On Wed, 22 Sep 2004 17:10:12 -0700, "Rich S."
wrote:

"LJ & Nancy Blodgett" wrote in message
...
Who do I ask? I do think your on the right track.Sence I have the repair
permit and I can change any thing as lone as it's loged,wy not the gross
weight?The one's at the airport say,why not,but so far,no real answer.SO
who DO I ask. LJ

The person who inspected your airplane and signed off your airworthiness
certificate.

I personally think you'll have a tough row to hoe. You're asking for a
*200-pound* reduction in the gross weight of the aircraft. That's going to
take some fast talkin' to explain *why* such a choice is necessary...other
than to dodge FARs.

It's really going to depend upon the FAA person you talk to. Some are hard
cases and you'll have no chance. Others might be willing to work with you.

Unless the language of the rules is changed, there may currently be a
conflict between the Sport Pilot regulations and the regs affecting
Experimental/Amateur built. I don't know. It may be better to NOT ask.

I think Todd posted the appropriate part of the regs that cover this case:
"since its original certification...." *Original* certification. Yes, we
can make changes, but an airplane is only originally certified once.

If one is desperate, I suppose one could cancel the registration and
airworthiness certificate, then re-apply. With a new N-number and new
serial number, the plane would then undergo a "new" original certification.

Ron Wanttaja