By all the usual parameters, people are turning to the new light sport aircraft (LSA) category and its accompanying sport pilot certificate in large numbers. Both apparently are having a favorable, if perhaps modest, impact on private flying in the U.S. The new aircraft category has translated into options and a new airman certification scheme so far posting some formidable numbers: About 60 new S-LSA Dave Higdon
Safe LSA Transitions
By all the usual parameters, people are turning to the new light sport aircraft (LSA) category and its accompanying sport pilot certificate in large numbers. Both apparently are having a favorable, if perhaps modest, impact on private flying in the U.S. The new aircraft category has translated into options and a new airman certification scheme so far posting some formidable numbers: About 60 new S-LSA types-special light sport aircraft, a factory-built, ready-to-fly machine-have been approved by the FAA under industry-developed consensus standards as of November 2007. Nearly 1100 new S-LSAs were registered through the same period. And, according to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), as of July 2007 when association Vice President Earl Lawrence delivered a three-year report on the movement, 2100 new sport pilot certificates had been issued, along with 232 sport pilot instructor certificates and 240 examiners. Not too shabby, considering the FAA didnt publish the final sport pilot rule until August 2004; it was April 2005 before the first S-LSA won approval from the FAA.
Key Takeaways:
- The Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category and sport pilot certificate are rapidly growing, offering a more economical and accessible option for private flying, especially appealing for pilots who wish to fly without a traditional FAA medical certificate (under specific conditions).
- Existing private pilots (or higher) can easily transition to LSAs, often only needing specific endorsements for aircraft differences, and can exercise additional privileges (like night or IFR flight) in appropriately equipped LSAs if they maintain a current medical certificate, which sport pilots cannot.
- LSAs are certified under industry-developed ASTM standards, which are comparable to traditional FAA Part 23 requirements, and require specific maintenance procedures, emphasizing the importance of understanding the new regulatory framework for safe operation.
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