One Way A Sport Pilot Can Beat The Cost Of A New S-LSA Is To Purchase An FAA Type Certificated Classic

Certificated sport pilots have some restrictions regarding the performance of preventive maintenance on an FAA type-certificated aircraft. When we use the term, “FAA type-certificated,” we mean any aircraft that holds a “white” airworthiness certificate. Planes like Piper Cubs, Aeronca Champs, Taylorcrafts, and Ercoupes fall into this category.

Another definition that needs to be made clear, is the term “certificated sport pilot.” This is a pilot who holds a sport pilot certificate; a pilot who holds a higher level pilot certificate but is exercising sport pilot privileges is not limited by the rule being discussed here.

The FAA maintenance rules state that a pilot/operator may perform preventive maintenance on his or her aircraft, as described in FAR 43, Appendix A. (Appendix A is a list of preventive maintenance items). However, pilots holding sport pilot certificates are specifically excluded from being allowed to perform preventive maintenance on type-certificated aircraft.

Okay, this is a bummer, but there is a way sport pilots can work on their own type certificated aircraft. FAR 43.3 (d) allows a person to perform maintenance on an aircraft if they are under the supervision of a mechanic. The supervising mechanic must observe the work to the extent necessary and be available while it is being performed. When the work is completed, the supervising mechanic will make the appropriate maintenance record entries.

So, sport pilots who want to work on their own FAA type-certificated aircraft need to find a mechanic who will work with them as the supervising mechanic. Some mechanics will agree to supervise maintenance, and some won’t. If you are a sport pilot with an FAA type-certificated aircraft, keep this in mind when you choose a mechanic to perform your maintenance. Be sure to ask about owner assisted maintenance before you select your mechanic.

(Image of Taylorcraft from file)

FMI: www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/afs/afs300/