WHAT IS LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT or LSA
The FAA defines a Light Sport Aircraft as an aircraft, other than a helicopter or powered-lift that, since its original certification, has continued to meet the following:
Maximum gross takeoff weight—1,320 lbs, or 1,430 lbs for seaplanes.
Lighter-than-air maximum gross weight—660 lbs (300 kg.)
Maximum stall speed—51 mph (45 knots)
Maximum speed in level flight with maximum continuous power (Vh)—138 mph (120 knots)
Single or two-seat aircraft only
Single, reciprocating engine (if powered), including rotary or diesel engines
Fixed or ground-adjustable propeller
Unpressurized cabin
Fixed landing gear, except for an aircraft intended for operation on water or a glider
Can be manufactured and sold ready-to-fly under a new Special Light-Sport aircraft certification category. Aircraft must meet industry consensus standards. Aircraft under this certification may be used for sport and recreation, flight training, and aircraft rental.
Can be licensed Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft (E-LSA) if kit- or plans-built. Aircraft under this certification may be used only for sport and recreation and flight instruction for the owner of the aircraft.
Will have FAA registration (N-number).
Aircraft category and class includes: Airplane (Land/Sea), Gyroplane, Airship, Balloon, Weight-Shift-Control (“Trike” Land/Sea), and Powered Parachute.
U.S. or foreign manufacture of light-sport aircraft is authorized.
Aircraft with a standard airworthiness certificate that meet above specifications may be flown by sport pilots. However, the aircraft must remain in standard category and cannot be changed to light-sport aircraft category. Holders of a sport pilot certificate may fly an aircraft with a standard airworthiness certificate if it meets the definition of a light-sport aircraft.
May be operated at night if the aircraft is equipped per FAR 91.205, if such operations are allowed by the aircraft’s operating limitations and the pilot holds at least a Private Pilot certificate and a minimum of a third-class medical.
SPORT PILOT – REQUIREMENTS
Becoming a Sport Pilot typically involves between 20 and 40 hours of flight training, some ground training, and passing two tests. The law requires you must have at least 20 flight hours, but passing in such a short time is fairly unusual; the national average is around 30 hours. You might spend anywher from a month to several months to obtain the license depending on your other commitments; In the region of two to three months is typical if you’re working a full-time job and have a family. Most of your flight hours will be with an instructor, but part-way through your training, you will start to fly solo–entirely by yourself. The first solo flight is a great event in every pilot’s career, regardless of whether that pilot becomes a military, airline, or other professional, or just flies for fun.
The tests are carefully controlled for fairness and consistency, and if you’re a safe and competent pilot, properly prepared by your instructor, you should pass easily. One test is a multiple choice format, while the other is a practical test, often called the “checkride.” In the practical test, your examiner will ask you oral questions, and take you flying to determine if your skills are up to the required standards.
SPORT PILOT LICENSE COURSE – COSTS
The cost of obtaining your Sport Pilot License is made up of airplane rental, instructor time, books and other study materials, pilot supplies, and the test fees. Obviously the final cost depends heavily on how many lessons you find you need before you’re ready to take the tests. Another significant variable is the airplane you decide to fly while learning. Many people choose to fly a Remos GX while they’re pursuing a Sport Pilot license, and that will typically cost $95-$125 per hour to rent, with fuel, depending on the type of aircraft and its equipment . Expect your instructor fee in the region of $40 to $55/hour. You can minimize the costs of “ground school” by studying the books by yourself as much as possible and turning up to each lesson well prepared. We also provide you an online course with videos and presentations of the lessons, which you can watch and learn from home.
For a reasonably realistic working budget you should consider airplane and instructor time, add perhaps $400 for books and materials, another $150~$300 for a headset (you’ll probably want your own) and charts, and about $500 for the exam fees. The costs are spread over the time you take to complete your license, so typically expect to be paying this total over eight to twelve months. Budget for a regular monthly outgoing based on the amount you can afford, and schedule your flight time limited by that and what your lifestyle will allow. Look on this as a journey, rather than a single achievement, as you’ll presumably want to continue flying after you have been awarded your pilot certificate.
