Light-sport aircraft

{{Short description|Category of lightweight aircraft that are simple to fly}} {{use dmy dates|date=January 2017}} [[File:Light_Sport_Aircraft.jpg|thumb|upright=1.14|Three types of light sport aircraft. In the foreground, an E-LSA [[Antares USA]] Ranger [[weight-shift control]] [[Ultralight trike|trike]]. In the background, an S-LSA [[Evektor SportStar]] and an L-LSA [[Zlin Aviation]] Savage Cub.]]

A '''light-sport aircraft''' ('''LSA'''), or '''light sport aircraft''', is a category of small, lightweight [[aircraft]] that are simple to fly. LSAs tend to be heavier and more sophisticated than [[ultralight]] (aka "microlight") aircraft, but LSA restrictions on weight and performance separates the category from established [[general aviation|GA]] aircraft. There is no standard worldwide description of an LSA.

==LSAs in different countries== The [[Civil aviation authority|civil aviation authorities]] in different countries have their own particular specifications and regulations which define the LSA category.

For example, in [[Australia]] the [[Civil Aviation Safety Authority]] defines a light-sport aircraft as a heavier-than-air or lighter-than-air craft, other than a helicopter, with a maximum gross takeoff weight of not more than {{cvt|560|kg|lb|0}} for lighter-than-air craft; {{cvt|600|kg|lb|0}} for heavier-than-air craft not intended for operation on water; or {{cvt|650|kg|lb|0}} for aircraft intended for operation on water.<ref name="CASA2140"/> It must have a maximum [[stall (flight)|stall]] speed of {{convert|45|kn}} in landing configuration; a maximum of two seats; there is no limit on maximum speed unless it is a glider, which is limited to Vne 135 kn [[Calibrated airspeed|CAS]]; fixed undercarriage (except for amphibious aircraft, which may have repositionable gear, and gliders, which may have retractable gear); an unpressurized cabin; and a single non-turbine engine driving a [[propeller (aircraft)|propeller]] if it is a powered aircraft.<ref name="CASA2140"/>

In the United States, several distinct groups of aircraft may be flown as light-sport.<ref>[http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/gen_av/light_sport/ FAA]</ref> Existing certificated aircraft and experimental, amateur-built aircraft that fall within the definition listed in [[Federal Aviation Regulations|14CFR1.1]]<ref>[http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=14:1.0.1.1.1&idno=14 14CFR1.1] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111122733/http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=5c87c23ff6ac39e5391d2b5ab0fc5971&rgn=div5&view=text&node=14%3A1.0.1.1.1&idno=14 |date=11 November 2011 }}</ref> are acceptable, as are aircraft built to an industry consensus standard rather than FAA airworthiness requirements. The accepted consensus standard is defined by [[ASTM International]] Technical Committee F37.<ref>[http://www.astm.org/COMMITTEE/F37.htm ASTM]</ref> Aircraft built to the consensus standard may be factory-built and sold with a special airworthiness certification (S-LSA) or may be assembled from a kit under the experimental rules (E-LSA) under experimental airworthiness. A company must have produced and certified at least one S-LSA in order to be permitted to sell E-LSA kits of the same model. E-LSA kits are not subject to the normal experimental amateur built (E-AB) requirement 14 CFR 21.191<ref>[http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2003-title14-vol1/xml/CFR-2003-title14-vol1-sec21-191.xml CFR14.21.191]</ref> which identifies an aircraft, the "major portion of which has been fabricated and assembled by persons who undertook the construction project solely for their own education or recreation."

