The Term ‘Sport Plane’ Is Generally Associated With Sport Pilots, But Sport Flying Has Nothing To Do With The Pilot License

When you look up the definition of Light Sport Aircraft in FAR 1, it does a good job of giving you a lot of numbers and facts to describe exactly what it means. However, it doesn’t mention anything about how the word sport can also be synonymous with the word fun.

While at EAA AirVenture we looked at a little airplane called the SkyCraft SD1 Minisport. It’s one of those airplanes you just can’t walk past. It’s diminutive, sporty looking, and as cute as a bug’s ear. The SkyCraft Airplanes Company, located in Provo, Utah has filed its Special-Light Sport aircraft compliance form and expects the FAA to complete its audit soon. This means they are on the road to being able to deliver a factory built, single seat, Special-Light Sport aircraft.

This sporty looking composite airplane definitely falls under the definition as being small, but the cockpit looks like it has plenty of room. Powered by a Hirth F-23 engine, it can cruise at nearly 120 miles per hour while burning only 2.1 gallons of fuel per hour. The Hirth is a German built 2-cycle engine that can provide a safe four hour flight on the 9.7 gallons of fuel on board.

The airplane has been designed for the wings to be easily removed for storage if desired, and SkyCraft also produces a trailer for the purpose of transporting the plane. The word lightweight certainly applies to the SkyCraft Minisport because its maximum takeoff weight is only 580 pounds.

While this little airplane can be used as a traveling machine, let’s face it; this one was built for sport.

(Image provided by SkyCraft)

FMI: www.skycraftairplanes.com