Light Sport Aircraft Regulations

For the Student

• A pilot can exercise the privilege of flying light sport aircraft, by producing a valid driver's license without undergoing a medical exam. In this case, however, any physical limitation, such as a requirement for eyeglasses, also applies to operating the airplane. Additionally, a student must apply for and carry an FAA student ticket and undergo formal flight and written training.

Course of Training

• The pilot must participate in a minimum of 20 hours with 15 hours dual flying, along with 5 hours of solo flight. The program must include: two hours of cross-country flight training; 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop; one 75-mile cross-country, with one leg extending at least 25 miles and two landings to a full stop; and either three hours ground training with an instructor or complete a home-study course.

A Pilot May/May Not

• FAA Part 61 lists all necessary pilot requirements while operating an LSA. However, here are some of the more important things that can and can't be done:

  Share the operating expenses.
  The pilot may not act as pilot in command carrying a passenger for compensation
  A pilot cannot fly at an altitude higher than 10,000 feet.
  A pilot must use visual reference to the surface.
  A pilot cannot contravene any limitation, or endorsement on your pilot certificate, airman medical certificate, U.S. driver's license, or any other limitation or logbook endorsement.
  A pilot may not operate a Light Sport Aircraft while towing any object.

What Kind of Airplanes

• There are currently more than 21,000 Light Sport Aircraft certificated. Here are some of the more well-known manufacturers:

  Piper--J-2 and J-3
  Aeronca--Champ
  Luscombe--8, 8A, 8B and 8C
  Taylorcraft--BC, BCS and BC-65
  Ercoupe--415C and 415 CD
  KitFox

Baseline Aircraft Requirements

• Here is a partial list of the major operating limitations for Light Sport Aircraft:

  An aircraft cannot weigh more than 1,320 pounds maximum takeoff weight.
  An aircraft cannot attain a speed of more than 120 knots.
  Maximum seating is two persons, including the pilot.
  A single, reciprocating engine is required.
  A fixed or ground-adjustable propeller is required (no variable pitch).
  A aircraft must be non-pressurized.
  An aircraft must carry fixed landing gear.