Sport Pilot Talk

I noticed the Icon A5 weight limit is 1510. I know part of that is float plane (1430), but they also got another 80 lb exemption either for wing cuffs or parachute, a safety option.

Does anyone know if any LSA manufacturer has asked or received a weight exemption for a parachute?

Cluemeister wrote:I noticed the Icon A5 weight limit is 1510. I know part of that is float plane (1430), but they also got another 80 lb exemption either for wing cuffs or parachute, a safety option.

Does anyone know if any LSA manufacturer has asked or received a weight exemption for a parachute?

I believe that when Icon got the increase several manufacturers' ears perked up and the FAA quickly said, "don't even try."

The Icon A5 is a great airplane, but the weight increase was highly controversial. All the LSA manufacturers who played by the rules are incensed that the FAA would play favorites. Many of us feel everyone should be competing on a level playing field. So, a weight exemption should either apply to everyone, or no one. FAA saying they're doing it for safety doesn't wash. One wonders about Icon's political connections.

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Wasn't the exemption due to the Spin-Resistant Airframe?

That was the rationale, Flocker. Still doesn't change the fact that they moved the goalposts in the middle of the game.

Flocker wrote:Wasn't the exemption due to the Spin-Resistant Airframe?

Found the video: https://youtu.be/bsQcfzNWJWc

Terrafugia got a weight exemption and is trying to get another one.

Which our leader drseti knows about. Didn't you file comments regarding their request?

http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All- ... t-increase

Yes, I did, Brian. The gist of my FAA NPRM comments was that the Terrafugia Transition is a great project, and I wish them well, but the aircraft as now proposed meets neither the spirit nor the specs of the SLSA category. Instead of seeking an exemption from the rules, they should simply certify it in the Primary category.

So is the FAA granting exemptions based on how cool your project is?

Cluemeister wrote:So is the FAA granting exemptions based on how cool your project is?

So it would appear. Granting exemptions in the interest of safety is arguably justifiable. For any other reason, it becomes merely arguable.

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AFAIK, just that and the Terafugia Transition, to date.