===United States=== 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:<ref>[https://www.eaa.org/eaa/aviation-interests/light-sport-aircraft/getting-started-in-lsa/become-a-sport-pilot-and-fly-light-sport-aircraft/faa-sport-pilot-rule]</ref>

# Max. gross takeoff weight: {{cvt|1,320|lb|kg}} ({{cvt|1,430|lb|kg}} for seaplanes) # Max. stall speed: {{convert|45|kn}} CAS # Max. speed in level flight (at sea level In the [[U.S. Standard Atmosphere]]): {{convert|120|kn}} CAS # Max. seats: two # Max. engines / motors: one (if powered) # Propeller: fixed-pitch or ground adjustable # Cabin: unpressurized # Fixed-pitch, semi-rigid, teetering, two-blade rotor system, if a gyroplane # Landing gear: fixed (except for seaplanes and gliders)

====Aircraft licensing==== * 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. * Can be licensed ''experimental light sport aircraft'' (E-LSA) if the aircraft has previously been operated as an ultralight but does not meet the FAR Part 103 definition of an ultralight vehicle. These aircraft must have been transitioned to E-LSA category no later than January 31, 2008. * Will have a standard FAA registration - N-number. * Category and class includes: airplane (land/sea), gyroplane, airship, balloon, weight-shift-control ("trike", land/sea), glider, 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. * 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.

====FAA certification==== Several different kinds of aircraft may be certificated as LSA. Airplanes (both powered and [[Glider aircraft|gliders]]), [[rotorcraft]] ([[gyroplane]]s only, not [[helicopter]]s), [[powered parachute]]s, [[weight-shift control]] aeroplanes (commonly known as trikes), and [[aerostat|lighter-than-air craft]] (free [[balloon (aircraft)|balloons]] and [[airship]]s) may all be certificated as LSA if they fall within the weight and other guidelines established by the local governing authority.

The US definition of an LSA is similar to some other countries' definition of "[[microlight]]" or "[[ultralight]]" aircraft. Other countries' microlight definitions are typically less restrictive, not limiting airspeed, the use of [[Variable-pitch propeller (aeronautics)|variable-pitch propellers]], or the {{convert|1320|lbs}} gross weight limitation.

By contrast, the US FAA has a separate definition of ultralight aircraft defined in [[Federal Aviation Regulations]]. Aircraft falling within the US ultralight specifications are extremely lightweight (less than 254 pounds if powered, or 155 pounds if unpowered), are intended for operation by a single occupant, have a fuel capacity of five US gallons (about 19 litres) or less, a maximum [[calibrated airspeed]] of not more than {{convert|55|kn}}, and a maximum stall speed of not more than {{convert|24|kn}}. [[Ultralight aircraft (United States)|Ultralight aircraft in the US]] do not require pilot licensing, medical certification, or [[aircraft registration]].

Aircraft certified as light-sport aircraft exceed the limitations defined for ultralight aircraft and require that the pilot possess, at a minimum, a [[sport pilot]] certificate. Among these aircraft were found those that were specifically designed to meet the LSA requirements, as well as overweight ultralights (commonly known as "fat ultralights") that previously were operated in technical violation of 14 CFR 103.

In addition to aircraft specifically designed to meet the LSA requirements, certain certificated aircraft, such as the original [[Piper Cub]], happen to fall within the definition of a light-sport aircraft and can be operated by individuals holding FAA sport pilot certificates. The aircraft can not be re-certificated as LSA, however: although sport pilots may operate conventionally certificated aircraft that fall within the definition of an LSA, the aircraft themselves continue to be certificated in their original categories.

Several designers and manufacturers of [[experimental aircraft]] kits have developed models that are compliant with the light-sport aircraft rules.

In June 2012 the FAA indicated that they would re-visit the LSA program after their own studies indicated that "the majority" of LSA manufacturers they had inspected failed to show that they were in compliance with the standards. The FAA announcement said that as a result the "original policy of reliance on manufacturers' Statements of Compliance" ... "should be reconsidered."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/slsa_faa_reconsider_aircraft_certification_206902-1.html|title=FAA: SLSA Certification Should Be Reconsidered|access-date=2 July 2012|last=Pew|first=Glenn|date=29 June 2012|work=AVweb}}</ref> [[AOPA]] points out that this is a normal development of a maturing standard<ref>[http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/articles/2012/120705faa-plans-greater-role-in-lsa-certification.html AOPA 2012] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710154328/http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/articles/2012/120705faa-plans-greater-role-in-lsa-certification.html |date=10 July 2012 }}</ref> and does not expect any significant changes in the rules, only more scrutiny by FAA to assure compliance.

