Following the FAA's granting of LSA exceptions to ICON Aircraft, Terrafugia now seeks their own FAA exemptions to the LSA rules. They have already received road exemptions from the DOT, yet they still need FAA leniency to meet the LSA standard. This is not a minor adjustment they are asking for... they want a significant adjustment of the weight and stall speed requirements.
Now, I am not necessarily a fan of the LSA category. Eliminate the third class medical, and LSA becomes pointless (though certification requirements for LSA vs old school Certified are different). Still, I say that if you are going to have an LSA category, at least keep it pure by not allowing exceptions except where it makes a huge difference in flight safety. At least ICON's exemption was a flightworthy (stall-spin) improvement change, but Terrafugia's request appears to be for convenience because they cannot get the job done under the existing rules. Well, I say that it's time for them to either hang it up and get out of the market, or bite the bullet and move out from under the LSA umbrella.
Terrafugia Seeks Exemptions For Weight, Stall Speed - AVweb flash Article
Now, I am not necessarily a fan of the LSA category. Eliminate the third class medical, and LSA becomes pointless (though certification requirements for LSA vs old school Certified are different). Still, I say that if you are going to have an LSA category, at least keep it pure by not allowing exceptions except where it makes a huge difference in flight safety. At least ICON's exemption was a flightworthy (stall-spin) improvement change, but Terrafugia's request appears to be for convenience because they cannot get the job done under the existing rules. Well, I say that it's time for them to either hang it up and get out of the market, or bite the bullet and move out from under the LSA umbrella.
Terrafugia Seeks Exemptions For Weight, Stall Speed - AVweb flash Article
