Questions tagged [light-sport-aircraft]
Light Sport aircraft are simple aircraft, generally limited to two seats, a maximum gross weight of 600kg (1320lbs), and a single piston-powered engine driving a propeller, which may be operated by a pilot holding a Sport Pilot certificate or higher.
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Are there any LSA aircraft that can be flown IFR in IMC?
Are there any LSA aircraft that are IFR certified? A LSA would be the perfect private commuter plane for an instrument rated private pilot.
If not, what are the most cost effective airplanes that are ...
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Do some light sport aircraft have clipped wings to lower their cruise speed?
Light sport aircraft may have a max airspeed in level flight at MCP of 120kts. I have heard that there are some light sport aircraft that have had their wings clipped in order to have a lower cruise ...
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Why do fabric skin constructions not show up much in larger single engine piston aircraft?
I noticed that many ultra-lights use fabric skin but are not seen much in GA aircraft, especially compared to carbon fiber? Many skin makers advertise that it can handle that sort of weight. Is this ...
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I hold both a Sport Pilot License and a Student Pilot certificate. Can I do my BFR in a C-172?
FAR § 61.56.(c).(1) states that every two years I must have
Accomplished a flight review given in an aircraft for which that pilot is rated by an authorized instructor.
The answer to my question ...
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Have there been instances where a LSA manufacturer has been audited?
In theory, the authority to approve an LSA manufacturer and design has the right to audit their testing and work. What I'm interested in how often does this happen in practice, and whether there have ...
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How to land a sports plane with tailwind?
Let's say we have a Cessna 150 or some other lightweight two seater and no chance to land with head wind for whatever reason.
We're trying to land with a constant tailwind of 7 knots.
I would try to ...
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With the new MOSAIC rule, would it allow for me to operate my Cessna 172 as an LSA and install experimental avionics?
I know it's still early with the FAA’s Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, but as it is currently written (August 2023), could I operate my ...
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What is the current state of regulation regarding VTOL aircraft in the LSA category?
With quite a few concept designs in progress, I am curious what the current FAA regulations are regarding vertical takeoff and landing vehicles in the light sport aircraft category.
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Are there any future regulations planned for electric multi-motor LSAs?
It seems with electric control of the multi engine configuration, such as with NASA's new leap tech technology, that there should be a way to use multiple motors in the LSA category. Is there anything ...
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How safe is the Certified Rotax 912 versus the Continental O-200?
I'm thinking of buying a taildragger LSA, many of which have a Rotax engine. Continental and Lycoming are the major suppliers of certified piston aircraft engines, and they are considered to be safe ...
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Why did Cessna use a new design for the C162, instead of updating the C150 design?
As I stare at the ceiling unable to fall asleep, airplanes are on my mind. Failed airplanes. Specifically: the Cessna 162.
I understand that Cessna perceived a need for a two seat trainer. The CEO ...
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What is needed to operate a LSA aircraft at night?
As a PPL holder in the USA, what do I need to have on the aircraft (or otherwise?) in order to be able to legally fly at night? LSAs are much cheaper to operate, so it looks very tempting in order to ...
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Upgrading a Sport license to a Private license - is a new student license necessary to solo non-LSA aircraft?
I hold a sport pilot certificate and a valid third class medical. I'm pursuing a private pilot certificate and receiving training in C172's and C182's, though I also have access to a C162. I was ...
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Under what conditions may a colorblind pilot fly a Light Sport Aircraft legally?
Are pilots of Light Sport Aircraft within the FAA's jurisdiction required to have color vision? Do colorblind LSA pilots have to take the Operational Color Vision Test (OCVT)? Without the requirement ...
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Can one become a CFI with a sport license?
Under FAA can a sport pilot get a cfi endorsement for LSA category only? If so do they need a medical?
Same questions for glider pilots.
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How can a glider pilot add sport pilot privileges?
If I understand the rules correctly, if one already has a Private Pilot rating, then one has Sport Pilot privileges but will need an endorsement for a new category/class of aircraft. What if one has a ...
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Is Sonex a good trainer plane? [closed]
Hello I am thinking about buying a Sonex to start to learn how to fly. I want to know, if it is a good plane to learn in?
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Are Light Sport Aircraft: Certified, Experimental or a third separate category?
Is a Light Sport aircraft considered to be A certified or experimental aircraft? or is Light Sport a completely different third category?
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My medical cert is expired and can I fly as a sport pilot?
I'm CFI and one of my student haven't flown after he got his private pilot license in 1990's and he wanted to fly again. The thing is his medical is expired already and he doesn't fit medical ...
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What are the advantages of the Cri-Cri's tail and fuselage design?
I have some questions regarding the Cri-Cri design. If some of them can't be answered directly, I would like to read what theory says about it.
Why is a T-tail used? What are its advantages for an ...
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Is there much point to getting a sport pilot license if you don't intend to buy a Light Sport Aircraft? [closed]
It seems difficult, if not impossible to rent a Light Sport Aircraft, hence my question. Unless you had a friend with an LSA it wouldn't be much use to hold that license, would it?
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Does a flight training company need to make a copy of my driver's license?
I want to get a Sport Pilot license, but the company that will train me wants to make a copy of my driver's license. I don't mind showing it, but is a copy required?
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Why would the propeller of a lightsport plane or ultralight w/ Rotax engine be connected to the engine through a clutch, and not turn at low rpm?
Why would the propeller of an ultralight or lightsport plane be connected to the engine through a clutch, and not turn at low rpm?
I've often witnessed the engine start of a Bailey-Moyes Dragonfly (...
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How long would the engine of a Tecnam P92 Eaglet run for with the fuel selectors turned off?
I'm wondering about a scenario where a P92 has been flying for at least 30 minutes or so, at say 4,000 RPM and 2,000' AGL at standard temperature (I'm not sure if these details matter). With both ...
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Experiences with LiFePO4 starter batteries in light aircraft or motorized gliders? [closed]
I am interested in real-life experiences to do with using LiFePO4 batteries in light aircraft and motorized gliders compared to standard PbA ones. LiFePO4 seem to be a very attractive alternative to ...
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Why does the FAA SPL require different endorsements depending on cruise speed?
Part 61 section §61.327 requires that sport pilots require separate endorsements for aircraft with a VH below 87 KCAS and aircraft above 87 KCAS.
What is the reason for two separate endorsements and ...
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What is the reason Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) minimum speed is limited? [closed]
I saw an explanation about Icon A5 Light Sport Airplane (LSA), it is said that according to FAA regulation, its stall speed NOT LESS than 45 miles per hour (mph) or around 39.1 knots or around 72 km ...
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On acquiring an aircraft for my own PPL training and later use [closed]
I know that this matter has already been discussed in several other questions but the aircraft under consideration were almost exclusively Piper Warriors or a Cessna 172s which are 40 year old designs ...
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Flight Design CTSW vs Cessna 162 (Light Sport Airplanes) [closed]
I am going to buy a light sport aircraft in next couple of months and trying to make a decision between Flight Design CTSW and Cessna 162.
I have some budget within 50K and want inexpensive plane.
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