JMB and the Phoenix….. This is the reply I got from questions I asked the LSA Program Manager/FAA regarding the Phoenix

[AlanKoz]

I have tried to answer your questions below. 

 

1. Has JMB Aircraft contacted the FAA regarding acceptance of the Phoenix NG as a light-sport glider for operation in the United States? I have not been contacted by JMB Aircraft, but this is not unusual nor required.  I also have not been contacted by many of the other LSA manufacturers regarding what they plan to offer after MOSAIC become effective next week. I will likely have a conversation with JMB Aircraft at AirVenture next week as I make my rounds talking to the various LSA manufacturers.
2. FAA guidance indicates that manufacturers should coordinate with the FAA well in advance when introducing a new make and model. Has JMB initiated that process? The geographical certificate management section(CMS)  https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/certificate_management_sections where the aircraft will be delivered to the manufacturer is responsible for the issuance of the airworthiness certificate. Since the CMS is busy with other oversight function the recommendations to manufactures is to engage the CMS early to make them aware of there plans, timelines, deliveries, etc, and allow the CMS to schedule the inspection date. The CMS offices are not required to contact me except for new make/model aircraft. I have not been contacted by the CMS.
3. Based on your experience, would a manufacturer that has not yet completed the necessary FAA coordination reasonably be expected to begin U.S. deliveries within the next few months? There are a lot of factors that come into play and they differ based on the location of the CMS, but I think it is reasonable that deliveries in the next few months is possible. The better question to ask is if the manufacturer can comply with all of the recently published consensus standards within that timeframe?
4. Is compliance with the current ASTM consensus standards, including the recently issued glider-related standards applicable under MOSAIC, expected before a manufacturer can represent that an aircraft will qualify as an FAA-accepted light-sport glider? On July, 24^th the regulatory changes (14 CFR 21.190, and part 22) go into effect and must be complied with. The current standards in use as we speak  cannot be used after the 24^th. The manufacturer will have to comply with all the standards reference in the NOA for the appropriate category of aircraft. (In your case, all the standards in F3836-26.) After July 24^th is the aircraft is not in compliance with F3836-26, it is not eligible for an airworthiness certificate as a light-sport category aircraft under 21.190.

 

John Stoll

Light Sport Category Aircraft Program Manager

 

Aviation Safety

Aircraft Certification Service

Product Policy Advisor, Product Policy Management: Systems Standards Section AIR-63A

John.Stoll@faa.gov

 

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