An E-LSA is an approved LSA that was not built by the factory. Because an E-LSA conforms 100.0% to an approved LSA design, it only requires a five hour flight test period.
There was a period of time where any aircraft that could be shown (or was at least claimed) to qualify with the LSA requirements of max gross weight, stall speed, etc., could be certified in this category.
Another way an aircraft can be a ELSA is to take an existing SLSA and convert it into a ELSA
I converted my AMD built 601XLB SLSA to a ELSA
Dave
N601XP
What paper work do I have to do for the FAA to convert LSA to ELSA. We have to do it because there aren't any parts or support from the manufacturer, Cessna. You can PM if you need to keep it RV. THANKS.
Mel,
Thanks, the FSDO has been working on this for three days, with four different inspectors. I guess the question doesn't come up very often. You can't even buy tires for the Skycatcher anymore.
Converting a Cessna SLSA would be the same procedure as converting an RV-12 SLSA. You will need to submit a program letter and airworthiness application (8130-6) to your local FSDO or DAR. The inspector will inspect the aircraft to make sure that it has not been changed from the original configuration, that it has a current condition inspection, and issue a new airworthiness certificate and operating limitations. The only changes you will need to make is the "Passenger Warning" and change the "Light-Sport" placard to an "Experimental" placard. That's about it.
Question Mel: My S-LSA has been modified (avionics) from the original factory-built model, but I have LOA?s from the manufacturer for all the changes and some of the factory new S-LSAs have the same avionics I now have. Could I still get my S-LSA moved to E-LSA?
Thanks,
Craig
Certainly. As long as all your changes are factory approved, you're good to go.
Don't bother - looks like the FAA is going to increase the LSA weight limits. https://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/LSA-Weight-Limit-Increasing-To-3600-Pounds-231639-1.html...
Is it possible to build an RV-9 to fit the LSA requirements? I believe it is but I'm not sure I would want it.