Jack Pelton

Please consider this comment as my personal support for Exemption request, Docket No. FAA-2012-0514, for ICON Aircraft to incorporate a Spin Resistant Airframe at a weight above the current Light Sport Aircraft Definition. While leading Cessna's efforts to design and produce a plane in the LSA category, the Cessna 162 SkyCatcher, I became very intimate with the regulations that govern this category of products. The single most important design criteria in any new aircraft type is enhanced safety. More importantly, when a manufacturer has discovered or developed an improved safety feature that conflicts with the current regulations it is imperative that the regulation in conflict be given proper consideration for an exemption. I believe that ICON's intent to incorporate a spin resistant airframe (SRA) is without question the right safety technology for LSA category aircraft. Without citing here the accident statistics regarding spins there is no doubt that this is an area of safety enhancement that should be encouraged with such an exemption. This type of outstanding safety improvement cannot be achieved within the current regulations. This is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that safety is the number one priority in aircraft design. That is why I am encouraging the FAA to approve this exemption. If I can assist in the decision making process please do not hesitate to contact me personally. Jack J. Pelton retired Cessna Aircraft Company