTAL!

The only reason I would prefer E-LSA as a buyer is the ability to get the repairman certificate and sign off on the condition inspection. Of course an E-AB RV-12 was most likely not built strictly to plans (why else would you make it E-AB?), but one would hope that any deviations would be discovered and discussed during the prebuy inspection. No matter what the airworthiness certificate says, just like any other airplane you really need to know exactly what you're buying -- or be willing to deal with the inevitable surprises.

[Mel]

Originally Posted by DaleB

The only reason I would prefer E-LSA as a buyer is the ability to get the repairman certificate and sign off on the condition inspection. Of course an E-AB RV-12 was most likely not built strictly to plans (why else would you make it E-AB?), but one would hope that any deviations would be discovered and discussed during the prebuy inspection. No matter what the airworthiness certificate says, just like any other airplane you really need to know exactly what you're buying -- or be willing to deal with the inevitable surprises.

The possibility here is that the builder may already have an engine, prop, avionics, etc., and prefer to use those instead of buying new from the kit manufacturer.

[jnorris]

Originally Posted by Mel

The possibility here is that the builder may already have an engine, prop, avionics, etc., and prefer to use those instead of buying new from the kit manufacturer.

Yep, that's the main reason people go amateur-built instead of ELSA on an RV-12. But there is another, obscure reason to go AB. That is to allow the ability to lease the aircraft to another entity. By regulation, ELSA cannot be leased (Ref. 91.319(f)). This is why EAA built the "One Week Wonder" RV-12 as amateur-built, even though it is built strictly in accordance with Van's instructions. The plan is to lease the aircraft to the EAA employee flying club after it finishes it's promotional touring duties.

So, as mentioned before, when one is looking to purchase a flying RV-12, make sure to understand what airworthiness certificate it has, and why. As with any experimental aircraft, each one is unique.

[flytoboat]

I know of one RV12 built exactly to plans and certificated as E-AB so he could get the repairman certificate instead of taking a 16 hour course. Then he started his 40 hour Phase 1!

[hamblin10]

Starting to build an RV-12iS and I think I may certify as E-AB just incase I want to install the IFR package and fly on an actual IMC path. Not sure what advantage certifying as E-LSA provides.

[Bob Y]

One of the reasons I went E-LSA was so subsequent owners could opt to take the 16 hr inspection course to allow them to perform their own CIs. Thought that might be a positive selling point for some.

[randylervold]

My thoughts and opinion on the issue...
http://www.romeolima.com/rv12-home/info-elsaveab/

[bshawco]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm under the impression that a pilot with a Light Sport license and a "Driver's License medical" is legal to fly an E-LSA certificated airplane but not an E-AB, since an E-AB requires at least a Private Pilot license and 3rd Class Medical.

I'd think that this could be a reason to choose E-LSA over EAB registration.

[greghughespdx]

Originally Posted by bshawco

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm under the impression that a pilot with a Light Sport license and a "Driver's License medical" is legal to fly an E-LSA certificated airplane but not an E-AB, since an E-AB requires at least a Private Pilot license and 3rd Class Medical.

I'd think that this could be a reason to choose E-LSA over EAB registration.

Not quite.

An aircraft flown by a sport pilot doesn't have to be certified as light sport, but it must meet the performance definition of a light-sport aircraft as defined in 14 CFR 1.1.

AOPA has some useful information on this subject.