When the FAA issued its complex Light Sport Aircraft rule about three years ago, owners of two-seat ultralights were issued a deadline of Jan. 31, 2008, to convert their aircraft to the experimental-LSA category. More than 6,000 owners requested transition kits from EAA. With the deadline looming, applications have backlogged, as owners await required inspections by designated airworthiness representatives, who are in short supply. EAA asked the FAA for more time, and last week, FAA granted an exemption. Owners still must get their registration application to the FAA on or before Jan. 31. Then they can apply for an exemption to be allowed to complete the process.
Owners can go to the EAA Web site for more information. The FAA says the exemption will terminate on Jan. 31, 2010, unless sooner superseded or rescinded. (PDF)
