The only FAA approved schools I'm aware of at the moment are Rainbow in Kingsville, MO and Blue Ridge Community college in Weyers Cave, VA. I saw one advertised on barnstormers last week, but can't find it now. 🤔 I heard from one of my viewers that Blue Ridge is currently only doing one week in person with the rest online.
Hey that was fun, thanks for having me on! I actually misspoke on the 2 day course, the Light Sport Repairman- Inspection rating only applies to aircraft certificated as an E-LSA (Experimental Light Sport.) I recently got my hands on a Vashon Ranger and was pretty impressed by it.
Pay attention at 13:33, this info is not readily apparent. The repairman certificate does not mean an A&P cert in 30 months, it's 160hours of logged maintenance time every month for 30 months. That's 4800 hours of logged maintenance. This is the same requirement for an FAA apprentice method; Work full time for 30 months logging maintenance performed and apply for A&P. For non-full-time professionals forget about getting an A&P out of this program. It's great for an owner to do their own maintenance on a certified SLSA aircraft and that's about it.
Agree. It's probably not likely that someone can find enough work full time working on aircraft that this will qualify you for. However if someone lives in an area where several of these aircraft are available to work on and you can get the work, then it would be an apprentice option in the 30 months working for yourself.
Thanks for the extra information! I signed up for the Rainbow course this October, and plan to exercise my privilege's after the course so I can earn my A&P. This video was very insightful.
I did Rainbow. It was a lot of work but Brian and Carol are good teachers and they were fair. Also Brian is a genius. I got the cert but the FAA inspector called a lot of FSDOs and spoke with Carol before he gave me my LSRM cert. One thing though: Prior to approving any aircraft or part for return to service the repairman performing the work must have previously performed the work concerned satisfactorily. If the repairman has not previously performed the work, he or she may show his or her ability to do the work by performing it to the satisfaction of the FAA or by performing it under the direct supervision of an appropriately certificated, rated, and experienced mechanic or repairman. So you need to have some network with an experienced LSRM or A&P. Carol does maintain a community of people who have graduated so you can network appropriately.
I went through the LSRM course at Blue Ridge Community College and found all 4 of the online courses a bit disorganized and the interface and some of the information is very dated. I did not attend the in person portion as it would have been a waist of my time. I considered Rainbow but the option of doing the book work online appealed to me for time reasons. Now that the FAA will allow EAB build time to count Ill just go that route.
Interesting. What is full cost of enrollment to attend.? You have to live somewhere and eat for the two week duration of the course. You don’t say location city and availability of lodging.
@@dewholdingsllc1050 Rainbow Aviation is in Kingsville, Missouri. If you contact them directly, they can provide the additional information. Matt might have those answers, but unfortunately, I don’t.
**Multiple edits but leaving my super long comment in case it helps others** I sort of slipped down a rabbit hole here about something that confused me a little at 4:19 ish... I think Matt may have been mistaken stating that there are planes that have Certified (aka) Standard Airworthiness certificates that are Light Sport, and some that are not. According to § 21.183 Standard Airworthiness Certificate categories are Normal, Utility, acrobatic, commuter, and transport category aircraft. In §21.190 Special Airworthiness Certificates for light-sport category are described... other Special Airworthiness Certificates described in §21.184-189 include Primary, Restricted, Multiple, and Limited. If I'm misunderstanding please help me out. Basically if I buy a Cessna 162 Skycatcher, which I'm seriously considering, and it meets the requirements per FAR 91.205 to meet both day and night VFR (visual flight rules) flight requirements and is designed and built to comply with the American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM) standards for LSA and meets the limitation and special certificate of airworthiness requirements for a light sport category aircraft as defined by the FAA in CFR (code of federal regulations) part 1.1 and CFR part 21.190. (The Skycatcher received ASTM LSA approval in July 2009.)... AND I have a Light Sport Repairman Maintenance Certificate (which I'd like to get after watching this video).... Will I then be able to work on, maintain, and inspect with IA privileges anything pertaining to my Cessna 162 Skycatcher? Also thanks for the video! Really cool and interesting stuff for an aviation nerd like me rediscovering flying... I sadly let my CFI lapse and I'm kicking myself for that. Gotta go re-earn that now. **EDIT** After re-watching I answered my own question... What Matt was saying is that there are many existing type certificated models that meet the definition of a light sport aircraft, the perfect example being the classic and wonderful Piper J3 Cub, or many great Aeronca's, Ercoupe's, Luscombe's, Taylorcraft's, etc., etc.... (Link to a full list of these kinds of aircraft: www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/aircraft/gen_av/light_sport/ExistingModels.pdf ) If you have your own Light Sport Repairman Maintenance Certificate you'll not be able to work on, maintain, and inspect those aircraft on your own... instead you'll need to operate under the supervision of an A&P... But in my suggested case above it looks like I'd be a Legal-Eagle to work on a Skycatcher or any other S-LSA or E-LSA as he describes in the video. **Additional EDIT** I'm officially an idiot... I needed to rewatch the section starting at minute 5:00 where they begin to specifically talk about the Skycatcher.... Also, if anyone has aspirations of banner towing with an SLSA or ELSA you'll need to recall 91.327 and 91.319 which prohibit operating them for compensation or hire except-- to tow a glider or unpowered ultralight or to conduct flight training (SLSAs only).
