Experimenter is a magazine created by EAA for people who build airplanes. We will report on amateur-built aircraft as well as ultralights and other light aircraft.
Issue link: http://experimenter.epubxp.com/i/149316
L i g h t P l a n e Wor l d Ray Anderson's M-Squared Breese STOL is ready for action at the Sun 'n Fun International Fly-In and Expo. Anderson built this model from a kit, but made many modifcations to get the airplane he wanted. Have It Your Way With an E-LSA…Mostly The changes you can make By Dan Grunloh An option sometimes overlooked in the world of light-sport aircraft is the ability to change a special light-sport aircraft (S-LSA)—the aircraft sold ready-tofly—into an experimental light-sport aircraft (E-LSA). According to the regulations, the E-LSA must be identical to the S-LSA when the airworthiness certificate is issued. Everything including the engine, tires, and instruments down to the last nut and bolt on the E-LSA must be identical to the S-LSA. The very next day, however, anything can be changed— truly anything! There is understandably much welldeserved emphasis on the S-LSA category. About 130 models of new factory-built, ASTM standard-compliant aircraft have come into service in less than a decade. It's something that never could have been accomplished in the world of FAA-certificated aircraft. 34 Vol.2 N o.8 /August 201 3 The S-LSA is special because it can be used for rental or instruction, but it is the E-LSA that could change sport aviation. It gives us an amazing freedom we never had before. Aviation enthusiasts can begin their "experiment" with a fully completed, safe, and well-proven aircraft instead of having to assemble hundreds or thousands of parts before the first flight. Early in the implementation of the LSA rules, there was the notion that it would enable kit manufacturers to market airplanes that were perhaps 80- to 90-percent complete, saving a lot of time for builders and also saving on the cost. Instead, some manufacturers are learning that a 90-percent completed aircraft costs as much or more to deliver than a 100-percent completed airplane. Many find it easier to produce one completed airplane that can be certificated either way.