Registration Options
for new Quicksilver Buyers
As of
September 2004, new regulations for the Light Sport Aircraft Industry became
law and timetables for implementation and transition developed. According to
the new rules and the FAA’s timetable for implementation, as of
As a matter of fact, the benefits of
buying are better now than at any point in history.
There are three
classifications that summarize the commonly applicable new and existing rules:
(a)
single occupant; (b) used for recreation or sport purposes only; (c) Does not
have any U.S. or foreign airworthiness certificate; (d). Weighs less than 254
pounds empty weight, excluding floats and safety devices which are intended for
deployment in a potentially catastrophic situation; (e) has a fuel capacity not
exceeding 5 U.S. gallons; (f) Is not capable of more than 55 knots calibrated
airspeed at full power in level flight; and
(g). Has a power-off stall speed which does not exceed 24 knots
calibrated airspeed.
Single seat aircraft that meet the above regulations, still,
do not have to be registered and no license is required to fly them.
2. Experimental Amateur-Built (AB) – This category has been
around for decades and is not expected to change or disappear. At this time,
any Quicksilver can be registered as an AB, but some benefits may be realized
by going ELSA depending on how the aircraft is built and will be used. Registering
AB will be available after the
3. Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) – All Quicksilver models fit
the weight, speed, occupancy, and related requirements of the regulations. This
category is further subdivided into two groups: Special Light Sport Aircraft
and Experimental Light Sport Aircraft.
A. Special Light Sport Aircraft
(SLSA) – This classification of aircraft are “factory assembled” and sold as
“turnkey” aircraft only. Buying a SLSA
is an advantage over ELSA only when the plane will be used for giving flight
training for hire and rental. The selling price for an SLSA will be higher
than an ELSA or Ultralight because of the assembly, inspections, shipping flight
testing, and additional paperwork and administration. A Manufacturer must
produce one SLSA before it can sell ELSA kits following the
B. Experimental Light Sport Aircraft
(ELSA) – To understand this classification we have to break it into three parts.
1. After Quicksilver produces an
SLSA model, kits standardized to replicate the SLSA design can be purchased,
assembled by a dealer, a buyer, or anyone for that matter, and registered as an
ELSA without demonstrating that the major portion was built by the owner.
2. A factory built SLSA aircraft may
have its registration changed to be ELSA, sacrificing the ability to be used
for training and rental but taking advantage of all the benefits of being an
ELSA.
3. Prior to the
This is a great time to buy a
Quicksilver:
The prices
have not increased and there are still all the freedoms of transitioned ELSA
aircraft before the kits must be built initially to replicate the SLSA design.
Also, once
the aircraft is FAA registered in the ELSA Category, its status changes:
►Increased
value as a FAA Registered Plane
►Legally
fly friends and family for FUN!
►Avoid
possible FAA fines & enforcement action for operating an unregistered
vehicle
►Acquire
Insurance easier
►Log
flight time towards additional FAA ratings
►Use
Quicksilver for Sport Pilot (SP) check ride
►Easier
for future buyers to get financing
►No
medical required
►Use
a Quicksilver for Flight training for hire until 2010
►Perform
your own annual inspection by attending a 16 hour course
To take the
next step, contact your Local Dealer or call or email us and we will help you
get started.