#1
Posted: 7/3/2011 15:19:39
What are the options for maintaining an SLSA when the manufacturer has ceased to exist? My understanding is that there is no mechanism for obtaining field approvals.
Say that you need to replace a part (for example - an electric fuel pump), but the original equipment part is not available. There are plenty of alternate fuel pumps that meet the original standards. However, there is no longer aircraft manufacturer to write the required "Letter of Authorization" to allow the use of any alternate parts.
Another example would be for an avionics upgrade in the future. Eventually, we all want to change something in the panel.
Are there any options? Is there any way to get approval for modifications, once the manufacturer is gone? Or, are these aircraft destined to be unairworthy when the slightest problem occurs, once the factory shuts down?
#2
Posted: 7/4/2011 10:05:11
Convert the aircraft to Experimental LSA, and you make all the modifications you want. You won't be able to operate it for hire, but otherwise things don't change much. You can then take the 16-hour course and do your own annuals, too.
Ron Wanttaja
#3
Posted: 7/11/2011 21:50:49
Thanks Ron.
That's good advice. I see that there are 100+ different SLSA models, and was wondering what happens to the orphans left over when manufacturer "goes under". It appears that the conversion to ELSA is the answer.
I'm not sure exactly how the rules read, but perhaps you or someone else can help. Would it technically be illegal to make even minor changes, such as paint or upholstery, to an SLSA?
#4
Posted: 7/12/2011 22:08:28
None if you wish to keep it as an SLSA. Unless a type club or other entity picks up the support for the aircraft, the FAA is supposed to step in and reregister the aircraft as ELSAs if you don't beat them to the punch.
Helen