Guys,

Responses to the JPO survey are coming in (thanks all!), but they do seem to indicate some confusion on the turbine thrust limit changes that the JPO has just worked out with the AMA.

Previously, the thrust limit for any 55 lb (or under) single-engine turbine-powered aircraft was 45 lbs (of thrust) AND it was specified to be "Manufacturer's rated thrust."

With that rule, NONE of the 200-class turbines, such as the Kingtech K-210 (manufacturer rated at 46.3 lbs @max RPM), Jetcat P200 (manufacturer rated at 52 lbs @ 112,000 RPM), Jet Central Mammoth SP (manufacturer rated at 50.5 lbs @ max RPM), Olympus HP (manufacturer rated at 51.7 lbs thrust) are legal without being derater by the owner (that's you...)

The NEW thrust limit is 50 lbs (of thrust) and its "installed static thrust". Thus, if you are running any of the engines above in a piped installation at anything over standard temperature and pressure, your thrust will be down at least a couple of pounds over the manufacturer's rating (if you believe them) and you are "legal" with respect to the rule.

As I said in the email from the AMA, it seems like a small change, but its important to try and keep the community in compliance with the rules and keep the rules updated to what is going on in the community.

To those guys who wanted higher thrust and speed limits, unfortunately, that is not something that is going to receive a lot of support at this time - not outside of the LTMA program anyway. However, we will continue to listen to all requests and try and gather supporting information to help make them happen.

Bob Klenke
JPO President