Approved Modifications

FLYING Staff

Thursday, July 02, 2009 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Any alterations to a special light sport aircraft (S-LSA), even minor instrument additions, require written permission and instructions from the manufacturer, which must be kept as part of the aircraft's maintenance records.
An aircraft can be flown by a sport pilot if it meets the FAR 1.1 definition of a light sport aircraft (LSA) based on performance and configuration, regardless of its specific registration type (e.g., S-LSA, E-LSA, or Experimental Amateur Built).
If an S-LSA manufacturer ceases operations, the aircraft does not automatically transition to E-LSA status; owners must formally switch it to the E-LSA category to maintain legal airworthiness and operation.

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Each month, Flying answers questions about the new sport pilot/light sport aircraft rule with assistance from the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the authority on the opportunities available within the category commonly known as “Sport Pilot”:

Q: I own a special light sport aircraft (S-LSA) and I want to add a vertical card compass and back up “dial” altimeter. I would buy the units and have my A&P mechanic install them. Do I have to get permission/approval from the manufacturer to have this done?