@@Blaircraft.Engines it's actually 120 hours so more like 3 weeks. I like it a lot. I used to do more maintenance with it, but not just maintain my own. I also have a J-3 but I can't sign that off of course. I know the Rotax 912ULS through and through and most A&Ps are either afraid of them or won't touch them. They are honestly great engines but you have to take care of them properly
@@Blaircraft.Engines Learn the basics about the gearbox to understand how the engine works overall. The main thing you will do is a carburetor balance and that is a fun task the first few times you do it. Carburetors can be finicky but just like any other airplane as you know. Right now I am dealing with my engine getting too hot, so I have just flown with a manometer to determine the airflow under the cowl. Now its time to modify the lower cowling since the numbers were low
What would you suggest for a person who has the training certificate from OJT at a repair station . Have been waiting for since Jan for sign off from Houston FSDO . Not getting any response.
@@Blaircraft.Engines yes a few times for check ins . I’m in a unique situation where I took a 3yr break for another business. Now back in aviation but logistics to continue my path I’d like to get my A&P so I have opportunity.
I’m sure there are options available, Matt @Left Seat Adventures is more familiar with this category for aircraft options. If he doesn’t get this Tag, I’ll check on a couple!
Can you put a link to rainbow aviation here? And what state is that in?
Yes! Thanks for asking.
rainbowaviation.com/?page_id=3587
@@Blaircraft.Engines do you know of any training for this on the west coast?
The only FAA approved schools I'm aware of at the moment are Rainbow in Kingsville, MO and Blue Ridge Community college in Weyers Cave, VA. I saw one advertised on barnstormers last week, but can't find it now. 🤔 I heard from one of my viewers that Blue Ridge is currently only doing one week in person with the rest online.
Hey that was fun, thanks for having me on! I actually misspoke on the 2 day course, the Light Sport Repairman- Inspection rating only applies to aircraft certificated as an E-LSA (Experimental Light Sport.) I recently got my hands on a Vashon Ranger and was pretty impressed by it.
Pay attention at 13:33, this info is not readily apparent. The repairman certificate does not mean an A&P cert in 30 months, it's 160hours of logged maintenance time every month for 30 months. That's 4800 hours of logged maintenance. This is the same requirement for an FAA apprentice method; Work full time for 30 months logging maintenance performed and apply for A&P. For non-full-time professionals forget about getting an A&P out of this program. It's great for an owner to do their own maintenance on a certified SLSA aircraft and that's about it.
Agree. It's probably not likely that someone can find enough work full time working on aircraft that this will qualify you for. However if someone lives in an area where several of these aircraft are available to work on and you can get the work, then it would be an apprentice option in the 30 months working for yourself.
If you have any questions, just drop them below. Matt or myself will be glad to answer them!
Thanks for the extra information! I signed up for the Rainbow course this October, and plan to exercise my privilege's after the course so I can earn my A&P. This video was very insightful.
I took the LSR-M course at Rainbow earlier this year, and it was some of the best training I've ever received. I highly recommend it.
Thanks for the feedback.
I did Rainbow. It was a lot of work but Brian and Carol are good teachers and they were fair. Also Brian is a genius. I got the cert but the FAA inspector called a lot of FSDOs and spoke with Carol before he gave me my LSRM cert. One thing though:
Prior to approving any aircraft or part for return to service the repairman performing
the work must have previously performed the work concerned satisfactorily. If the repairman has
not previously performed the work, he or she may show his or her ability to do the work by
performing it to the satisfaction of the FAA or by performing it under the direct supervision of an
appropriately certificated, rated, and experienced mechanic or repairman.
So you need to have some network with an experienced LSRM or A&P. Carol does maintain a community of people who have graduated so you can network appropriately.
Awesome. I really appreciate the feedback and info! Also, networking within Aviation is key IMO. Thanks!
I went through the LSRM course at Blue Ridge Community College and found all 4 of the online courses a bit disorganized and the interface and some of the information is very dated. I did not attend the in person portion as it would have been a waist of my time. I considered Rainbow but the option of doing the book work online appealed to me for time reasons. Now that the FAA will allow EAB build time to count Ill just go that route.
Thanks for the feedback. Yes with the new ruling, it makes it another good option for some.
Interesting. What is full cost of enrollment to attend.? You have to live somewhere and eat for the two week duration of the course. You don’t say location city and availability of lodging.
@@dewholdingsllc1050 Rainbow Aviation is in Kingsville, Missouri.
If you contact them directly, they can provide the additional information.
Matt might have those answers, but unfortunately, I don’t.
How will the expansion of the LSA rules affect this certification program?
Good question. Rainbow Aviation in Missouri would be best to get that information. I wish I had a better answer!
