Light-Sport Certification Checklist

Light-Sport Certification Checklist

BASIC ELIGIBILITY
Three types of light-sport aircraft are eligible for an experimental
certificate:
1. Operational unregistered "ultralight-like" aircraft that have
never been issued an airworthiness certificate in the U.S. or any other
country and do not meet the requirements of 14 CFR 103.1. (Part
21.191(i)(1)
2. Kit-Built light-sport aircraft produced by a manufacturer who has
been issued an airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category
(Part 21.190) for an aircraft of the same make and model, and assembled
IAW the manufacturer's assembly instructions. (Part 21.191(i)(2)
3. Light-Sport aircraft previously issued a special airworthiness
certificate in the light-sport category are eligible for an
experimental certificate when the light-sport category airworthiness
certificate is surrendered. (Part 21.191(i)(3)

APPLICATION DOCUMENTATION REVIEW
The FAA representative performing the certification action must:
1. Obtain from the applicant a properly executed FAA Form 8130-6 and
any other documents required for the certification. Aircraft assembled
from kits manufactured outside the U.S. require evidence of manufacture
within countries that have a bilateral agreement concerning aircraft or
a BASA with associated IPA.
2. Obtain from the applicant, a program letter identifying the
aircraft, the purpose of the certificate, the area over which the
operations are to be conducted, and the duration of the program. (Part
21.193(a))
3. Verify that the registration requirements of Part 47 have been
satisfied and that no previous Letter of Denial exists for subject
aircraft. The applicant must be the registered owner or their agent.
The aircraft must be marked in accordance with part 45.
4. In the case of light-sport aircraft assembled from a kit to be
certificated IAW Part 21.191(i)(2) an applicant must provide evidence
that an aircraft of the same make/model was issued a special
airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category, the
manufacturer's statement of compliance, (FAA Form 8130-15) the
aircraft's operating instructions, and the aircraft's flight
training supplement.
5. Review the applicant's weight and balance data for accuracy and
currency.

AIRCRAFT INSPECTION
The FAA representative must arrange with the applicant to make the
aircraft available for inspection to determine the following:
1. The aircraft must be complete in every respect. (except cosmetic
items)
2. The ID plate on the aircraft meets the requirements of Part 45.11,
as applicable.
3. The information on the ID plate is correct, matches the information
on FAA Form 8130-6 and the FAA registration and is in accordance with
Part 45.13, as applicable.
4. The aircraft nationality and registration marks are in accordance
with Part 45 and, as applicable, with parts 45.23,45.27,and 45.29.

5. The flight control systems and associated instruments as equipped
operate properly and are appropriate for each class of light-sport
aircraft.
6. The cockpit instruments are appropriately marked, and needed
placards are installed and placed for easy reference.
7. System controls (for example, fuel selector(s) and electrical
switches/breakers) are appropriately placed, clearly marked, provide
easy access and operation, and function in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications and the appropriate consensus
standards.
8. An ELT is installed, if required. [Part 91.207]
9. All pyrotechnic devices used in ballistic parachutes are clearly
marked and identified.

CERTIFICATE ISSUANCE (two options)

If the aircraft meets the requirements for the certification requested,
the FAA must:
1. Make an aircraft logbook entry. (FAA Order 8130.2F Chapter 8 Para.
266 8(d)
2. Issue FAA Form 8130-7,with operating limitations attached.
3. Complete sections V and VIII of FAA Form 8130-6,in accordance with
the instructions contained in Chapter 8 of FAA Order 8130.2F.
4. Examine, review, and route the certification file in accordance with
instructions contained in Chapter 8 of FAA Order 8130.2F.
OR
If the aircraft does not meet the requirements for the certification
requested and the airworthiness certificate is denied, the FAA must:
1. Write a letter to the applicant stating the reason(s) for denying
the airworthiness certificate.
2. Attach a copy of the denial letter to FAA Form 8130-6 and forward to
AFS-750 to be made part of the aircraft record.

References: Section 14 CFR 21.190 21.191(i), 21.193, 91.319, FAA Order
8130.2F

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