Light-sport aircraft
Light-sport aircraft, or
LSA, is a classification of
aircraft in the
United States. The
Federal Aviation Administration defines a light-sport aircraft as an aircraft with a maximum gross takeoff weight of less than 600 kilograms (1320 pounds; with some exceptions for
seaplanes), a maximum airspeed in level flight of 120
knots (222 km/h), either one or two seats, a fixed-pitch or ground adjustable
propeller, and a single
reciprocating engine, which includes
diesel engines and
Wankel engines. These aircraft require only a
sport pilot certificate, not a private or recreational
pilot certificate as with other certificated aircraft.
The U.S. definition of an LSA is similar to most other countries' definitition of "microlight" or "
ultralight" aircraft. These definitions are typically less restrictive, not limiting airspeed or the use of
variable-pitch propellers. The FAA also has its own definition of
ultralight aircraft which is much more restrictive and does not have an equivalent in some other countries. Please note that these requirements exceed the requirements necessary for an Ultralight aircraft in the United States and therefore many LSA-certified aircraft are too heavy to be flown under the rules governing Ultralights, although Ultralights can be flown under the rules governing Light Sport Aircraft.
Certain certificated aircraft, such as the original
Piper Cub, meet the definition of light-sport aircraft, and can be operated by sport pilots.
Several designers and manufacturers of
experimental aircraft kits are working to develop models that are compliant with the light-sport aircraft rules.
* Experimental Aircraft Association, Inc.'s (EAA)
Sport Pilot and Light Sport Aircraft page
* Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association's (AOPA)
Sport Pilot and Light Sport Aircraft page
*
Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (LAMA)
* FAA
Light Sport Aircraft link
