Weight limit increase for parachute?

Talk about airplanes! At last count, there are 39 (and growing) FAA certificated S-LSA (special light sport aircraft). These are factory-built ready to fly airplanes. If you can't afford a factory-built LSA, consider buying an E-LSA kit (experimental LSA - up to 99% complete).

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Cluemeister
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Weight limit increase for parachute?

Post by Cluemeister »

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?
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Re: Weight limit increase for parachute?

Post by Merlinspop »

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."
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Re: Weight limit increase for parachute?

Post by drseti »

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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Re: Weight limit increase for parachute?

Post by SportPilot »

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Last edited by SportPilot on Sat Mar 19, 2016 3:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Weight limit increase for parachute?

Post by Flocker »

Wasn't the exemption due to the Spin-Resistant Airframe?
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Re: Weight limit increase for parachute?

Post by drseti »

That was the rationale, Flocker. Still doesn't change the fact that they moved the goalposts in the middle of the game.
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Flocker
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Re: Weight limit increase for parachute?

Post by Flocker »

Flocker wrote:Wasn't the exemption due to the Spin-Resistant Airframe?
Found the video: https://youtu.be/bsQcfzNWJWc
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BrianL99
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Re: Weight limit increase for parachute?

Post by BrianL99 »

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
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Re: Weight limit increase for parachute?

Post by drseti »

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.
The opinions posted are those of one CFI, and do not necessarily represent the FAA or its lawyers.
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Cluemeister
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Re: Weight limit increase for parachute?

Post by Cluemeister »

So is the FAA granting exemptions based on how cool your project is? :(
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Re: Weight limit increase for parachute?

Post by drseti »

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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Re: Weight limit increase for parachute?

Post by SportPilot »

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Last edited by SportPilot on Sat Mar 19, 2016 3:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Weight limit increase for parachute?

Post by drseti »

AFAIK, just that and the Terafugia Transition, to date.
The opinions posted are those of one CFI, and do not necessarily represent the FAA or its lawyers.
Prof H Paul Shuch
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AvSport LLC, KLHV
[email protected]
AvSport.org
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