EAA Asks FAA to Authorize Electric Motors in Ultralights and Light-Sport Aircraft
07 May 2008
The EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) recently filed a petition with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to request regulatory exemptions that would allow the use of electric motors in ultralight and light-sport aircraft.
EAA’s petition to the FAA specifically proposes specifications for battery-pack weight limits on ultralight aircraft and the development and adoption of electric-motor ASTM standards for light-sport aircraft.
The request for those specifications, combined with suggested language changes to remove exclusive references to reciprocating engines, would make electric motors legal for these aircraft.
—Earl Lawrence, EAA’s vice president of industry and regulatory affairs
The request for exemption highlights developments already made in the automotive, radio-controlled aircraft, and light-aircraft industries.
(A hat-tip to Anthony!)
This should reduce the noise. Any one that has been under an ultralight when it flies over knows what they sound like.
Posted by: SJC | 07 May 2008 at 12:13 PM
I work next to a small civil airport, and while the ultralight that flew over yesterday as I was walking to my card was noisy, it's got nothing on the F/A-18Es from the nearby naval air station. Nothing like a Super Hornet buzzing your building to waking you up in the morning (not to mention stress the building structure and set off car alarms... and they do it regularly!)
Posted by: Ryan K | 07 May 2008 at 01:13 PM
Some of our more conservative friends might tell you that is the sound of freedom. Well maybe it is, but it would be nice if they took it someplace where it did not destroy people's lives. Especially the people that pay for the super expensive hardware to begin with. But I guess that is too much to ask.
Posted by: SJC | 07 May 2008 at 08:29 PM
If a little noise is all it takes to destroy you life then you are on pathetic individual.
Before you say it I am a helocopter mechanic and have to listen to jet engines all day. I dispise the noise but it by no means destroys my life.
Posted by: Jared | 08 May 2008 at 04:05 AM
Maybe that was too strong a word, but noise causes stress and over time that is bad news. It is one thing to put up with transient noise when you know when it will occur. It is another to have it come when you least expect it over months and years.
Posted by: SJC | 08 May 2008 at 10:57 AM
Excessive negative stress leads to suppression of the immune system...
Posted by: Patrick | 08 May 2008 at 11:07 AM
Just ask people if they want to live around an airport and I think you will get your answers.
Posted by: SJC | 08 May 2008 at 11:10 AM