Pilot Fighter
Well-Known Member
Any UL folks in the house? I flew ultralights years ago and have a question regarding E-LSA. I'll give some E-LSA background for the benefit of other folks with an interest. I'm going to contact the FAA for a definitive answer but this forum has an abundance of odd knowledge.
Over a decade ago, factory-built two-seat ultralights, exempt from 103 restrictions when used for UL instruction, were given the opportunity, within a two year window, to be registered as E-LSA.
Those that didn't take advantage of this registration window were left with orphan aircraft that could not be operated legally.
Some aircraft could be modified to meet Part 103 (<= 254lbs, single seat, 5 gallon fuel capacity, top speed under 55 knots). Some folks pulled a seat and operated as a "heavy ultralight" knowing the FAA had little interest in enforcement. Others, primarily in rural areas, continued flying their two-seaters illegally. The FAA hasn't gone out if their way to crack down on this practice.
Some folks claimed their aircraft was available as a kit and were able to register as E-LSA after the fact, often disassembling the aircraft to document a build. Others did the same thing to obtain Experimental-Amateur Built certification.
Here's the question. I saw a factory-built E-LSA aircraft that had transitioned from UL to E-LSA. The owner did not renew his registration and it was deregistered. Will the FAA respect the previous legality of this aircraft and allow it to be reregistered?
Over a decade ago, factory-built two-seat ultralights, exempt from 103 restrictions when used for UL instruction, were given the opportunity, within a two year window, to be registered as E-LSA.
Those that didn't take advantage of this registration window were left with orphan aircraft that could not be operated legally.
Some aircraft could be modified to meet Part 103 (<= 254lbs, single seat, 5 gallon fuel capacity, top speed under 55 knots). Some folks pulled a seat and operated as a "heavy ultralight" knowing the FAA had little interest in enforcement. Others, primarily in rural areas, continued flying their two-seaters illegally. The FAA hasn't gone out if their way to crack down on this practice.
Some folks claimed their aircraft was available as a kit and were able to register as E-LSA after the fact, often disassembling the aircraft to document a build. Others did the same thing to obtain Experimental-Amateur Built certification.
Here's the question. I saw a factory-built E-LSA aircraft that had transitioned from UL to E-LSA. The owner did not renew his registration and it was deregistered. Will the FAA respect the previous legality of this aircraft and allow it to be reregistered?