I have some questions about build rules and registration procedures as they apply in Australia. I've also posted these on the SAAA website, but suspect I may get a quicker response here.
As I understand it, in the US the RV12 is usually built under the E-LSA rules which require strict adherence to the plans and all parts to be sourced from VAN's. Builders can't carry out any maintenance unless they undertake 16 hours of instruction. Alternatively, builders can build under the E-AB rules which require 51% owner input, but allow builders to carry out any modications they like and do all their own maintenance. However, presumably an E-LSA certified aircraft will hold it's value better (and may be safer) as it's built to a defined standard.
Although I've read the SAAA documentation, I'm still unclear on the rules that apply in Australia. Given that the RV12 is a fairly new design, I assume it comes under the `Experimental' system, so I'm responsible for build quality and maintenance. Am I correct in assuming that we don't have the equivalent of the E-LSA category over here?
If we don't, is there any reason why I should, for example, buy and import the Rotax engine from VAN's instead of getting one locally at a cheaper price? Same with the instruments. VAN's have a standard package for the aircraft that has to be used if the E-LSA rules are followed, but do I need to do that here? If I don't do it, then VAN's won't give me E-LSA certification, but does that matter in Australia?
Also, what are the pros and cons of having VH- registration as opposed to RA- registration, and how does that affect the build process and maintenance procedures?
Sorry if these are dumb questions, but I'd appreciate some clarification or advice on where to go for the information.
Regards
Robert
As I understand it, in the US the RV12 is usually built under the E-LSA rules which require strict adherence to the plans and all parts to be sourced from VAN's. Builders can't carry out any maintenance unless they undertake 16 hours of instruction. Alternatively, builders can build under the E-AB rules which require 51% owner input, but allow builders to carry out any modications they like and do all their own maintenance. However, presumably an E-LSA certified aircraft will hold it's value better (and may be safer) as it's built to a defined standard.
Although I've read the SAAA documentation, I'm still unclear on the rules that apply in Australia. Given that the RV12 is a fairly new design, I assume it comes under the `Experimental' system, so I'm responsible for build quality and maintenance. Am I correct in assuming that we don't have the equivalent of the E-LSA category over here?
If we don't, is there any reason why I should, for example, buy and import the Rotax engine from VAN's instead of getting one locally at a cheaper price? Same with the instruments. VAN's have a standard package for the aircraft that has to be used if the E-LSA rules are followed, but do I need to do that here? If I don't do it, then VAN's won't give me E-LSA certification, but does that matter in Australia?
Also, what are the pros and cons of having VH- registration as opposed to RA- registration, and how does that affect the build process and maintenance procedures?
Sorry if these are dumb questions, but I'd appreciate some clarification or advice on where to go for the information.
Regards
Robert
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