The FAA announced on July 24, 2023, that it was considering expanding the Light Sport Aircraft category to incorporate the development of emerging technologies, in particular electrically powered rotorcraft.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aviationtoday.com/2023/12/05/faas-mosiac-rule-change-could-pave-way-for-ultralight-evtol-certification/|title=FAA's {{sic|MOS|IAC|hide=y}} Rule Change Could Pave Way For Ultralight, eVTOL Certification|access-date=17 December 2023|last=Host|first=Pat|date=5 December 2023|work=Avionics International}}</ref>

==== LSA under the new MOSAIC spectrum ==== The LSA category will be drastically expanded with the introduction of MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification). Among the main changes is the elimination of the current limitation on maximum weight, based on parameters related to stall speed, which will be 61 knots with the aircraft in landing configuration or with fixed or automatic high-lift devices (instead of the previous 45 knots). This will allow for larger aircraft with up to 4 seats thus enabling increased safety margins, durability, and comfort for new aircraft certified under this new standard. Currently, MOSAIC has been entered into the Federal Register on July 22, 2025. This final rule is effective October 22, 2025, except for amendatory instructions 3, 8, 9, 13, 15, 17, 21, 23 through 26, 71, 72, 75, 76, and 80, which are effective July 24, 2026.<ref> {{cite news |date= |title=Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification |url=https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2025-13972 |work=federalregister.gov}}</ref>

