What Is Light Sport?

A presentation by Andy Foster

Handout

Definition of Light Sport Aircraft

(1)Single-engine aircraft, no more than 2 place (one pilot, one passenger)

(2)Aircraft gross weight cannot exceed 1320 lbs. for a landplane, 1450 lbs for seaplane.

(3)Fixed gear (landplane); seaplane can be retractable.

(4)Power-off stalling speed in the landing configuration (Vso) can be no more than 45 kts. CAS

(5)Horizontal (Cruise) speed(Vh) at max continuous power can be no more than 120 kts.

(6)Fixed or ground adjustable propeller.

The Light Sport Pilot Rule

(1)Restricted to flying Light Sport aircraft only

(2)Day VFR only

(3)No cross-country restrictions (other than CONUS, with some exceptions)

(4)Both new and certificated pilots must abide by restrictions in FAR 61.315 as well as FAR Part 91.

(5)Light Sport certificated pilots must have training endorsements to fly in Class B, C, and D airspace. (Sport Pilot operations are prohibited at some Class B airports regardless of the pilot rating. See Appendix D to Part 91.)

(6)New Light Sport PilotMinimum Qualifications:

20 hours total time

15 hrs dual

5 hours solo minimum

Training time includes:

  • 2 hours of cross-country flight training.
  • 10 takeoffs and landings with each involving a flight in the pattern.
  • 1 solo cross-country flight of at least 75nm with two stopping points and one segment at least 25nm long.
  • 2 hours of instruction in preparation for the practical test

(7)Certificated pilots (Recreational pilot and higher) can fly LSA’s under Light Sport or their appropriate Part 91 rules, depending on whether or not they have at least a Third Class Medical.

  1. Private pilots and higher can fly LSA’s under day and night VFR if they have a medical, the LSA manufacturer(s) approves such operations, and the aircraft and pilot meets FAR Part 91 requirements for night flight.
  2. LSA’s are not approved for IFR.
  3. Certificated pilots carrying at least a Recreational Pilot certificate can fly LSA’s under Light Sport rules using their driver’s license as a substitute for their medical if they are fit to fly and their last medical was not denied, suspended, or withdrawn.
  4. Refer to FAR 61.303.

(8)Both Light Sport certificated pilots and others flying under Light Sport rules must comply with FAR Part 91 and FAR 61.315.

LSA Maintenance and Operation

(1)There are two classes of LSA: E-LSA and S-SLA. E-LSA is Experimental LSA. S-SLA is Special LSA. Special LSA’s are manufacturer built. E-LSA’s are kit-built. The analogy is similar to that between a Standard Category Airplane and an Experimental. S-LSA’s have a Special Airworthiness Certificate. E-LSA’s have an Experimental Airworthiness Certificate.

(2)An S-LSA may be re-certified as an E-LSA but not vice-versa.

(3)Conditional inspections for an E-LSA not owner-built can be performed by the owner once he/she takes a 16 hour FAA accepted maintenance course that qualifies him/her as “Light Sport Repairmen – Inspection”. (If you built the E-LSA, you don’t need this.)

(4)Both E-LSA’s and S-LSA’s may be maintained by A&P’s and repairmen qualified by an FAA accepted 120 hour course to become “Light Sport Repairman-Maintenance” (LSRM). The aircraft manufacturer (and engine manufacturer) may levy additional requirements that carry the weight of law. E-LSA’s may be maintained by their owners. S-LSA owners may qualify under FAR Part 43 to do preventative maintenance if the manufacturer also allows it.

(5)For S-LSA, the engine or airframe manufacturer can set operating limitations as well.

(6)TSO equipment is not required for S-LSA. Any equipment or add-ons the manufacturers approve may be utilized. Manufacturer approval is usually granted by a Letter of Approval (LOA). Some manufacturers have “standard” LOA’s for some equipment and aircraft lines.

(7)S-LSA’s can be used for flight training, lease back, and rental. E-LSA’s can be used to train their owners but not rented out or used for other training.

Standard Category Aircraft that fit the Light Sport Definition

From the AOPA website:

Aeronca
•Aeronca C
•Aeronca C-2
•Aeronca C-3
•Aeronca PC-3
•Aeronca CF
•Aeronca K
•Aeronca KC
•Aeronca KF
•Aeronca KM
•Aeronca KS
•Aeronca 50-C
•Aeronca 50-TC
•Aeronca 50-TL
•Aeronca S-50-C
•Aeronca 50-F
•Aeronca 7AC
•Aeronca 7BCM
•Aeronca 7CCM
•Aeronca 7DC
•Aeronca L-3J
•Aeronca L-16A
•Aeronca 60-TF
•Aeronca 65-C
•Aeronca 65-C
•Aeronca 65-CA
•Aeronca 65-TC
•Aeronca 65-TF
•Aeronca 65-TL
•Aeronca 65-TAF
•Aeronca 65-TAL
•Aeronca YO-58
•Aeronca 11AC
•Aeronca 11BC
•Aeronca 058A/B
Ercoupe
•Ercoupe 415C
•Ercoupe 415CD
Interstate
•Interstate S-1A
•Interstate S-1A-65F
•Interstate S-1A-85F
•Interstate 90F / Luscombe
•Luscombe 8
•Luscombe 8A
•Luscombe 8B
•Luscombe 8C
•Luscombe 8D
Piper
•Piper J2
•Piper J3
•Piper J-3C-65S
•Piper J3-50S
•Piper J3V-65
•Piper J4
•Piper J-4F
•Piper PA 11
•Piper PA 15
•Piper PA 17
Porterfield
•Porterfield 40
•Porterfield 50
•Porterfield 55
•Porterfield 65
Taylorcraft
•Taylorcraft BC
•Taylorcraft BCS
•Taylorcraft BC-65
•Taylorcraft BC12-65
•Taylorcraft BC12-D
•Taylorcraft BC12-D1
•Taylorcraft BF
•Taylorcraft BF-60
•Taylorcraft BF-65
•Taylorcraft BF12-6
•Taylorcraft BLS
•Taylorcraft BL12-65
•Taylorcraft A
•Taylorcraft L-2F

See the EAA website listing for additional information at:

For additional information on Light Sport:

AOPA Light Sport website:

EAA Sport Pilot website:

The Flight Blog: