Sport Pilot: Luscombes, LSA at night, Medicals

FLYING Staff

Friday, December 24, 2010 at 07:12 AM ET

Verified

Luscombe 8A

Key Takeaways:

Sport pilots are restricted to Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) with a maximum gross weight of 1,320 pounds, meaning aircraft like the Luscombe 8E (1,400 lbs) are not eligible.
An existing Single Engine Land (SEL) certified pilot with a current medical can legally fly an E-LSA aircraft at night if it is properly equipped for night flight and all applicable FARs (e.g., 91.205, 91.209) and operating limitations are followed.
A pilot can operate as a sport pilot using a driver's license even after a past FAA medical failure, provided their *most recent* application for an FAA medical certificate was successful, allowing them to let it lapse and fly under sport pilot privileges.

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Q: I would like to get my Sport Pilot Certificate and have a lot of questions about the training requirements. But first, I have an opportunity to purchase a Luscombe 8E. Can a sport pilot fly this airplane?

A: Congratulations on your goal to become a sport pilot! But don’t buy the Luscombe 8E. Other Luscombe models meet the definition of a light-sport aircraft, including the 8, 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D. The 8E is certificated at a maximum gross weight of 1,400 pounds, and the weight limit for an LSA is 1,320 pounds. For more information about becoming a sport pilot, visit EAA’s sport pilot website at sportpilot.org.