U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular Subject: Certification of Repairmen (Light-Sport Aircraft) Date: 2/8/13 Initiated by: AFS-300 AC No: 65-32A Change:
This advisory circular (AC) provides the public with information regarding the certification of repairmen (light-sport aircraft (LSA)) with maintenance and inspection ratings, the acceptability of training courses, and the continued airworthiness of LSA. The guidance contained in this AC is based on the Final Rule, Certification of Aircraft and Airmen for the Operation of Light-Sport Aircraft, which was published in the Federal Register (FR) on July 27, 2004. The rule became effective September 1, 2004.
ORIGINAL SIGNED By /s/ Michael Zenkovich for
John M. Allen Director, Flight Standards Service
CONTENTS Paragraph Page
INTRODUCTION1
1. Purpose1
2. Background1
3. Definitions2
4. Overview7
5. Request for Information7
6. Availability7
CHAPTER 1. CERTIFICATION OF REPAIRMEN (LIGHT-SPORT AIRCRAFT)9
Section 1. General9
100. Repairman (LSA) Certificate9
101. Certificated Persons Who Can Work on Special and Experimental LSA9
102. Classes of LSA Identified on Repairman (LSA) Certificates10
103. Basic Eligibility Requirements to Qua lify for a Repairman (LSA) Certificate10
104. Repairman (LSA) Ratings11
105. Thru 109. Reserved11
Section 2. Repairman (Light-Sport Aircraft) with an Inspection Rating12
110. Privileges and Limitations of a Repairma n (LSA) Certificate with an Inspection
Rating § 65.10712
111. Specific Requirements to Obtain a Repair man (LSA) Certificate with an Inspection
Rating12
112. Types of Training Courses for a Repairma n (LSA) Certificate with an Inspection
Rating12
113. Contents of a Repairman (LSA) Inspection Rating Training Course13
114. After the Test14
115. Thru 119. Reserved15
Section 3. Repairman (Light-Sport Aircraft) with a Maintenance Rating16
120. Privileges and Limitations of a Repair man (LSA) Certificate with a Maintenance
Rating16
121. Specific Hour Requirements to Obtain a Repairman (LSA) Certificate with a
Maintenance Rating16
122. Types of Training Courses for a Repair man (LSA) with a Maintenance Rating17
123. Difference Between Training Courses17
124. Information Contained in Eight Individual Training Modules18
125. The Maintenance Rating Modular Training System22
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Paragraph Page
126. Performance of Major Repairs and Major Alterations by a Repairman (LSA) with a
Maintenance Rating23
127. Applying for a Repairman (LSA) Certificate23
128. Thru 199. Reserved24
CHAPTER 2. HOW TO BECOME A REPAIRMAN (LIGHT-SPORT AIRCRAFT)
TRAINING COURSE PROVIDER25
200. How to Ensure a Repairman (LSA) Inspection or Maintenance Rating Training
Course is Acceptable to the FAA (an Overview)25
201. Testing Procedures for the Repairman (L SA) Course with a Maintenance Rating27
202. Term of Validity for Repairman (LSA) Cer tificates with Inspection or Maintenance
Ratings28
203. Term of Validity for FAA Acceptance of Inspection and Maintenance Rating
Training Courses28
204. Level of Training28
205. Thru 299. Reserved28
CHAPTER 3. CONTINUED AIRWORTHINESS OF EXPERIMENTAL AND SPECIAL
LIGHT-SPORT AIRCRAFT29
300. Continued Airworthiness29
301. ELSA29
302. SLSA29
303. Continued Airworthiness Requirements for ELSA29
304. Continued Airworthiness Requirements for SLSA31
305. Requirements for SLSA Condition Inspections31
306. Maintenance and Alteration of SLSA32
307. Repairman (LSA) with a Maintenance Rating: Replacement of a Propeller on an
SLSA and Aircraft Maintenance Records33
308. Thru 399. Reserved33
APPENDIX 1. CONTINUED AIRWORTHINESS OF EXPERIMENTAL AND SPECIAL LIGHT-SPORT AIRCRAFT⎯SAMPLE MAINTENANCE
RECORD ENTRIES (4 PAGES)1
Figure 1. Sample Entry for Annual Condition Inspection for an Experimental Light-Sport
Aircraft (ELSA)1
Figure 2. Sample of a Major Alteration Entry for an Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft
(ELSA)1
Figure 3. Sample of a Major Repair Entry for an Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft
(ELSA)2
Figure 4. Sample of a Maintenance Record Entry for an Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft
(ELSA)2
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Page v (and vi) Paragraph Page Figure 5. Sample of Annual Condition Inspection for a Special Light-Sport Aircraft
(SLSA)3
Figure 6. Sample of How to Record a Major Repair in the Aircraft Maintenance Records
for a Special Light-Sport Aircraft (SLSA)3
Figure 7. Sample of How to Record a Major Alteration in the Aircraft Maintenance
Records for a Special Light-Sport Aircraft (SLSA)4
APPENDIX 2. REPAIRMAN (LIGHT-SPORT AIRCRAFT) CERTIFICATION
(6 Pages)1
