LSA - Instrument Rating

[DavePike]

Hi There

I am a partner in an aircraft that falls into the LSA class under the new regulations (as I understand them) I am in the process of preparing to fit a Voyager EFIS from MGLAvionics to the aircraft with the possibility of adding a NAV Radio in the near future. I now have 2 questions I would like answered if anyone has any information available:

1.) If the aircraft is fitted with the Nav Radio and the VOR Instruments provided by the Voyager can (a) the aircraft be used for Instrument Flying and (b) does it need to be type certified in order to do so ?

2.) Can an Instrument rating be added to the new Light Sport Plane License?

As I understand it, as a MPL Pilot with the above mentioned aircraft on my license I can get a conversion to the new License by means of a flight test as long as the aircraft is in the Light Sport Plane category, in this case a TL2000 Sting.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Doubt it. IF ATF for NTCA aeries in MOER difficult to get. I know of only 4 in the country and that after loooong fights. All the pilots are IF rated.

[Stephan van Tonder]

NO IF rating under part62. Getting the aircraft certified with non-certified instumentation is also a long fight.

[zucac]

just put it in and use it ,so what about the rating.

[DavePike]

Thanks for all the answers, they help (well sort of) but no one has been able to tell me if I can actually get an instrument rating on an LSP license ? irrespective of the aircraft's capabilities.

My thinking is that having the rating could drastically improve my chances of survival if caught in bad weather, the IF rating for the plane would just be a bonus for those longer flights inland.

[Stephan van Tonder]

I did answer you - NO IF rating under part62. Thought it was quite clear?.

[DavePike]

Oops, my fault, I do apologize. I should have read up on Part 62.

Oh well, That plan is busted then...........

[AndyG]

Oops, my fault, I do apologize. I should have read up on Part 62.

Oh well, That plan is busted then...........

What you apologising for. The question was asked in earnest. Not everyone is well versed in the new laws and categories.

[swiftprop]

Anyway my 2c worth:
If Instrument rated you will need to remain current in order not to be a very real danger to yourself and possibly others...Does not mean having the right instruments will save your life...You have to be current!

[Wargames]

The newest requirement for a single pilot aircraft to be IF rated, is that apart from all nav instuments, DME, you also need a auto pilot installed.

[Stephan van Tonder]

Auto pilot isn't impossible to install in LSA's. The MGL enigma can drive autopilot servos. The one problem is that your payload on LSA aircraft are generally not very generous and all these nice to have items add to MAUW quite quickly and detracts from usable weight.
My personal thinking is that if you fly LSA aircraft it is for recreational purposes and thus you hold a recreational pilot's license. If you want to fly into weather and really have to be places then get yourself at least a PPL with the right ratings and an aircraft to match.

[RV4ker (RIP)]

I would also not like to go into the clag with only 600kg weight.... Turbulence is not your friend. The Albat is far more stable that C182RG for eg in heavy clag, but at almost 4 tons it has some bulk....

Although in theory these can be driven in the clag, I would be very careful. An IF rating does not mean you can just piss in the tanks, kick the tires, light the fires and go...

[Old, Fat and Hairy]

My thinking is that having the rating could drastically improve my chances of survival if caught in bad weather, the IF rating for the plane would just be a bonus for those longer flights inland.

What Stephan said. Without the rating and the right equipment I'd say you should brush up on your flight planning skills and avoid flying into dodgy weather in the first place. Ditching the GPS down the nearest crapper would probably be a good start. We rely on them too much and other areas of our flight planning suffer as a result.


As an aside, even with an IF rating, I'd be hesitant to penetrate any weather without being radar equipped. Embedded CBs can come as a nasty surprise.

[DavePike]

Hi all

Thanks for all the answers, all very informative and helpful. I would just like to make it clear that it is NOT my intention to fly into bad weather in any way, I avoid it at all costs, however after a coastwise trip recently from Durban to St. Francis, I have seen how quickly the weather can change even after MET have given an all clear. I for one do not want to be caught in a sudden mass of cloud/mist due to due point without the proper equipment or experience to deal with it. I simply was trying to establish if it is possible to do this in an LSA via the correct channels.

I thank you all once again for all your replies.

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Can still Get IF training. Wont be legal but you may not be dead... Best solution is to land before you get caught in it. Beach is usually a good option