There will be no extension of the January 2008 deadline for registering ultralight trainers and "fat" (noncompliant with Part 103) ultralights as experimental-light sport aircraft (E-LSA). John Hickey, FAA’s director of aircraft certification, underscored that deadline Monday afternoon here at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The deadline was specified in the sport pilot rule in 2004. It is firm, Hickey said.

By August 15, 2007, you should submit your aircraft registration (N number) request to the FAA’s Aircraft Registration office.

By October 1, 2007, you should call your local E-LSA designated airworthiness representative (DAR) to schedule your airworthiness inspection.

By November 30, 2007, you should submit your aircraft airworthiness certification request packet to the FAA. Ask your local E-LSA DAR which FAA office you should submit it to.

If you miss these recommended benchmarks, the FAA cannot guarantee it will be able to process your E-LSA registration in time to meet the January 31, 2008, deadline.

"I would urge everyone to start the conversion process as soon as possible," said Timm Bogenhagen, senior aviation specialist in EAA’s Aviation Services department. The EAA offers a conversion kit with the necessary forms, instructions, and other items. The kit is available during AirVenture in the EAA Wearhouse and at the Ultralight Barn. Or you can order it by mail from EAA headquarters. If you need help or information, call EAA at 877-359-1232.

If you visit the Civil Aviation Registry Booth in the FAA Pavilion, the fine folks there can answer your questions about E-LSA registration.

The ultralight regulations in FAR Part 103 will remain in effect after January 31, 2008. After that date, you can still operate as an ultralight any aircraft complying with Part 103. The regulation defines an ultralight as an aircraft with the following characteristics:

• No more than one seat

• Empty weight no more than 254 pounds

• Fuel capacity no more than 5 gallons

• Maximum speed of 55 knots, at full power in level flight

• Maximum power-off stall speed of 24 knots

Any "fat" ultralight not conforming to this definition must be registered as an E-LSA by January 31, 2008. All pilot exemptions for operating two-place "ultralight trainers" will expire on that date.