====FAA certified models==== Aircraft that met light-sport requirements when the rules were announced appear in an FAA list<ref>[https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/aircraft/gen_av/light_sport/ExistingModels.pdf Light Sport Aircraft: Existing Type Certificated Models]</ref> Some additional models of S-LSA, E-LSA and E-AB aircraft that meet light-sport requirements are listed here. The FAA maintains a complete list of approved SLSA aircraft models.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Federal Aviation Administration |first=United States |date=2023-08-23 |title=Special Light-Sport Aircraft (SLSA) Make/Model Directory |url=https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/gen_av/light_sport/slsa_directory |website=faa.gov}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable" |- |+Light sport aircraft (partial list) |- !Manufacturer !Design !Engine !Max. cruise !Max. range !Orders !Availability !Type |- |[[3Xtrim Aircraft Factory|3Xtrim]] |[[3Xtrim Navigator 600]] |100 HP [[Rotax 912]] S |{{convert|104|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |747 NM | |2008 | Certified |- |[[Advanced Composites Solutions]] |[[ACS-100 Sora]] | |{{convert|120|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} | | | | [[Homebuilt aircraft|Kit]] |- |Aeropro / fly-Aerotrek.com |Aerotrek A240 (tricycle gear) or A220 (taildragger) ([[Aeropro Eurofox|EuroFox]]) |[[Rotax 912]] A/ 912 S |{{convert|115|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|570|nmi|km|abbr=on}} |300+ sold |since 1990 | Certified |- |[[Aeroprakt]] Manufacturing |[[Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat|A-22LS]] (tricycle gear) |[[Rotax 912UL]], Rotax 912ULS or Rotax 912 iS |{{convert|110|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|594|nmi|km|abbr=on}} | |since 2016 | Certified |- |[[Aircraft Manufacturing and Design|AMD]] |[[Zodiac 650B]] (S-LSA) |Continental O-200 + Others |{{convert|120|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} | | | | Certified |- |[[Aviasud Engineering]] |[[Aviasud Mistral]] |[[Rotax 582]] DCDI |{{convert|65|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|270|nmi|km|abbr=on}} | | |Certified |- |[[BOT Aircraft]] |[[BOT SC07 Speed Cruiser|SC07 Speed Cruiser]] |[[Rotax 912ULS]] or [[D-Motor LF26]] |{{convert|116|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|648|nmi|km|abbr=on}} | |2016 |E-LSA, pending S-LSA certification |- |Breezer |[[Breezer Breezer|Breezer]] |[[Rotax 912]] UL2 |{{convert|96|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|497|nmi|km|abbr=on}} | | | |- |[[CGS Aviation]] |[[CGS Hawk|Hawk Arrow II SLSA]] |[[Rotax 582]], [[Rotax 912]] F, [[HKS 700e]], [[HKS 700T]], [[Jabiru 2200]] |70 [[knot (unit)|kn]] (130 km/h) |130 [[Nautical mile|NM]] |170+ (since 1992) |2008 | Certified |- |[[Cessna]] |[[Cessna 162]] |[[Continental O-200]]D |{{convert|112|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|470|nmi|km|abbr=on}} |195 (Feb 2014). 80 in stock for spares |Since 2009 - discontinued Feb 2014 |Certified |- |[[Cirrus Design]] |[[Cirrus SRS]] |[[Rotax 912]] S |{{convert|120|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} | | |Unknown, project suspended | Certified |- |[[Comco Ikarus]] |[[Ikarus C42]] (80 hp) |[[Rotax 912]] F |105 kn 194 km/h | | | | Certified |- |[[Cub Crafters]] |[[CubCrafters CC11-160 Carbon Cub SS]] |[[Titan 340CC, 180 HP]] |{{convert|88|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|391|nmi|km|abbr=on}} |300+ |2009 | ELSA Kit/Certified |- |[[Czech Sport Aircraft]] |[[CZAW SportCruiser|SportCruiser/PiperSport]] |[[Rotax 912]] S |{{convert|118|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|600|nmi|km|abbr=on}} |170+ delivered |Available since 2006 | Certified |- |[[Czech Sport Aircraft]]/Wet Aero USA |[[CZAW Mermaid]] |[[Jabiru 3300]] or [[Rotax 912]]S |{{convert|110|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|450|nmi|km|abbr=on}} | |2006 | Certified |- |[[DOVA Aircraft]] |[[DV-1 SKYLARK]] |[[Rotax 912]]S |{{convert|124,19|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|539|nmi|km|abbr=on}} | |2004 | Certified |- |[[Ekolot]] |[[Ekolot KR-030 Topaz]] |[[Rotax 912UL]] |{{convert|119|kn|mph|abbr=on}} | | |2010 (Poland) | LSA Certified |-

