Light-Sport Aircraft:

The FAA defines a light-sport aircraft as an aircraft, other than a helicopter or powered-lift that, since its original certification, has continued to meet the following:

·         Maximum gross takeoff weight—1,320 lbs, or 1,430 lbs for seaplanes.

·         Maximum stall speed—51 MPH (45 knots) CAS

·         Maximum speed in level flight with maximum continuous power (Vh)—113 MPH 

·         Single or two-seat aircraft only

·         Single, reciprocating engine (if powered), including rotary or diesel engines

·         Fixed or ground-adjustable propeller

·         Non pressurized cabin

·         Fixed landing gear, except for an aircraft intended for operation on water or a glider

·         Can be manufactured and sold ready-to-fly under a new Special Light-Sport aircraft certification category. Aircraft must meet industry consensus standards. Aircraft under this certification may be used for sport and recreation, flight training, and aircraft rental.

·         Can be licensed Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft (E-LSA) if kit- or plans-built.  Aircraft under this certification may be used only for sport and recreation and flight instruction for the owner of the aircraft.

·         Can be licensed Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft (E-LSA) if the aircraft has previously been operated as an ultralight but does not meet the FAR Part 103 definition of an ultralight vehicle. These aircraft must be transitioned to E-LSA category no later than 1/31/08.

·         Will have FAA registration—N-number.

·         Aircraft category and class includes: Airplane (Land/Sea), Gyroplane, Airship, Balloon, Weight-Shift-Control ("Trike" Land/Sea), Glider, and Powered Parachute.

·         U.S. or foreign manufacture of light-sport aircraft is authorized.

·         Aircraft with a standard airworthiness certificate that meet above specifications may be flown by sport pilots. However, the aircraft must remain in standard category and cannot be changed to light-sport aircraft category. Holders of a sport pilot certificate may fly an aircraft with a standard airworthiness certificate if it meets the definition of a light-sport aircraft.

·         May be operated at night if the aircraft is equipped per FAR 91.205, if such operations are allowed by the aircrafts operating limitations and the pilot holds at least a Private Pilot certificate and a minimum of a third-class medical.

 

The Sport Pilot Rule:

A sport pilot may exercise flight privileges in one or more of the following aircraft categories:

·         Airplane (single-engine only)

·         Glider

·         Lighter-than-air (airship or balloon)

·         Rotorcraft (gyroplane only)

·         Powered Parachute

·         Weight-Shift control aircraft(e.g. Trikes)

·         Creates a new student sport pilot certificate

·         Creates a new sport pilot flight instructor certificate.

·         Requires FAA knowledge (written) and practical (flight) test.

·         Credits ultralight training and experience toward a sport pilot certificate providing the ultralight pilot transitions to a sport pilot certificate by 31 January 2007.

·         Credits sport pilot flight time toward more advanced pilot ratings.

·         Requires either a 3rd class FAA medical certificate or a current and valid U.S. driver’s license as evidence of medical eligibility (provided the individual's most recent application for an FAA medical certificate was not denied, revoked, suspended or withdrawn).

·         Does not allow carrying passengers for compensation or hire

·         Does not allow flights in furtherance of business

·         Allows daytime flight only

·         Allows sharing (“pro-rata”) operating expenses with another pilot..

·         Allow sport pilots to fly vintage and production aircraft (standard airworthiness certificate) that meet the definition of a light-sport aircraft.