Eddie, a requirement by the Carpenters when I made the change was to apply the "EXPERIMENTAL" placard and remove the "Light-Sport" decals from the fuselage.FastEddieB wrote:I’m not sure of the significance of the last (italicized) part.Scooper wrote: Does N585NM have "EXPERIMENTAL" in 2" high letters on it and "Light Sport" removed from the fuselage?
This quote is from the FAA document "Light-Sport Aircraft Airworthiness Certification" dated July 8, 2013:
Also, FAA Order 8130.2J (7/21/2017) specifies the inspection required of the airplane by the DAR or FSDO when making the change from SLSA to ELSA:An SLSA must display the words “LIGHT-SPORT” near each entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot station. This marking must be displayed at a 2-inch minimum to no more than 6-inch maximum height. (Ref. 14 CFR § 45.23(b))
NOTE: When an SLSA certification changes to an ELSA certification, the word “EXPERIMENTAL” must be displayed on the aircraft in lieu of “LIGHT-SPORT.” (Ref. 14 CFR § 45.23(b))
d. Inspect Aircraft. A general airworthiness inspection is accomplished only after the aircraft is complete in every respect and before the issuance of the experimental airworthiness certificate. Do not perform any fabrication, construction, assembly, testing, manufacturer’s quality inspections, or closing work on the aircraft. During this inspection, the FAA may only request disassembly when a safety hazard is identified that would endanger the general public.
(1) In preparation for the inspection, ensure that plates, access doors, fairings, and cowlings are open or removed to allow inspection.
(2) Verify the aircraft meets § 1.1 as applicable.
(3) Verify the aircraft N-number marks are per part 45. If an aircraft previously held a special airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category, the “LIGHT-SPORT” mark required by § 45.23(b), must be changed to “EXPERIMENTAL.”
(4) Verify the ID plate meets the requirements of § 45.11, as applicable.
(5) Verify the information on the ID plate is correct, matches the information on FAA Form 8130-6, and is per § 45.13, as applicable. Identification data required by § 45.13(a)(1), (2), and (3) are mandatory. Any other optional data that the manufacturer/builder includes on the ID plate must be in such a manner as not to confuse the mandatory data contents.
(6) For kit-built LSA, verify that the LSA is properly assembled per the manufacturer’s assembly instructions for that aircraft and the applicable FAA-accepted consensus standard.
(7) Verify the following placard is displayed in the aircraft in full view of all occupants: “PASSENGER WARNING—THIS AIRCRAFT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR STANDARD AIRCRAFT.” This applies to all classes of LSA certificated in experimental purpose for operating LSA.
(8) Verify that installed equipment matches the AOI.
(9) Verify the flight control systems and associated instruments as equipped operate properly and are appropriate for each of the six classes of LSA.
(10) Verify the cockpit instruments are appropriately marked, as specified in the FAA-accepted consensus standard of ASTM, International, (ASTM) for the aircraft class and as found in the aircraft’s AOI, and that placards are installed and placed for easy reference.
(11) Verify that the airspeed indicator marks match the AOI limitations.
(12) Verify the system controls (for example, fuel selector(s) and electrical switches/breakers) are appropriately placed, clearly marked, provide easy access and operation, and function per the manufacturer’s instructions and specification documentation.
(13) Verify airframe emergency parachutes that are ballistic, assisted, or deployable are properly marked and identified. The aircraft must have provisions that provide for clear marking and identification of all explosive devices used in conjunction with ballistic parachutes. Marks indicating the aircraft is equipped with explosive devices must be applied externally and able to be read while standing on the ground. An airworthiness certificate will not be issued before meeting this requirement.