FAA's Official Statement

The FAA has "issued new certification requirements for light- sport aircraft, pilots and repairmen that will make recreational flying safer while keeping it affordable and fun."

The FAA has created two new aircraft airworthiness certificates: one for special light-sport aircraft, which may be used for personal as well as for compensation while conducting flight training, rental or towing; and a separate certificate for experimental light-sport aircraft, which may be used only for personal use. The rule also establishes requirements for maintenance, inspections, pilot training and certification.

The FAA worked with the general aviation community to create a final rule that sets safety standards for the 15,000 people who will now earn FAA certificates to operate more than 15,000 existing uncertificated ultralight-like aircraft. Another 12,000 pilots and new aircraft will be certificated over the next 10 years.

Because the new rules will help keep recreational flying affordable, the agency expects the return of thousands of pilots who left aviation because of high costs. The rule’s safety requirements should also give this segment of the general aviation community better access to insurance, financing, and airports.

“We want to make aviation safe and affordable for recreational pilots,” said FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey (right). “This sport pilot, light-sport aircraft rule reduces the barriers to becoming a pilot and an aircraft owner while assuring that safety will always be the priority.

READ The Full Text Of The Rule--Click Here

FMI: www.faa.gov