The Term Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) Is A Description Of An Aircraft, Not A Specific Type Of Aircraft Airworthiness Certification

Anyone that holds a sport pilot certificate, or anyone that is exercising sport pilot privileges, is limited to flying an aircraft defined as a light sport aircraft. If a pilot is not limited to sport pilot privileges, an LSA may be a perfect choice for an aircraft, but it’s not a required choice. LSA is a definition of an aircraft and is not necessarily related to the aircraft airworthiness certificate.

The definition of a light sport aircraft is found in the Federal Aviation Regulations 14 CFR Part 1. Here is an abridged version of that definition.

• A maximum takeoff weight of not more than 1,320 pounds for aircraft not intended for operation on water; or 1,430 pounds for an aircraft intended for operation on water.
• A maximum airspeed in level flight with maximum continuous power of not more than 120 knots.
• A maximum stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed without the use of lift-enhancing devices of not more than 45 knots at the aircraft's maximum certificated takeoff weight.
• A maximum seating capacity of two persons, including the pilot.
• A single, reciprocating engine, if powered.
• A fixed-pitch propeller or ground-adjustable propeller.
• A fixed-pitch, semi-rigid, teetering, two-blade rotor system, if a gyroplane.
• A non-pressurized cabin, if equipped with a cabin.
• Fixed landing gear, except for an aircraft intended for operation on water or a glider.

Any aircraft the fits this description is okay for a sport pilot and is simply referred to as an LSA. However, the type of FAA airworthiness certificate the aircraft holds can make a difference in the ownership of the aircraft. The most common LSA certificated categories you will be considering as candidates for owning are:

• An FAA Standard airworthiness certificate such as a Cub, Champ, Ercoupe, or some other “classic.”
• A special light sport aircraft (S-LSA) airworthiness certificate that is issued under the new light sport rules.
• An experimental airworthiness certificate that could come in several sub categories that have different operating limitations.

Any one of these aircraft types may have pros and cons to ownership but they all could qualify for sport pilot operation. Make sure you understand the ownership and airworthiness requirements the LSA aircraft you’re considering owning.

(Image from File - The Aeronca Champ has a standard airworthiness certificate but it qualifies as an LSA)

FMI: www.faa.gov/regulations_policies