Sport Pilot Talk

The only person qualified to do the annual condition inspection is an A&P. Even though is a LSA, it's an E-AB and only a A&P can do the annual. LSA or not.

I have a friend with a RV-12 that is a LSA but it was amateur built therefore it's a E-AB and only his A&P can do the condition inspection. No LSRMA can do the condition inspection.

As far as regular work, maintenance or changes to the plane, anyone can that but the condition inspection can only be done by an A&P.

And the answer to your first question is DEFINITELY NO.

acensor wrote: Since the aircraft in question is a Light Sport (LSA) it can also be condition inspected by a Light Sport mechanic (a light sport mechanic with the Repairman Maintenance Rating.)

Unfortunately, that is not the case. I am an LSRM. I can do condition inspections on any ELSA or SLSA, but not any E-AB, even if it is an LSA. Only an A+P can do that. (But the good news is that he or she need not hold an IA).

As for how this particular aircraft came to be an E-AB. Under current rules, it could only have been an ELSA if Jabiru had already produced an SLSA, and built this one identically. And even though it was factory built, it could not have been an SLSA if Jabiru had not yet had its SLSA design approved.

drseti wrote:

acensor wrote: Since the aircraft in question is a Light Sport (LSA) it can also be condition inspected by a Light Sport mechanic (a light sport mechanic with the Repairman Maintenance Rating.)

Unfortunately, that is not the case. I am an LSRM. I can do condition inspections on any ELSA or SLSA, but not any E-AB, even if it is an LSA. Only an A+P can do that. (But the good news is that he or she need not hold an IA).

As for how this particular aircraft came to be an E-AB. Under current rules, it could only have been an ELSA if Jabiru had already produced an SLSA, and built this one identically. And even though it was factory built, it could not have been an SLSA if Jabiru had not yet had its SLSA design approved.

So when are you going to get your A&P so you can do the E-AB condition inspection? You have been a LSRM long enough to use your experience to get a A&P. It will only take 3 knowledge test and a practical.

At my age, Tom, I have absolutely no interest in taking on yet another career. I'm far too busy just instructing, and DPE-ing, and working on SLSAs and ELSAs. I only got my LSRM so I could maintain and inspect my own aircraft (and my students'). Similarly, I have no interest in giving checkrides for RP, PP, CP, Instrument, etc. There are plenty of DPEs out there to serve that market - I just want to support SP candidates. My rule: just because I could do something doesnt mean I should.

drseti wrote:At my age, Tom, I have absolutely no interest in taking on yet another career. I'm far too busy just instructing, and DPE-ing, and working on SLSAs and ELSAs. I only got my LSRM so I could maintain and inspect my own aircraft (and my students'). Similarly, I have no interest in giving checkrides for RP, PP, CP, Instrument, etc. There are plenty of DPEs out there to serve that market - I just want to support SP candidates. My rule: just because I could do something doesnt mean I should.

I am not suggesting a second career, but rather increased knowledge.

drseti wrote:My rule: just because I could do something doesnt mean I should.

Exactly. I like that rule.
I miss IFR flying, but that doesn’t mean I should be doing it. A lot more of me and my bank account would be required.
I guess we could say . . . I had enough.

acensor wrote:I'm looking at an odd bird (in terms if it’s registration.)

It's a Jabiru. an Experimental Amateur built by its type certificate. Although it was built at the factory and by the factory personnel.
Don't ask me how that happened. Haven’t found out that piece of history yet.

If true, probably some sort of “builder assist” program. Fairly common in E-AB circles.