Light-Sport Aircraft

FAA has released a new aircraft category called "Light-Sport Aircraft" which it defines as "simple, low-performance aircraft that are limited to 1,320 pounds maximum takeoff weight (1,430 pounds for seaplanes), two occupants, a single non-turbine powered engine, stall speed of 45 knots (52 mph), maximum airspeed of 120 knots (138 mph), fixed pitch propeller and fixed landing gear ('repostionable gear' for amphibious aircraft is allowed)."

Aircraft categories include fixed-wing airplanes, weight-shift-control aircraft, powered parachutes, gyroplanes, gliders, balloons and airships. Due to their complexity, helicopters and powered-lifts are not covered by the proposed rule.

Two New Airworthiness Certificates Are Established

A new Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft airworthiness certificate for new kits (meeting airworthiness consensus standards) and existing aircraft that do not meet the requirements of Part 103 (ultralight vehicles) of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Kits assembled under this category would not be required to meet the Amateur-Built 51% regulation. Note: There are no proposed changes to the existing Experimental, Amateur-Built 51% regulation.
New Special Light-Sport Aircraft airworthiness certificates for light-sport aircraft that meet an airworthiness consensus standard developed by industry. These planes will be sold to pilots ready-to-fly, and can also be used for training and rentals.

Current "fat" ultralights and 2-seat ultralight trainers can transition to Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft status within 36 months of the issuance of the Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft regulation (issuance date September 1, 2004). Your plane needs to be inspected by an authorized inspector and issued an airworthiness certificate. Information on this procedure is available from your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or from the United States Ultralight Association: (301) 695-9100.