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Light Sport Aircraft and the Sport Pilot License

Recently, the FAA has introduced a whole new classification of aircraft called Light Sport Aircraft, or LSA for short - not to be confused with Ultralight Aircraft, which is totally separate from LSA.

Aircraft which qualify as LSA may be operated by holders of the new FAA Sport Pilot License and is a great less costly way for those desiring to learn to fly to earn their wings!

The FAA defines a light sport aircraft as an aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of less than 1320 pounds for aircraft designed to operate from land or 1,430 pounds for seaplanes; a maximum airspeed in level flight of 120 knots (138 mph); a maximum stall speed of 45 knots (52 mph); either one or two seats; fixed undercarriage and fixed-pitch or ground adjustable propeller; and a single reciprocating engine.

Pilots with a Sport Pilot License as well as holders of private pilot, recreational pilot, or higher pilot certificate may also fly LSA, even if their medical certificates have expired, so long as they have a valid driver's license to prove that they are in good enough health to fly. LSA also have less restrictive maintenance requirements and may be maintained and inspected by traditionally certificated Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, by individuals holding a Repairman: Light Sport certificate, and (in some cases) by their pilots and/or owners.


Sport Pilot License Privileges and Requirements

Sport Pilots can fly Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) which are one and two passenger airplanes, which can be factory built or home built experimental aircraft. A Light Sport Aircraft can have a maximum gross weight of 1,320 pounds, a maximum speed in level flight of 120 knots (138 mph) and a single engine with a maximum of 100 horsepower.

Sport pilots can operate as pilot in command of a Light Sport Aircraft, carry one passenger, fly during the daytime in visual weather conditions, fly cross-country anywhere in the US and fly up to 10,000 feet above sea level.

Training and Certification Requirements

In order to obtain a Sport Pilot License, the following training requirements must be met:

  • At least 17 years of age.
  • Valid state driver's license.
  • Proficient in the English language.
  • Be able to affirm general good health and not using substances or medications that impede judgment, cognition, or motor skills.
  • Pass an Aeronautical Knowledge Exam.
  • Log at least 20 hours of total flight time.
  • Receive at least 15 hours of flight instruction from an authorized flight instructor.
  • Log at least 5 hours of solo flight training.
  • At least 2 hours of cross-country flight training.
  • One solo flight of at least 75 nautical miles with landings at a minimum of two points.
  • Pass the Practical Test.

The Knowledge Exam

You will have to pass a knowledge exam or "written test" as part of achieving your sport pilot certificate. You may take the test at any time during your flight training, or up to two years in advance of completing your training. There are many resources available to help you prepare for the written including DVD based course-ware and books such as Gleim's Sport Pilot FAA Knowledge Test Prep book. All of these resources are fairly readily available at your local FBO or on the web.

Student Sport Pilot Certificate

Before you can start the solo phase of your flight training, you will need a Student Sport Pilot Certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). You may obtain one of these Student Sport Pilot Certificates from the nearest FAA Flight Standards District Office or an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. Ask your flight instructor where you can obtain a Student Sport Pilot Certificate.

Cross-Country Flight Training

An important part of your flight training will be making a "trip" in the airplane. That is, you will depart from one airport and land at another airport before returning to your home field. This exercise will ensure your ability to fly and navigate. Your flight instructor will oversee each cross country flight.

The Practical Test or "Check-Ride"

Once you have completed all of the required flight training and your flight instructor is satisfied that your training is complete, you will need to pass a Practical Test, better known as a "check-ride".
The check-ride is divided into two parts; the oral exam followed by a flight test in the airplane. Both of which you must pass to obtain your sport pilot certificate. You must take your check ride with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner who will evaluate your flying abilities to ensure that your flying meets or exceeds the FAA's Practical Test Standards.

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