Please discuss the LSA speed limit of 120 kts (138 mph). Can LSAs get FAA waivers to go faster than 120 kts for the purposes of the GAT Challenge, and then revert to LSA status?
This is a complex question. Fundamentally, all teams must comply with all FARs throughout their participation in the Challenge. The LSA speed limit is very strict. Special waivers to temporarily exceed the speed limit are not allowed. The speed limit is tied to propeller RPM. Earl Lawrence of EAA, who has led the LSA standards process, supplied the following LSA regulations that must be followed by all LSA teams in the Challenge: The FAR 1 definition states: (2) A maximum airspeed in level flight with maximum continuous power (VH) of not more than 120 knots CAS under standard atmospheric conditions at sea level. The FAA required that the consensus standard define Vh for SLSA. ASTM standard F2245 defines Vh as: 3.2.33 VH—maximum speed in level flight with maximum continuous power (corrected for sea level standard conditions) This cannot be taken alone it must also be looked at with the following other requirements: 4.3 Propeller Speed and Pitch Limits—Propeller configuration shall not a