Figure 1. Sample FAA Form 8610-2, Repairman (Light-Sport Aircraft) Application
(Inspection Rating) (Front Side)1
Figure 2. Sample FAA Form 8610-2, Repairman (Light-Sport Aircraft) Application
(Inspection Rating) (Reverse Side)2
Figure 3. Sample FAA Form 8610-2, Repairman (Light-Sport Aircraft) Application
(Maintenance Rating) (Front Side)3
Figure 4. Sample FAA Form 8610-2, Repairman (Light-Sport Aircraft) Application
(Maintenance Rating) (Reverse Side)4
Figure 5. Sample FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman Certificate (Inspection Rating,
Weight-Shift-Control Aircraft)5
Figure 6. Sample FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman Certificate (Maintenance Rating,
Weight-Shift-Control Aircraft)6
APPENDIX 3. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (6 PAGES)1
INTRODUCTION
1. PURPOSE. This AC provides information on the certification of repairman (LSA), the requirements for the issuance of inspection and maintenance ratings, how to develop a repairman (LSA) training course, and the procedures for obtaining a determination that the course is acceptable to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This AC also provides information on the continued airworthiness of LSA.
2. BACKGROUND. During the past 15 years, advances in ultralight design and engineering, and the introduction of a wide range of new materials, have resulted in ultralight vehicles that operate under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 103, evolving into larger, heavier, and faster two-seat aircraft. These aircraft are commonly referred to as “fat ultralights” and have often been operated outside the regulations applicable to ultralight vehicles and amateur-built aircraft. To address these developments, the FAA issued new rules such as those creating primary category aircraft and the recreational pilot certificate. However, these regulatory solutions met with limited success.
a. Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC). In 1991, the FAA created the ARAC. ARAC addressed these new aircraft as part of its tasking and in June of 1995, the FAA specifically revised the ARAC’s tasking statement to address a petition to create the sport pilot certificate.
b. LSA and the Sport Pilot Certificate. On July 14, 1998, the ARAC submitted its recommendations to the FAA. The ARAC recommendations form the foundation on which the rule creating LSA and the sport pilot certificate is based. The Final Rule “Certification of Aircraft and Airmen for the Operation of Light-Sport Aircraft” (Sport Pilot Rule), was published in the FR on July 27, 2004 (69 FR 44772). The rule became effective September 1, 2004.
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3. DEFINITIONS.
“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and lightning bug.”—Mark Twain
a. Airworthiness Directive (AD). A directive issued by the FAA when an unsafe condition is found to exist in a product and the condition is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. The FAA uses ADs to notify aircraft owners and operators of an unsafe condition and to require its correction. Special light-sport category aircraft (SLSA) and non-FAA-approved components installed on SLSA’s do not have ADs issued against them.
Title 14 CFR part 39 applies to an SLSA certificated as 14 CFR part 21, § 21.190 to installed type certificate (TC) components only. If an AD is issued against a TC’d product that may become part of SLSA, the manufacturer of the aircraft is required to issue a safety directive providing instruction on how to address the safety defect outlined in the AD on the specific SLSA in accordance with the current editions of:
• American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Designation F2295, Standard Practice for Continued Operational Safety Monitoring of a Light Sport Airplane;
• ASTM Designation F2415, Standard Practice for Continued Airworthiness System for Light Sport Gyroplane Aircraft;
• ASTM Designation F2483, Standard Practice for Maintenance and the Development of Maintenance Manuals for Light Sport Aircraft; and
• ASTM Designation F2241, Standard Specification for Continued Airworthiness System for Powered Parachute Aircraft.
b. Annual Condition Inspection. A detailed inspection accomplished once a year on a LSA in accordance with instructions provided in the maintenance manual supplied with the aircraft. The purpose of the inspection is to look for any wear, corrosion, or damage that would cause an aircraft to not be in a condition for safe operation.
c. Ballistic Parachute. A device intended to be used by a pilot in the event of an emergency. It consists of a large parachute attached to the aircraft that is deployed by a rocket.
