84KF
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 Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2006 2:53 pm Post subject: Do the math... Series 5 & 7 vs "maximum takeoff wei |
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Most published information is not accurate with regards to Sport pilot privileges and aircraft weight limits. The only “official” weight limit, as found in FAR 1.1 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS is “(1) Maximum Takeoff Weight”. But one must not there. “Maximum Takeoff Weight” is then defined, precisely and is on record, by the FAA.
This one simple paragraph, that is overlooked by both professional writers and FAA representatives is the key to proper applicability of Sport pilot privileges and aircraft eligibility. This is the definition of “Maximum Takeoff Weight” as applied to LSA\Sport Pilot issues.
Paragraph (1) Maximum certificated takeoff weight
Some commenters stated that lacking a definition of maximum takeoff weight, aircraft with fairly high performance
characteristics could meet the definition of light-sport aircraft by limiting the approved weight and payload of the airplane. The FAA
considers this a valid concern and has provided some additional constraints on the weight as detailed below. The maximum weight of
a light-sport aircraft is the sum of:
(1) Aircraft empty weight;
(2) Weight of the passenger for each seat installed;
(3) Baggage allowance for each passenger; and
(4) Full fuel, including a minimum of the half-hour fuel reserve required for day visual flight rules in §91.151 (a)(1).
As you know, the definition of “light sport aircraft” is found in FAR 1.1
Light-sport aircraft means an aircraft, other than a helicopter or powered-lift that, since its original certification, has continued to meet the following:
(1) A maximum takeoff weight of not more than—
(i) 660 pounds (300 kilograms) for lighter-than-air aircraft;
(ii) 1,320 pounds (600 kilograms) for aircraft not intended for operation on water; or
(iii) 1,430 pounds (650 kilograms) for an aircraft intended for operation on water.
maximum takeoff weight defined in final
The FAA realized it needed to and did, include the definition of “maximum takeoff weight” as it applies to the LSA definition in 1.1 and it is found on page 44793 of
Federal Register
Certification of Aircraft and Airman for the Operation of Light-Sport aircraft; Final Rule. Dated July 27, 2004
It say’s, verbatim,
Some commentators stated that lacking a definition of maximum take off weight, aircraft with fairly high performance characteristics could meet the definition of light-sport aircraft by limiting the approved weight and payload of the airplane. The FAA considers this a valid concern and has provided some additional constraints on the weight as detailed below. The maximum weight of a light-sport aircraft is the sum of :
(1) Aircraft empty weight;
(2) Weight of the passenger for each seat installed;
(3) Baggage allowance for each passenger; and
(4) Full fuel, including a minimum of the half hour fuel reserve required for day visual flight rules in FAR 91.151(a)(1)
This definitively states, and presents, the definition of “maximum takeoff weight” as a formula, to be applied in determining the weight parameter in FAR 1.1, and is applicably to any and all aircraft, other than a helicopter or
powered-lift, to determine what may be considered a light sport eligible aircraft, and no other definition, or use of the term “maximum weight” as found in the F.A.R’s or elsewhere may be substituted at will. Not Gross weight, Maximum Gross weight, Maximum gross takeoff weight, or any of the other “terms “ that are tossed around.
This weight, “maximum takeoff weight”, is defined specifically by the FAA for LSA issues, as the sum of : (1), (2), (3), and (4),
Example:
A Kitfox Series 5, with an empty weight of 710 lbs (1) with both seats filled (2), and, full fuel tanks (3), still leaves 63 pounds of for baggage allowance as required by (4)
Seats filled 2 x 180 = 360 lbs
Full tanks (inc header) 27 gal. x 6 lbs = 162 lbs
Empty weight as on current W&B = 710 lbs.
-----------------------
1232 lbs
Baggage on board 25 lbs
--------------------
1257 lbs as weighed and loaded
Weight at time of takeoff is 63 lbs LESS THAN 1320 lbs.
Note: In this loading configuration the aircraft is well within it’s demonstrated and published flight envelope
AND, the aircraft has not been altered or modified since it was issued it’s airworthiness certificate, in order to meet the definition.
Example: The fuel capacity has not been modified to lower the weight of (4) “full fuel.” as a result removing large fuel tanks and installing smaller fuel tanks.
Therefore, it has met the condition, “since its original certification, has continued to meet the following:
1) A maximum takeoff weight (add (1), (2), (3), and (4) of not more than… (1320lbs max. land use) and it has been able to do so continuously since the airworthiness certificate was issued.
Conclusion
One pilot may, under Sport pilot privileges, operate the aircraft at a “maximum takeoff weight” up to 1320 lbs, another pilot flying under private pilot privileges, up to the design weight, in this case 1400 lbs. Same aircraft.
A Kitfox Series 7 has a design weight of up to 1550 lbs, yet if the sum of (1),(2), (3), and (4) is not greater then “maximum takeoff weight” of 1320 lbs as defined, and the other parameters are met, it too may be operated by a pilot flying under Sport Pilot privileges.
One must read and understand the Final Rule and apply it correctly to the regulation it governs.
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