Sport Pilot / Light Sport Aircraft FAQs

Can I convert my SLSA to an ELSA?

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Yes.  You can convert your SLSA to ELSA by filling out a new airworthiness application and getting a new DAR inspection.  The DAR will still have to inspect your plane because his logbook endorsement will constitute an annual inspection.  He will also issue you a new airworthiness certificate and new operation limitations (he will take your old SLSA certificate and operating limitations with him).

Can I convert my ELSA to an SLSA?

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No. Legally the answer is yes but practically it is no.  You can't re-register your aircraft as an SLSA aircraft unless the manufacturer is willing to give you a new SLSA statement of compliance.  Before the manufacturer can do that they have to verify that the aircraft meets ASTM standards (to include a production flight test).  Since AirBorne is located in Australia this is not practical.  We don't know of any manufacturers that are offering these conversions.

Amatuer Built (AB) versus ELSA -- what's the difference?

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Since they are both "Experimental" aren't they essentially the same?  NO, THEY ARE NOT!!! Below are the characteristics of both.  As you can plainly see the E-LSA is the MUCH better way to go.  There are some trike manufacturers that would have you believe they are essentially the same -- don't you believe it.

What is the difference between ELSA and SLSA registrations?

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ELSA stands for Experimental Light Sport Aircraft and is used to register the following types of aircraft:

• Ultralights that transitioned to Light Sport (this is over -- no new aircraft can register this way)
• Light Sport aircraft built from a LSA compliant kit modeled after an existing SLSA model.
• Registered SLSA aircraft re-registered as ELSA.

SLSA stands for Special Light Sport Aircraft.  This is the Light Sport equivalent of a fully manufactured aircraft -- sort of like buying a Cessna.  The manufacturer self-certifies that the aircraft has been built and tested to ASTM standards and is safe to fly.

Which registration is right for me -- ELSA or SLSA?

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Good question.  Both types of aircraft have the same operating privileges with the following exception:  after Jan 2010 only S-LSA aircraft can be used for commercial purposes (training or towing).  The big advantages of each type are:

• ELSA -- anyone can maintain them and if you attend the 16 hour ELSA Inspection class you can do the annual inspections yourself.  SLSAs have to be maintained by qualified repairman (with the exception of preventive maintenance items you can do yourself).
• SLSA -- these aircraft will probably hold their value better simply because they have to be maintained by professionals.  Somebody buying a used aircraft will have more confidence in the airworthiness of an aircraft that has been professionally maintained than in one you have maintained (unless you are a licensed aircraft mechanic).  Also, these aircraft can be used for commercial (training and aero-towing).  And, if the new owner decides he wants to maintain his SLSA himself he can always re-register it as an ELSA -- it will be much harder, and in most cases impossible, to go from ELSA back to SLSA.