Once deployed, the parachute opens and the aircraft descends to a survivable landing.
d. Calibrated Airspeed (CAS). CAS is the indicated airspeed of an aircraft, corrected for position and instrument error. CAS is equal to true airspeed in standard atmosphere at sea level.
e. Category. With respect to aircraft certification, a grouping of aircraft based on intended use or operating limitations. Examples include: transport, normal, utility, acrobatic, limited, restricted, experimental, light-sport, and provisional.
f. Class. With respect to aircraft certification, a broad grouping of aircraft having similar characteristics of propulsion, flight, or landing. For example, in the light-sport category there are airplanes, gliders, balloons, airships, powered parachutes, weight-shift control aircraft, and gyroplanes.
g. Continued Airworthiness Support ASTM F2295, Section 5. The manufacturer of a LSA shall maintain an Operational Safety Monitoring System as a normal business conduct.
h. Experimental Amateur-Built Aircraft Certificated Under § 21.191(g). An amateur-built aircraft may qualify to be operated with sport pilot privileges if it meets the definition of a LSA in 14 CFR part 1, § 1.1, General definitions. The amateur-built aircraft will be maintained and inspected in accordance with the FAA operating limitations issued to the amateur-built aircraft.
i. Experimental Operating Light-Sport Aircraft (ELSA). A LSA issued an experimental certificate under § 21.191(i).
j. “Fat” Ultralight. An aircraft that has not been issued an airworthiness certificate and does not meet the definition of ultralight vehicle in part 103, § 103.1, typically because it exceeds the weight, speed, fuel, or number of seats specified for ultralight vehicles in that regulation. These aircraft were certificated under § 21.191(i)(1) to become ELSA.
k. Gyroplane. Means a rotorcraft whose rotors are not engine-driven, except for initial starting, but are made to rotate by action of the air when the rotorcraft is moving and whose means of propulsion, consisting usually of conventional propellers, is independent of the rotor system.
l. Heavy Maintenance. Any maintenance, inspection, repair, or alteration a manufacturer has designated that requires specialized training, equipment, or facilities.
m. Kit Aircraft. With respect to this AC, an aircraft that has been partially or completely fabricated, but not completely assembled by a manufacturer that builds aircraft to an industry consensus standard. The ELSA kit is based upon an aircraft make and model that has been issued an SLSA in the light-sport category by the FAA. This ELSA aircraft meets the ASTM standard at certification and is certificated as a § 21.191(i)(2) aircraft.
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n. Light-Sport Aircraft. Means an aircraft, other than a helicopter or powered-lift that, since its original certification, has continued to meet the following:
(1) A maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of not more than:
(a) 1,320 pounds (600 kilograms) for aircraft not intended for operation on water; or
(b) 1,430 pounds (650 kilograms) for an aircraft intended for operation on water.
(2) A maximum speed in level flight with maximum continuous power (VH) of not more than 120 knots (kts) CAS under standard atmospheric conditions at sea level.
(3) A maximum never-exceed speed (VNE) of not more than 120 kts CAS for a glider.
(4) A maximum stall speed or minimum steady flight speed obtained in a specific configuration (VS1) without the use of lift-enhancing devices of not more than 45 kts CAS at the aircraft’s maximum certificated takeoff weight and most critical center of gravity (c.g.).
(5) A maximum seating capacity of no more than two persons, including the pilot.
(6) A single, reciprocating engine, if powered.
(7) A fixed or ground-adjustable propeller if a powered aircraft other than a powered glider.
(8) A fixed or feathering propeller system if a powered glider.
(9) A fixed-pitch, semi-rigid, teetering, two-blade rotor system, if a gyroplane.
(10) A non-pressurized cabin, if equipped with a cabin.
