RANS S 12 Checkout question

Douglas

Douglas

Old School KSUX
Some guy bought a Rans S 12 that is on the field here and he wants a check out so he can fly it back to his airport.

It is a light sport aircraft, the buyer who needs to be checked out is a private pilot.
I don't know anything about light sport but I am almost positive that I can do the check out since he is a private pilot.

Insurance might not let me with zero time in the aircraft, but there is nothing stopping me via the FAA, right?

Anybody have any info on this aircraft?
Mike%20Smith%20-%20Rans%20S%2012.jpg
 
Douglas said:
Some guy bought a Rans S 12 that is on the field here and he wants a check out so he can fly it back to his airport.

It is a light sport aircraft, the buyer who needs to be checked out is a private pilot.
I don't know anything about light sport but I am almost positive that I can do the check out since he is a private pilot.

Insurance might not let me with zero time in the aircraft, but there is nothing stopping me via the FAA, right?

Anybody have any info on this aircraft?
Click to expand...

Actually, its an experimental amateur built aircraft, that happens to meet the LSA specifications. Anybody who is licensed can fly it. Looks like a lot of fun to fly, but beyond that, I've got nothing. Might check with the EAA forums
 
Douglas said:
It is a light sport aircraft, the buyer who needs to be checked out is a private pilot.
Click to expand...

Rule #1 A private pilot SEL can fly ANY single engine land propeller airplane provide you have the appropriate endorsements (except warbirds requiring a LOA). If has one motor and a N number, you can hop in and fire it up.

There IS a 5 hour make and model requirement to TEACH someone in twins and helos, but even that only applies for a certificate or rating.


Rule #2 There is no such thing as a "checkout" in the eyes of the FAA, never has been. Getting "checked out" is an insurance requirement, not from the FAA.

That's not to say it's not a GOOD IDEA to learn all you can about an airplane before you fly it. Any pilot (namely the previous owner) can fly with you and point out the characteristics of the airplane, but they do not need to be a CFI.


Edit: Opps, I posted this without looking closely at who the OP was. Obviously you know this already. However I'm amazed by how many CFIs don't.
 
Thanks. I just wanted to make doubly sure. I'll read more into light sport someday.

I looks like a blast if it has been maintained.
 
Just out of curiosity, do you know which engine it has in it? I know the S12 can be ran with anything from a Rotax 503 (53hp, 2 stroke) up to the Rotax 912 (100hp, 4 stroke). The S12 is probably a rocket with 100 horsepower.
 
KSCessnaDriver said:
Just out of curiosity, do you know which engine it has in it? I know the S12 can be ran with anything from a Rotax 503 (53hp, 2 stroke) up to the Rotax 912 (100hp, 4 stroke). The S12 is probably a rocket with 100 horsepower.
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Nawh, I was going to scope it out today but was too busy. I'll post what it is when I find out.


Now it is the weekend.

Gone!
 
I know nothing about this particular make and model, but be careful. I personally will never fly anything w/ a two-stroke rotax again (or any other two-stroke).
 
meh. If I was going to fly it for 700 hours a year on a recurring basis I might be worried, but I feel good with the five hours I might do.

I agree though that I would much rather have an O-200-D.
 
KSCessnaDriver said:
Has to be a back story to this. What's the reason?
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Had one that quite at a very bad time on my first flight in it. Had to put it down off airport and it folded the gear on "landing". Same airplane with a more reliable engine would probably be a lot of fun.

I've gotten to know a few people that fly ultralight type stuff and when it comes to two strokes, the saying is "its not if it will quit, its when".
 
Douglas said:
I agree though that I would much rather have an O-200-D.
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Eh, I look at that engine as an afterthought to the LSA craze, once Continental realized they could have had a much bigger market share. I still think its crazy that they need 3.3L to get 100 horsepower, as compared to the 1.2L of the Rotax 912 at the same power. I'd take the Rotax 912 over a O-200 any day. Heck, I wish they'd make a 6 cylinder engine, running at 180-200 horsepower. That could literally STC on to basically anything with an O-320/360 out there.

escapepilot said:
Had one that quite at a very bad time on my first flight in it. Had to put it down off airport and it folded the gear on "landing". Same airplane with a more reliable engine would probably be a lot of fun.

I've gotten to know a few people that fly ultralight type stuff and when it comes to two strokes, the saying is "its not if it will quit, its when".
Click to expand...

Fair enough. Never had the pleasure to fly something with a 2-stroke, but I've spent a lot of time around them. Always look like a blast to fly to me, but different strokes for different folks I suppose.
 
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