Constant speed prop on a Light Sport aircraft will it pass?

[rgstubbsjr]

If I installed a constant speed prop on a light sport aircraft, would that plane pass or fail it's next annual?
Assume the installation was done correctly by a licensed mechanic.

Thank you

[drseti]

If the aircraft has a Special Airworthiness Certificate in the Light Sport category (either SLSA or ELSA), then a constant speed prop would ground it. If it's an E-AB, then the constant speed prop is authorized, but then it would no longer be an LSA, and could no longer be flown by a Sport Pilot (or by a higher rated pilot using a driver's license medical). The LSA rule very clearly states "fixed pitch or ground adjustable propeller," except for self-launched gliders.

[BrianL99]

If I installed a constant speed prop on a light sport aircraft, would that plane pass or fail it's next annual?
Assume the installation was done correctly by a licensed mechanic.

Thank you

As least as I understand the S-LSA regs, you can only use a propeller that is fixed pitch or only ground adjustable ... which would mean it should fail annual.

[rgstubbsjr]

I\we understand what the LSA rules are.
Is it the mechanics job to enforce FAA\LSA rules, or just determine if the aircraft is airworthy?
There are a bunch of us sitting here, quaffing a cup, and discussing the vagaries of life, the FAA and the weather that has kept us grounded all day.
We have one mechanic who says it's not his job to rule on whether the plane violates the LSA rules, another who says it is. So we are looking for a tie breaker.

[FastEddieB]

Wow.

Well, I can install a constant speed prop on my E-LSA Sky Arrow and fly it until the cows come home.

And then, having taken the appropriate course, do my own annual and sign it off.

All totally illegal, of course.

So, what's the question, again?

[BrianL99]

I\

We have one mechanic who says it's not his job to rule on whether the plane violates the LSA rules, another who says it is. So we are looking for a tie breaker.

I believe it is the mechanics responsibility to determine if the aircraft is airworthy and to do that, he has to follow the manufacturers requirements.

The manufacture specifies the specific props the airplane can use. Use of an unapproved prop, makes the airplane non-airworthy per the regs.

[SportPilot]

.......

[drseti]

Brian is correct -- except with regard to his use of the word "airworthy." An LSA can never be airworthy. That is because the FAA's definition of airworthy is "in a condition for safe operation, and conforms to its type certificate." An LSA has no type certificate with which to conform! Thus, the AMT has to confirm during the condition inspection that the aircraft is in a condition for safe operation (and has to use that language in the logbook signoffs, in accordance with the aircraft's Operating Instructions).

That said, I cannot sign off an SLSA as being in a condition for safe operation if it has equipment not originally installed, for which there is no Letter of Authorization. So, no, it would not pass its annual -- at least, not in my shop!

[rgstubbsjr]

Just in time. We're almost out of beer.

Thanks guys!