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Light Sport Aircraft Maintenance

Filed Under: Transition to Light Sport Airplanes (LSA)

Proper airplane maintenance is required to maximize flight safety. LSAs are no different and must be treated with the same level of care as any standard airworthiness certificated airplane. S-LSAs have greater latitude pertaining to who may conduct maintenance as compared to standard airworthiness certificated airplanes. S-LSAs may be maintained and inspected by:

  • An LSA Repairman with a Maintenance rating; or,
  • An FAA-certificated Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (A&P); or,
  • As specified by the aircraft manufacturer; or
  • As permitted, owners performing limited maintenance on their S-LSA
 

The airplane maintenance manual includes the specific requirements for repair and maintenance, such as information on inspections, repair, and authorization for repairs and maintenance. Most often, S-LSA inspections can be signed off by an FAA-certificated A&P or LSA repairman with a Maintenance rating rather than an A&P with Inspection Authorization (IA); however, the aircraft maintenance manual provides the specific requirements which must be followed. The FAA does not issue Airworthiness Directives (ADs) for S-LSAs or E-LSAs. If an FAA-certified component is installed on an LSA, the FAA issues any pertaining ADs for that specific component. Manufacturer safety directives are not distributed by the FAA. S-LSA owners must comply with:

  • Safety directives (alerts, bulletins, and notifications) issued by the LSA manufacturer
  • ADs if any FAA-certificated components are installed
  • Safety alerts (immediate action)
  • Service bulletins (recommending future action) • Safety notifications (informational)

S-LSA compliance with maintenance requirements provides greater latitude for owners and operators of these airplanes. Because of the options in complying with the maintenance requirements, pilots who are transitioning to LSAs must understand how maintenance is accomplished; who is providing the maintenance services; and verify that all compliance requirements have been met.

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