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Basic Parameters of the Certification of Aircraft and Airmen for the Operation of Light-Sport Aircraft
Rule This is a synopsis of the definition
of a light-sport aircraft category, the requirements to obtain a sport pilot certificate, and requirements to
obtain a repairman certificate with a maintenance or inspection rating. For more complete details, see EAA's final
analysis of the rule. Light-Sport Aircraft:
- Maximum gross takeoff weight-1,320 lbs (599 kg.), 1,430
lbs. if float equipped.
- Lighter-than-air light-sport aircraft
maximum gross weight-660 lbs (300 kg.)
- Maximum stall speed-51 mph
(45 knots)
- Maximum speed in level flight with maximum continuous
power (Vh)-138 mph (120 knots)
- Two-place maximum (pilot
and one passenger)
- Day VFR operation only (unless
the aircraft is equipped per FAR 91.209 and the pilot holds at least a Private Pilot certificate).
- Single, non-turbine engine only
- Fixed or ground adjustable
propeller
- Un-pressurized cabin
- Fixed
landing gear
- Repositionable landing gear for seaplanes allowing the wheels
to be rotated for amphibious operation.
- Can be manufactured and sold
ready-to-fly under a new Special Light-Sport aircraft certification without FAR Part 23 compliance. Aircraft must
meet ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials, Int'l) consensus standards. Aircraft under this
certification may be used for sport and recreation, flight training, and aircraft rental.
- Can be licensed Light-Sport Aircraft Experimental 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 Light-Sport Aircraft Experimental if it was kit- or plans-built and operated
as an ultralight trainers. Application must be submitted within 36 months after the effective date of
the rule.
- Will have FAA registration-"N" number.
- Aircraft category and class includes: Airplane (Land/Sea), Gyroplane, Airship, Balloon, Weight-Shift-Control
(Trike Land/Sea), 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, that airworthiness certification
category will not be changed to a light-sport aircraft. 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.
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 controlled (e.g. Trikes)
The Sport Pilot Rule: - Creates a new student sport pilot certificate for operating
any aircraft that meet the definition of a light-sport aircraft.
- Creates a new sport pilot certificate
for operating any aircraft that meet the definition of a light-sport aircraft.
- Creates a new sport
pilot instructor certificate.
Requires FAA knowledge (written) and practical (flight) test.
- Credits ultralight training and experience toward a sport pilot certificate.
- 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 does not have an official denial or revocation of medical
eligibility on file with FAA).
- Does not allow carrying passengers for compensation or hire.
- Allows sharing ("pro-rata") operating expenses with another pilot.
- Allows day
VFR flight only.
- Allow sport pilots to fly vintage and production aircraft (standard
airworthiness certificate) that meet the definition of a light-sport aircraft.
Sport Pilot Instructors:
The new sport pilot/light-sport aircraft rule: - Creates new sport pilot flight and ground instructor certificates.
- Allows instructors
to use ultralight exemption experience.
- Allows conversion to sport pilot instructor status for ultralight
instructors.
- Allows current CFI's to train sport pilots.
Repairmen Certificates
The sport pilot/light-sport aircraft rule creates a new Repairmen Light-Sport Aircraft certificate-with either a maintenance
or inspection rating. To obtain such a repairman certificate, you must demonstrate a skill level sufficient to
determine the aircraft is in a condition enabling safe flight, and
- for a Inspection rating-complete a 16 hour course on the
inspection requirements of the particular class of light-sport aircraft;
- for a Maintenance rating-complete
a course - 120 hours (airplane category); 104 hours (weight shift or powered parachute);
80 hours (glider or lighter-than-air) -- on the maintenance requirements of the particular
class of light-sport aircraft.
Other LSA Maintenance Options
Maintenance--including all inspections on special
light-sport airworthiness certificated aircraft--can be completed by:
- An appropriately rated mechanic-that is, A&P, IA
- An appropriately
rated repair station;
- A repairman (light-sport aircraft) with a maintenance rating, or
- A
certificated pilot (Sport Pilot rating or higher) may perform preventative maintenance.
Maintenance--including all inspections on experimental
light-sport airworthiness certificated aircraft--can be completed by:
- An appropriately rated mechanic-that is, A&P, IA
- An appropriately
rated repair station; or
- A repairman (light-sport aircraft) with a maintenance rating;
To perform inspections on your
own aircraft, you must have a repairman's certificate (light-sport aircraft) with an inspection rating. More extensive training
can lead to a general repairman's certificate (similar to IA, inspection authorization) for operations such
as dealers, manufacturers, etc.
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