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Sport Pilot and Light Sport Aircraft Rules

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Key Takeaways:

  • The FAA has introduced new Sport Pilot and Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) rules, which are being gradually implemented, involving training personnel and the development of new aircraft.
  • The Sport Pilot certificate is designed to be more accessible, requiring less training time (e.g., 20 hours) and allowing pilots to use a valid driver's license instead of an FAA medical, with options to upgrade privileges.
  • The LSA category defines specific aircraft types and performance limits, encompassing newly manufactured aircraft (SLSA), kit-built aircraft (ELSA without the 51% rule), and certain existing aircraft, aiming for increased affordability and accessibility.
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The future of sport aviation has arrived, but what does it mean to you?

After more than a decade of work on them, the FAA has finally published the Sport Pilot and Light Sport Aircraft rules. It’s great news for the EAA and other organizations that have championed the new rules. But, what now?

FLYING Staff

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