Rotax Engine Mods: Some Good Options

With more and more Rotax engines out in the field, it makes sense that there is a growing market of aftermarket parts and accessories. However, this is purely good news for owners of Rotax engines on experimental aircraft, including E-LSAs.

For owners of S-LSAs-factory complete LSAs not registered as experimental-the usefulness of these parts depends on what it is and which aircraft they own. S-LSAs don’t use the STC process many aircraft owners know and love (or not). Instead, almost any modification can be made with a letter of authorization (LOA) from the aircraft manufacturer. These LOAs are supposed to be issued on an aircraft-by-aircraft basis. So, just because your hangar neighbor with the same LSA has an LOA for a particular change, that doesnt give you the right to do it. That said, the more organized LSA manufacturers keep common LOAs ready to go for customers who request them.

The take home from this is that a minor or common change, such as adding a pre-heat system, is likely to be approved. Getting approval to install a turbocharger that boosts engine output by over 40 percent … not so likely. The LOA must come