ifixf15
Active Member
This one is probably primarily for Mel and Scott, but it is a community thing, so everybody in the pool! After spending the last several months looking at the kit market, I am confident that the RV-12 will fit my mission profile. However, I would like to build it as an LSA compliant EAB (this is not the EAB vs. E-LSA argument). One of main reasons I am considering this is the price and capabilities of the Rotax. Since there are other options available it would be foolish to not even explore them. I intend to nail down the airframe/powerplant configuration early since I do not want to even think about changing horses mid-stream on this topic. I would prefer an option that has at least a minimal FWF solution. My main question is how would I know what engines will drive me out of LSA eligibility and which ones will not? I know that Part 1 reads ?A maximum airspeed in level flight with maximum continuous power (VH) of not more than 120 knots CAS under standard atmospheric conditions at sea level. Part 1.1(1)(iii)(2)? While that sounds fairly descriptive, my English-to-Government-ese decoder ring is flashing!! Most people read that and say 138MPH tops, but that only applies to one very specific circumstance. Is this a closed course to test this? Is it a mathematical exercise? It doesn?t address prop size or pitch, wheel pants or any type of aerodynamic coefficient. I am sure that Van?s knows exactly how much energy is required to achieve that airspeed in those conditions, but there are probably dozens of ways to achieve that. I also have noticed that when some people mention that their ABC engine powers their XYZ LSA at 165MPH at 3000MSL at WOT they will be referred to as cheaters, but the regulation does not specify a max speed in those conditions. Maybe I will build the E-LSA to avoid some of the math, but it would be nicer to the budget and/or nice to be able to power a second landing light without frying the works. So, is there a way to know, or do I find out when the DAR hands me my paperwork if it is an LSA or not?