OSH: Icon A5 presentation

"Morgans" wrote
But what if it is equipped to fly IFR? Can one be certified by LSA
instead of part 23?

Sport Pilot News News Archive
10/13/05 - SPECIAL LSA AND NIGHT/IFR FLYING

Some confusion exists in the aviation marketplace regarding the use of
special light-sport aircraft (S-LSA) for flying at night and/or under
instrument flight rules (IFR). The ASTM consensus standards that govern
the manufacture and production of S-LSA specifically address day/visual
flight rules (VFR) operations only.

First, sport pilots, or those exercising sport pilot privileges, are
restricted from flying at night or in IFR conditions, so they may not
operate an S-LSA, or any aircraft, at those times.

Other properly rated pilots may fly an S-LSA in those conditions if
allowed per the aircraft’s operating limitations and if it is equipped
per FAR 91.205. Additionally, FAR 91.327(d) requires all S-LSA to be
operated in accordance with the aircraft’s operating instructions. An
aircraft’s operating instructions are different from operating
limitations; operating instructions are issued by manufacturers—engine,
airframe, and accessory—while operating limitations are issued by the
FAA.

Many S-LSA are equipped with Rotax engines. Rotax’s operating
instructions prohibit the use of a Rotax engine at night or in IFR
conditions unless it is the FAA type-certificated engine; that is,
certificated to FAR Part 33. Rotax’s non-certificated engines are
indicated by the letters “UL” after the engine series number; for
example, 912UL, 912ULS, and 914UL.

Additionally, S-LSA airframe and engine manufacturers may place
restrictions against the use of their aircraft and/or engines for
night/IFR operations. For example, other S-LSA are powered by Jabiru
engines; these engines are certificated to JAR-22H and are limited to
day/VFR operation.

Bottom line: some S-LSA can be equipped for night and IFR operation; be
sure to tell the manufacturer/dealer if your intent is to operate the
aircraft under those conditions…and make sure you have the proper
ratings.

For more information, call EAA’s Aviation Service at 888/EAA-INFO (322-
4636) or e-mail .