(11) Fixed landing gear, except for an aircraft intended for operation on water or a glider.
(12) Fixed or retractable landing gear, or a hull, for an aircraft intended for operation on water.
(13) Fixed or retractable landing gear for a glider.
o. Lighter-Than-Air Aircraft. Lighter-than-air aircraft means aircraft that can rise and remain suspended by using contained gas weighing less than the air that is displaced by the gas.
p. Line Maintenance. Any repair, maintenance, scheduled checks, servicing, inspections, or alterations not considered heavy maintenance that is approved by the manufacturer and is specified in the manufacturer’s maintenance manual.
q. LSA Repairman “Inspection.” U.S. FAA-certificated repairman (LSA) with an inspection rating as defined by 14 CFR part 65, § 65.107 authorized to perform the annual condition inspection on ELSA that the repairman owns.
r. LSA Repairman “Maintenance.” U.S. FAA-certificated repairman (LSA) with a maintenance rating as defined by § 65.107 authorized to perform line maintenance and return to service (RTS) aircraft certificated as Special LSA. Authorized to perform the annual condition/100-hour inspection on an LSA.
s. Major Repairs and Alterations ASTM F2483, Section 9.
(1) All major repairs or alterations made to aircraft subsequent to its initial design and production acceptance testing to applicable ASTM standards and sale to a consumer must be evaluated relative to the requirements of the applicable ASTM design and production acceptance specification(s).
(2) The manufacturer or other entity that performs the evaluation of an alteration or repair shall provide a written affidavit that the aircraft being altered will still meet the requirements of the applicable ASTM design and performance specification subsequent to the alteration.
(3) The manufacturer or other entity that performs the evaluation shall provide written instructions and diagrams on how, who, and the level of certification needed to perform the alteration or repair. The instructions must include ground and flight testing that complies with the original ASTM production acceptance testing standard, as appropriate, to verify the alteration was performed correctly and the aircraft is in a condition for safe operation.
(4) The manufacturer or other entity that performs the evaluation shall provide information to the owner of the aircraft for the documentation of the alteration in the aircraft’s records.
NOTE: Major repairs and alterations on TC’d products installed on SLSA, 337s apply as per 14 CFR part 43.
t. Minor Repair, Alteration, or Maintenance. Any repair, alteration, or maintenance for which instructions provided for in the maintenance manual(s) supplied to the consumer of the product are considered minor. Part 43 applies to SLSA except for non-FAA-approved products the recording of major alterations and repairs (337) is not required.
u. Maintenance. Maintenance means inspection, overhaul, repair, preservation, and the replacement of parts, but excludes preventive maintenance.
v. Manufacturer. Any entity engaged in the production of an LSA or component used on an LSA. For an LSA issued a special airworthiness certificate under § 21.190, an entity that has built the LSA under a consensus standard and assumed the responsibility for the continued airworthiness of that aircraft.
w. Owner/Operator Responsibilities: ASTM F2295, Section 5. Each owner/operator of a LSA shall read and comply with the maintenance and continued airworthiness information and instructions provided by the manufacturer.
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x. Powered Parachute. A powered aircraft comprised of a flexible or semi-rigid wing connected to a fuselage so that the wing is not in position for flight until the aircraft is in motion.
The fuselage of a powered parachute contains the aircraft engine, a seat for each occupant, and is attached to the aircraft’s landing gear.
y. Ready-to-fly Condition.
(1) An aircraft is considered ready-to-fly when the following is accomplished:
• Aircraft is 100 percent assembled,
• Engine has been test run,
• Flight controls have been rigged,
• Weight and Balance (W&B) has been computed,
• Record of these actions has been recorded in the aircraft’s maintenance records, and
• Aircraft is registered and a special airworthiness certificate has been issued.
(2) Once meeting these conditions, the aircraft’s wings and other components can be removed for shipping purposes and the aircraft can still be considered ready-to-fly.
z. Safety Directive ASTM Designation F2483. A directive issued by a manufacturer of a special LSA intended to correct an existing unsafe condition. Compliance with safety directives is addressed in 14 CFR part 91, § 91.327 and the recording is required in § 91.417. Safety directives are addressed in applicable consensus standards which include provisions for maintaining the continued airworthiness of an aircraft and correcting safety-of-flight issues.