|[[Europa Aircraft]] |[[Europa XS]] |[[Rotax 912]] / 912 ULS / [[Rotax 914|914]] or [[Jabiru Aircraft]] |{{convert|120|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |750 NM | |2009 |Kit |- |[[FANTASY AIR]] |[[Allegro 2007]] |[[Rotax 912]] F or 912 S |{{convert|119|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|750|nmi|km|abbr=on}} | |2008 |Certified |- |[[FK Lightplanes|FK-Lightplanes]] |[[FK-Lightplanes FK12 Comet|FK12 Comet]] |[[Rotax]] [[Rotax 912|912UL/ULS]], [[Rotax 914|914]], or [[Lycoming IO-233]] |{{convert|97|kn|mph|abbr=on}} |351 nm (404 mi) | |1997 |Certified |- | [[Flight Design]] | [[Flight Design CT|Flight Design CTsw: CTLS: CTLSi]] |[[Rotax 912S; Rotax 912iS]] |{{convert|120|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|850|nmi|km|abbr=on}} |350+ |2005 |Certified |- |[[Higher Class Aviation]] |[[Sport Hornet LRS]] |[[Rotax 912]] F or [[Rotax 582]] |{{convert|100|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|450|nmi|km|abbr=on}} |040+ |2009 | Certified |- |JIHLAVAN airplanes, s.r.o. |[[Skyleader 600]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.skyleader.aero/en/product/skyleader-600/|title=Skyleader 600 - metal two-seat}}</ref> |[[Rotax 912]] 100 hp & 115 hp |{{convert|120|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|860|nmi|km|abbr=on}} | |Available |Certified |- |JMB Aircraft |VL3 |Rotax 916 |{{convert|180|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |1500 nmi (2,700 km) |500+ |since 2012 |Certified |- |[[ICON Aircraft]] |[[ICON A5]] |[[Rotax 912 iS]] |{{convert|105|kn|mph km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|300|nmi|mi km|abbr=on}} |1500+ |2015 | FAA Approved |- |[[Kitfox Aircraft]] |[[Denney Kitfox]] |[[Rotax 912]] S |{{convert|109|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|530|nmi|km|abbr=on}} |4000+ (since 1984) |2008 |ELSA Kit/Certified |- |[[Paradise Aircraft]] |[[Paradise P-1]] |100 HP, [[Rotax 912]] S |{{convert|120|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|747|nmi|km|abbr=on}} | |2008 |Certified |- |[[Pipistrel]] |[[Pipistrel Sinus|Pipistrel Sinus LSA]] |[[Rotax 912]] 80 hp |{{convert|120|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|790|nmi|km|abbr=on}} |1000+ (Sinus and Virus combined) |since 1995 | style="text-align: left;" | Certified LSA Airplane & Glider RTF & Kit |- |[[Pipistrel]] |[[Pipistrel Virus|Pipistrel Virus LSA]] |[[Rotax 912]] 80 hp |{{convert|120|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|790|nmi|km|abbr=on}} |1000+ (Sinus and Virus combined) |since 1999 | Certified LSA Airplane & Glider RTF & Kit |- |[[Pipistrel]] |[[Pipistrel Virus SW|Pipistrel Virus SW LSA]] |[[Rotax 912]] 80 hp & 100 hp |{{convert|120|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|790|nmi|km|abbr=on}} |1000+ (Sinus and Virus combined) |since 2008 | style="text-align: left;" | Certified LSA Airplane & Glider RTF & Kit |- |[[Pipistrel]] |[[Pipistrel Taurus|Pipistrel Taurus LSA]] |[[Rotax 503]], 55 hp |{{convert|120|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|150|nmi|km|abbr=on}} | |since 2004 | style="text-align: left;" | Certified LSA Glider RTF |- |[[Pipistrel]] |[[Pipistrel Alpha Trainer]] |[[Rotax 912]] 80 hp |{{convert|120|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|790|nmi|km|abbr=on}} | |since 2012 | style="text-align: left;" | Certified LSA Airplane RTF |- |[[Progressive Aerodyne]] |[[Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey|SeaRey Elite LSA]] |[[Rotax 914]] |{{convert|91|kn|mph|abbr=on}} |{{convert|379|nmi|mi km|abbr=on}} | | |LSA Kit/Certified |- |[[Progressive Aerodyne]] |[[SeaRey Sport LSA]] |[[Rotax 912UL]] |{{convert|80|kn|mph|abbr=on}} |{{convert|363|nmi|mi km|abbr=on}} | | |LSA Certified |- |[[Rainbow Aircraft (pty) ltd.]] |[[Cheetah XLS]] |[[Rotax 912]] or [[Rotax 582]] or [[Jabiru 2200]]A |{{convert|83|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|450|nmi|km|abbr=on}} |100+ |2001 |ELSA Kit/Certified |- |[[Remos Aircraft]] |[[Remos G-3]] |[[Rotax 912]] S, 100HP |{{convert|120|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|550|nmi|km|abbr=on}} | |2007 |Certified |- |[[Remos Aircraft]] ||[[Remos GX]] |[[Rotax 912]] S 100HP |{{convert|115|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|450|nmi|km|abbr=on}} | | |Certified |- |[[Renegade Light Sport]]<br />originally T&T Aviation |[[Renegade Falcon LS|Falcon LS]] |[[Lycoming IO-233-LSA]] |{{convert|112|kn|mph|abbr=on}} |460 nmi (529 mi) | |2010 |LSA Certified |- |[[Skyeton]] |[[Skyeton K-10 Swift]] |[[Rotax 912]] S, 100HP |{{convert|120|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|486|nmi|km|abbr=on}} | |2006 |Certified |- |SkyRunner, LLC. |SkyRunner MK 3.2 |914 UL |{{convert|35|kn|mph km/h|abbr=on}} |120 nm | |2016 |FAA Approved / S-LSA |- |Sling Aircraft |[[The Airplane Factory Sling 2|Sling 2]] |[[Rotax 912]] iS or 912 ULS |{{convert|120|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|750|nmi|km|abbr=on}} |320+ |2010 | Certified RTF & Kit |- |[[TL Ultralight]] |[[TL Ultralight TL-96 Star]] |[[Rotax 912]] F |{{convert|120|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|790|nmi|km|abbr=on}} |70+ |Available |Certified |- |[[Storm Aircraft]] |[[Storm Rally]] |[[Rotax 912]] S |{{convert|120|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|450|nmi|km|abbr=on}} | |2004 |Certified |- |[[Storm Aircraft]] |[[Storm Century]] |[[Rotax 912]] S |{{convert|120|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|450|nmi|km|abbr=on}} | |2004 |Certified |- |[[Tecnam Aircraft]] |[[Tecnam P2004]] |[[Rotax 912]] S |{{convert|116|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} | |100+ |2005 |Certified |- |[[Terrafugia]] |[[Terrafugia Transition]] |[[Rotax 912]] S (when certified) |{{convert|93|kn|mph|abbr=on}} |{{convert|450|nmi|mi|abbr=on}} |100 |2012 |Experimental/Certification planned ({{as of|2012|4}}) |- |[[Van's Aircraft]] |[[RV-12]]<nowiki/>iS |[[Rotax 912]] iS |{{convert|117|kn|km/h|abbr=on}} |{{convert|564|nmi|km|abbr=on}} |1000+ |2008 | ELSA Kit/Certified |}

