What is a Trike Weight-Shift Control S-LSA, Special Light Sport Aircraft?

A trike weight shift control special light sport aircraft is designed to meet LSA specifications. The aircraft is certified by the manufacturer to meet a set of industry-developed “consensus standards” that specify design, testing, manufacturing, and quality control requirements. Unlike type certificated “standard” aircraft, the FAA is not at all involved in the design, testing, manufacturing, and quality control of S-LSAs.

Weight-shift control S-LSA may be sold complete, ready to fly or may be offered in kit form. They may be built in other countries that have a Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement (BAA) or Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) with the United States.

The aircraft may not be modified unless approved by manufacturer. Preventive maintenance may be done by sport pilot or better, if authorized by the manufacturer’s maintenance manual. Note that this is different from a type-certificated aircraft, where preventive maintenance can be done by the owner.

Maintenance and the annual condition inspection may be performed by either an A&P mechanic or a Light-Sport Repairman- Maintenance (LSRM). A person can become eligible for an LSRM certificate by attending an 80-120 hour training course.

Who can perform maintenance and inspections on S-LSA? (Ref. AC 65-32; 14 CFR §§ 65.85, 65.8, 65.107, 91.327, and Part 145)

Annual condition inspection may be performed by:

  • LSA Repairman with Maintenance rating
  • A&P or FAA-certificated repair station

100-hour inspection if used for flight training or towing may be performed by:

  • LSA Repairman with Maintenance rating
  • A&P or FAA-certificated repair station

Maintenance, repair and alterations may be performed by:

  • LSA Repairman with Maintenance rating (as authorized by manufacturer)
  • A&P or FAA-certificated repair station (as authorized by manufacturer)

NOTE: The owner and operator of an SLSA with a Sport Pilot or higher certificate can do simple “preventive maintenance” as specified by the manufacturer. (Ref. 14 CFR § 43.3(g))

The Weight Shift Control S-LSA may be flown at night or in IFR conditions if allowed by the pilot operating handbook and if properly equipped and maintained.