Safety directives are considered mandatory on SLSA.
(1) Safety Alert. For notifications that require immediate action, see ASTM F2295.
(2) Service Bulletin (SB). For notifications that do not require immediate action but do recommend future action, see ASTM F2295.
(3) Notification. For notifications that do not necessarily recommend future action but are primarily for promulgation of continued airworthiness information, see ASTM F2295.
aa. Special Light-Sport Aircraft (SLSA). An aircraft issued a special airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category under § 21.190.
bb. Standard Category, TC’d Aircraft. A TC’d aircraft may qualify to be operated with sport pilot privileges if it meets the definition of LSA aircraft. The TC’d aircraft will be maintained and inspected in accordance with parts 43 and 91. For a list of eligible TC aircraft, see the FAA Light Sport Web site at:
http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/gen_av/light_sport/media/ExistingModels.pdf.
cc. Task-Specific Training ASTM F2483. A manufacturer of a product may require type-specific training in order to accomplish a task in either the maintenance manual or in an authorization for a major repair, maintenance, or alteration. The FAA does not give approval to these task-specific training programs for SLSA. A manufacturer may specify any task-specific
training it determines is appropriate to accomplish a task. Examples of task-specific training include:
• Engine manufacturer heavy maintenance or overhaul school (or both),
• Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) SportAir Fabric Covering School,
• Parachute manufacturer repair course, and
• Aircraft manufacturer course.
dd. Weight-Shift-Control Aircraft. A powered aircraft with a framed, pivoting wing, and a fuselage controllable only in pitch and roll by the pilot’s ability to change the aircraft’s center of gravity with respect to the wing. Flight control of the aircraft depends on the wing’s ability to flexibly deform rather than the use of control surfaces.
4. OVERVIEW. This AC has three major chapters that will address the requirements for the certification of repairman (LSA), and how to obtain a determination from the FAA that a repairman (LSA) training course is considered acceptable. The chapters and content are:
• Chapter 1, Certification of Repairman (Light-Sport Aircraft).
• Chapter 2, How to Become a Repairman (Light-Sport Aircraft) Training Course Provider.
• Chapter 3, Continued Airworthiness of Experimental and Special Light-Sport Aircraft.
• Appendix 1, Continued Airworthiness of Experimental and Special Light-Sport Aircraft⎯Sample Maintenance Record Entries.
• Appendix 2, Repairman (Light-Sport Aircraft) Certification.
• Appendix 3, Frequently Asked Questions.
5. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION. Due to the number of changes within the LSA community, the FAA encourages public participation in updating this document. Please send comments, suggestions, or information about this AC to:
Federal Aviation Administration Headquarters Aircraft Maintenance Division, AFS-300 5th Floor, 950 L'Enfant Plaza, S.W.
Washington, DC 20024
6. AVAILABILITY. You may obtain a copy of this AC from the FAA Web site at http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars.
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CHAPTER 1. CERTIFICATION OF REPAIRMEN (LIGHT-SPORT AIRCRAFT) SECTION 1. GENERAL “In aviation, good enough is not good enough!”—Patrick Poteen, Sergeant, U.S. Army, Ret.
100. REPAIRMAN (LSA) CERTIFICATE.
a. Maintaining LSA. As part of the development of the sport pilot rule, the FAA addressed concerns about who would maintain LSA after these aircraft were certificated. The solution was to issue a repairman (LSA) certificate, similar in function to the repairman certificate that is issued to the builder of an experimental amateur-built aircraft. This repairman (LSA) certificate complements certificates issued to Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanics and appropriately rated repair stations.
b. Section 65.107 Certified. The actual fabrication of the aircraft does not involve the owner of an SLSA. He or she usually has not acquired the necessary skills to maintain and inspect the aircraft. Therefore, to properly maintain these aircraft, the repairman must have received training and testing and be certified under 65.107.
101. CERTIFICATED PERSONS WHO CAN WORK ON SPECIAL AND EXPERIMENTAL LSA. Certificated persons who may perform work on special and experimental LSA are:
• An appropriately rated repair station.
• A certificated airframe and/or powerplant mechanic.
• A certificated repairman (LSA).
NOTE: To perform maintenance, 100-hour inspections, annual condition inspections, and RTS on an SLSA, see § 91. 327.
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