===Europe=== In June 2011, the [[European Aviation Safety Agency]] published CS-LSA "Certification Specifications for Light Sport Aeroplanes".<ref>[http://www.easa.europa.eu/agency-measures/docs/certification-specifications/CS-LSA/CS-LSA%20-%20Initial%20Issue.pdf CS-LSA]</ref> This introduced a new category of manufactured sport aeroplanes similar to the light-sport category found in the US and elsewhere.

===Australia=== A new certification category for 'Light Sport Aircraft' came into effect on 7 January 2006.<ref>[http://www.raa.asn.au/operations/LSA_explained.html Synopsis: the Light Sport Aircraft category] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108164746/http://www.raa.asn.au/operations/LSA_explained.html |date= 8 January 2012 }}</ref> This category does not replace the previous categories, but created a new category with the following characteristics:<ref>The Australian definition of a "light sport aircraft" is found in the Dictionary to the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations.</ref>

* A maximum take-off weight of {{convert|600|or|650|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} for an aircraft intended and configured for operation on water or {{convert|560|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} for a lighter-than-air aircraft. * A maximum stalling speed in the landing configuration (Vso) of {{convert|45|kn|km/h|0|abbr=on}} CAS. * Maximum of two occupants, including the pilot. * A fixed landing gear. A glider may have retractable landing gear. (For an aircraft intended for operation on water, a fixed or repositionable landing gear) * A single, non-turbine engine fitted with a propeller. * A non-pressurised cabin. * If the aircraft is a glider, a maximum never exceed speed (Vne) of {{convert|135|kn|km/h|0|abbr=on}} CAS

Light-sport aircraft can be factory-manufactured aircraft or kits for amateur-building.

