Amateur-Built vs, Light-Sport Pro and Con

[Stache]

Pro and Cons
Amateur-Built vs. Light-Sport

Aircraft that meet the definition and are certificated before January 31, 2008


​

Amateur-Built
Pro

Repairman certificated for being builder
Con

Repairman certificated will be issued only to one person not the new owner. The new owner will have to pay an A&P for the annual condition inspection.
Con

The builder must prove that they built the majority portion for their education and recreation and not for compensation.
Con

25 to 40-hour phase 1 flight test area depending on engine and propeller combination used.
Pro

Flight over congested areas and take off and landing from an airport in a congested area.



Light Sport
Con

Must complete 16-hour course for repairman certificate
Pro

The new owner can attend a 16-hour course and receive a repairman certificate (the certificate can move with the aircraft)
Pro

There is no major portion requirement so the aircraft can be built by multipliable builders and can be for hire or compensation.
Pro

5-hour baseline for phase 1 flight test.​

Con

No flight over congested areas including airports surrounded by congested areas. (Due to change in July 2006 and will be equal to amateur-built)

 

[ScottM]

Are you asking a question somewhere in there?

 

[gibbons]

Thanks for the info Stache. If you think of it would you let me know when the new rule for flight over congested area for light sport becomes effective?

Thanks,

Chip

 

[Stache]

The rule will change when FAA Order 8130.2F change 2 is released. Change 2 should be released this month when it is available I will post a link to it.

Stache