Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Wings Of Freedom
A brief review, some reminiscence and a broad-stroke celebration of Light-Sport Aircraft
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LSA And Sport-Pilot Review |
| In case you're new to LSA or are a bit rusty on the basics, here's a bare-bones list of the salient points for the light-sport aircraft category and sport-pilot license, as created and revised by the FAA. Light-Sport Aircraft • Maximum gross weight: 1,320 pounds (1,430 pounds for seaplanes) • Maximum speed, level flight, maximum continuous power: 120 knots • Maximum two-person capacity • Maximum stall speed: 45 knots • Fixed or ground-adjustable prop (special allowance for motorgliders like the Phoenix and Pipistrel Sinus allows pilots to legally feather props in flight—a drag-reducing necessity for efficient, engine-off soaring flight) • Unpressurized cabin • Fixed landing gear • Single, reciprocating engine Sport-Pilot Rule • At least 17 years of age • Either a 3rd class FAA medical or current and valid U.S. driver's license required. (This goes hand in hand with a pilot's understanding that before every flight pilots must self-certify they are medically fit to fly the airplane.) • Training: 20 hours minimum flight instruction; FAA written test required • Sport pilot flight time accrues toward more advanced pilot ratings • No passengers may be carried for compensation or hire, or for business purposes. • Daytime VFR flight only • Certified general aviation aircraft that fit the LSA category can be legally flown by sport pilots with sport pilot restrictions. • Maximum occupants: two • Maximum altitude 10,000 feet MSL (or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher) • Fly in Class E and G airspace. B, C and D airspace is also legal, with training and instructor endorsement. |
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