WHAT IS LIGHT SPORT?
WHAT IS A LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT?
The FAA has defined light-sport aircraft as simple-to-operate, easy-to-fly aircraft that, since initial certification, have continued to meet the following performance definitions:
A Light Sport Aircraft has:
- a maximum gross weight of 1,320 lbs (1,430 for a seaplane)
- an unpressurized cabin
- a maximum stall speed of 51 mph
- a fixed or ground adjustable propeller
- maximum speed in level flight with maximum power of 138 mph
- a single, reciprocating engine
- one or two seats and can carry only one passenger along with the pilot
- a fixed landing gear
A light sport aircraft also has limitations on where it can fly, and how high it can fly. (See FAR 61.315)
The biggest advantage of light sport aircraft though is you don't need a medical exam to fly one and the cost for training and owning one is 1/2 that of owning and learning to fly a General Aviation Aircraft.
In addition to fixed-wing airplanes, the definition of a light-sport aircraft also includes powered parachutes, weight-shift control aircraft (i.e., Trikes), balloons, airships, gliders, and gyroplanes.
Any aircraft that meets the definition of a light-sport aircraft is eligible to be flown by a sport pilot. And you can be that pilot, flying a Light Sport Airplane in Prosser, or getting Powered Parachute Instruction in Prosser.