Brian Cable, from the FAA’s AIR-240 office, reported on Tuesday at Sun ‘n Fun that the agency has completed initial interviews of 30 Light Sport Aircraft manufacturers and importers for the audit program that began last September. While the agency is still crunching the numbers, Cable reported that it found “good” levels of compliance with key criteria and that it had very good assistance from manufacturers, who allowed complete access to the FAA team. Among the aspects checked in this fact-finding mission — ensuring that the manufacturers were in compliance with the design standards; quality-assurance systems integrity; assembly procedures and documentation; maintenance procedures and documentation; and continued airworthiness programs. This round of in-person inspections of the manufacturers and importers was the second of three phases in the program, according to Cable. (The first, of course, was planning the whole thing.) Next comes analysis of the data and reporting, which is planned for the end of July.
The agency will consider the data and decide later if “continuous surveillance” will be required. In addition, Cable said that the FAA will be determining the best ways to inspect the facilities of foreign manufacturers.
