LSA Manufacturers

Some confusion exists in the aviation marketplace regarding the use of special light-sport aircraft (S-LSA) for flying at night and/or under instrument flight rules (IFR). The ASTM consensus standards that govern the manufacture and production of S-LSA specifically address day/visual flight rules (VFR) operations only.

First, sport pilots, or those exercising sport pilot privileges, are restricted from flying at night or in IFR conditions, so they may not operate an S-LSA, or any aircraft, at those times.

Other properly rated pilots may fly an S-LSA in those conditions if allowed per the aircraft's operating limitations and if it is equipped per FAR 91.205. Additionally, FAR 91.327(d) requires all S-LSA to be operated in accordance with the aircraft's operating instructions. An aircraft's operating instructions are different from operating limitations; operating instructions are issued by manufacturers-engine, airframe, and accessory-while operating limitations are issued by the FAA.

Many S-LSA are equipped with Rotax engines. Rotax's operating instructions prohibit the use of a Rotax engine at night or in IFR conditions unless it is the FAA type-certificated engine; that is, certificated to FAR Part 33. Rotax's non-certificated engines are indicated by the letters "UL" after the engine series number; for example, 912UL, 912ULS, and 914UL.

Additionally, S-LSA airframe and engine manufacturers may place restrictions against the use of their aircraft and/or engines for night/IFR operations. For example, other S-LSA are powered by Jabiru engines; these engines are certificated to JAR-22H and are limited to day/VFR operation.

Bottom line: some S-LSA can be equipped for night and IFR operation; be sure to tell the manufacturer/dealer if your intent is to operate the aircraft under those conditions...and make sure you have the proper ratings.

For more information, call EAA's Aviation Service at 888/EAA-INFO (322-4636) or e-mail .

FAA's Sport Pilot / Light Sport Aircraft (LSA)

AOPA Frequently Asked Questions About Sport Pilot - VFR-NIGHT-IFR

SPORT PILOT / LIGHT-SPORT AIRCRAFT RULE

• Click here for a synopsis of the final rules (from EAA)

QUICK ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
The following from EAA is a collection of brief answers to some of the more common Sport Pilot questions:

• Gross weight = 1, 320 pounds (600 kilograms)
• Max Continuous Full Power Speed = 120 knots (138 mph)
• Stall Speed = 45 knots (52 mph) no more dual stall speeds
• Two Place - pilot and one passenger
• Day VFR
• Driver's License Medical Approved - however, if you have received a letter with the word "denied" from FAA, not from your doctor, you must get a one-time special issuance or FAA authorization. Even if you have been denied in the past, you can try again for special issuance (medicines have changed, for example).
• Rule Effective Date = SEPTEMBER 1, 2004

More Details:

Gleim Publications now offers a Sport Pilot Kit designed to help expedite training for the sport pilot certificate. They offer a complete training program at an affordable price, with user-friendly self-study materials that are carefully designed to make it easy to learn and understand.
The Sport Pilot Kit contains everything you need (except airplane and instructor).

The "sport pilot certificate" varies from existing private pilot certificates significantly including:

1. Requires only 20 hours of flight instruction as compared to 40 hours for private pilot.

2. Limits sport pilots to flying low performance airplanes: maximum weight 1320 lbs, maximum stall speed 45 knots, maximum speed 120 knots, fixed landing gear, and a fixed pitch propeller.

The objective is to make the thrill, satisfaction, and excitement of aviation available to more people by reducing the complexity and cost.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Sport Flying
by Dan Ramsey, Earl Downs, forwarded by Tom Poberezny The FAA's new sport flying license will let people earn their wings for a fraction of the time and cost of a traditional license. The Complete Idiots Guide to Sport Flying introduces this new field of flying to consumers, and shows you how to fly smartoffering tips on how to get more flying fun for less money.