**Multiple edits but leaving my super long comment in case it helps others**
I sort of slipped down a rabbit hole here about something that confused me a little at 4:19 ish... I think Matt may have been mistaken stating that there are planes that have Certified (aka) Standard Airworthiness certificates that are Light Sport, and some that are not.
According to § 21.183 Standard Airworthiness Certificate categories are Normal, Utility, acrobatic, commuter, and transport category aircraft. In §21.190 Special Airworthiness Certificates for light-sport category are described... other Special Airworthiness Certificates described in §21.184-189 include Primary, Restricted, Multiple, and Limited.
If I'm misunderstanding please help me out. Basically if I buy a Cessna 162 Skycatcher, which I'm seriously considering, and it meets the requirements per FAR 91.205 to meet both day and night VFR (visual flight rules) flight requirements and is designed and built to comply with the American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM) standards for LSA and meets the limitation and special certificate of airworthiness requirements for a light sport category aircraft as defined by the FAA in CFR (code of federal regulations) part 1.1 and CFR part 21.190. (The Skycatcher received ASTM LSA approval in July 2009.)... AND I have a Light Sport Repairman Maintenance Certificate (which I'd like to get after watching this video)....
Will I then be able to work on, maintain, and inspect with IA privileges anything pertaining to my Cessna 162 Skycatcher?
Also thanks for the video! Really cool and interesting stuff for an aviation nerd like me rediscovering flying... I sadly let my CFI lapse and I'm kicking myself for that. Gotta go re-earn that now.
**EDIT** After re-watching I answered my own question... What Matt was saying is that there are many existing type certificated models that meet the definition of a light sport aircraft, the perfect example being the classic and wonderful Piper J3 Cub, or many great Aeronca's, Ercoupe's, Luscombe's, Taylorcraft's, etc., etc.... (Link to a full list of these kinds of aircraft: www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/aircraft/gen_av/light_sport/ExistingModels.pdf )
If you have your own Light Sport Repairman Maintenance Certificate you'll not be able to work on, maintain, and inspect those aircraft on your own... instead you'll need to operate under the supervision of an A&P... But in my suggested case above it looks like I'd be a Legal-Eagle to work on a Skycatcher or any other S-LSA or E-LSA as he describes in the video.
**Additional EDIT** I'm officially an idiot... I needed to rewatch the section starting at minute 5:00 where they begin to specifically talk about the Skycatcher....
Also, if anyone has aspirations of banner towing with an SLSA or ELSA you'll need to recall 91.327 and 91.319 which prohibit operating them for compensation or hire except-- to tow a glider or unpowered ultralight or to conduct flight training (SLSAs only).
Thanks for bringing up your questions.
Also, I appreciate all the thorough research and defining such topics.
Thanks for watching and stay safe!
What are current rules for an A&P Cert holder to become a AI Cert holder?
IA, you need to have your A&P 3 years and be actively working as an A&P. Are you looking to get your A&P?
Anywhere in Florida offers this course?
I don’t believe so.
All I want is a American Legend Super Cub!!!! One day, one day!!!
Will your cert. Expand to MOSIAC
Great question. @LeftSeatAdventures perhaps Matt would have some feedback?
@@Blaircraft.Engines any response from Matt?
I went to Rainbow and I am an LSRM
Awesome. Congrats! How did you like it?
@@Blaircraft.Engines it's actually 120 hours so more like 3 weeks. I like it a lot. I used to do more maintenance with it, but not just maintain my own. I also have a J-3 but I can't sign that off of course. I know the Rotax 912ULS through and through and most A&Ps are either afraid of them or won't touch them. They are honestly great engines but you have to take care of them properly
@@PilotJimmyJ I wouldn’t mind learning some about the rotax engines, more and more are flying each year.
@@Blaircraft.Engines Learn the basics about the gearbox to understand how the engine works overall. The main thing you will do is a carburetor balance and that is a fun task the first few times you do it. Carburetors can be finicky but just like any other airplane as you know. Right now I am dealing with my engine getting too hot, so I have just flown with a manometer to determine the airflow under the cowl. Now its time to modify the lower cowling since the numbers were low
What would you suggest for a person who has the training certificate from OJT at a repair station . Have been waiting for since Jan for sign off from Houston FSDO .
Not getting any response.
Have you reached out to them, if so how often?
@@Blaircraft.Engines yes a few times for check ins . I’m in a unique situation where I took a 3yr break for another business. Now back in aviation but logistics to continue my path I’d like to get my A&P so I have opportunity.
@@thehopefulspirit151 Do you have the hours to meet the A&P requirements? Not sure exactly what your OJT training certificate covers.
@@Blaircraft.Engines Yes , 5 years of on the job training.
@@thehopefulspirit151 If you have a work history log, I would just go to the local FSDO and ask them in person.
Are there any LSA aircraft
that can carry a 270 lb pilot?
I’m sure there are options available, Matt @Left Seat Adventures is more familiar with this category for aircraft options. If he doesn’t get this Tag, I’ll check on a couple!
Thank you! @@Blaircraft.Engines