===Japan=== On 26 December 2022, Japan Civil Aviation Bureau amended the Circular of Aircraft Safety No.1-006 and clarified its own stance on LSA. The significant difference between Japan and other countries described above is that LSA in Japan is defined as a type of Experimental aircraft, i.e., non-certified aircraft, similar to amateur-built aircraft but rather than practical aircraft, i.e., certified aircraft. Permission for Test Flights etc. by Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is necessary to operate LSA in Japan as well as other non-certified aircraft. In order to operate the LSA in Japan, the aircraft, like other non-certified aircraft, requires permission for test flights, etc. from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Because the LSA flight is nominally a test flight of an unknown experimental aircraft, the pilot may not have a license and the flight range is basically restricted to within 3 km of the takeoff/landing point avoiding residential areas. If the pilot of the LSA intends to fly outside of the above range or to land outside of the takeoff point, the pilot must have a Private Pilot license or a higher license and an effective aviation medical certificate. The required characteristics of LSA in Japan are modeled after those of S-LSAs in the United States. On the other hand, the E-LSA classification has not been introduced, so kit-built and plan-built LSAs are regarded as amateur-built aircraft. Imported LSA certified as CS-LSA is considered LSA on an exceptional basis, even if it does not meet the characteristics of LSA in Japan.<ref name="JCAB Circular No.1-006">[https://safetyp.cab.mlit.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/%E7%A0%94%E7%A9%B6%E9%96%8B%E7%99%BA%E7%94%A8%E8%88%AA%E7%A9%BA%E6%A9%9F%E7%AD%89%E3%81%AE%E8%A9%A6%E9%A8%93%E9%A3%9B%E8%A1%8C%E7%AD%89%E3%81%AE%E8%A8%B1%E5%8F%AF%E3%81%AB%E3%81%A4%E3%81%84%E3%81%A6.pdf JCAB Circular of Aircraft Safety No.1-006] retrieved 29 December 2022</ref>

*Maximum gross takeoff weight: 1,320 lbs or 1,430 lbs for seaplanes *Maximum speed in level flight: 120 kn CAS *Maximum stall speed: 45 kn CAS *Maximum seats: two *Maximum engines: one (reciprocating engine only) *Propeller: fixed-pitch or ground adjustable *Cabin: unpressurized *Landing gear: fixed (except for seaplanes) *Other requirements: Designed, manufactured, and quality assured by manufacturer and complied to ASTM standards of LSA.

==See also== * [[Ultralight aircraft (Canada)#Advanced ultra-light aeroplane|Canadian advanced ultralight aircraft]] * [[List of ultralight helicopters]]

==References== {{commons category|Light sport aircraft}} <references> <ref name="CASA2140">[http://www.casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/rules/1998casr/021/021c41.pdf CASA Advisory Circular AC 21-41(0): Light Sport Aircraft Certificate of Airworthiness] retrieved 3 August 2011</ref> </references>

==External links==           * {{cite web |url= https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/gen_av/light_sport |publisher= US [[Federal Aviation Administration]] |title= Light-Sport Aircraft |work= General Aviation & Recreational Aircraft}} * {{cite web |url= https://www.eaa.org/eaa/aviation-interests/light-sport-aircraft |publisher= [[Experimental Aircraft Association]] |work= Aviation Interests |title= Light-Sport Aircraft }} * {{cite web |url= https://www.aopa.org/advocacy/advocacy-briefs/frequently-asked-questions-about-sport-pilot |title= Frequently Asked Questions About Sport Pilot |date= 6 July 2007 |publisher= [[Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association]] }} * {{cite web |url= https://lama.bz |title= Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association}} * {{cite web |url= http://lightplanes.org/LSA/#list |title= Light sport aircraft |publisher= LightPlanes |work= Searchable Light Aviation Database |access-date= 8 June 2012 |archive-date= 17 August 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130817210836/http://lightplanes.org/LSA/#list |url-status= dead }}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Light-Sport Aircraft}} [[Category:Light-sport aircraft| ]] [[Category:United States sport aircraft]]