Light Sport Aircraft and Affordable Aviation
If you’re new to aviation or if you’ve had your ticket for a while you may not have noticed all the fuss in the last few years about the new light sport aircraft category (LSA). The fuss is/was for a good reason, with the rising cost of aviation, the LSA rules might be your chance to continue flying or learn to fly for less than you have in the past.
The Pilot: Probably the biggest difference between a sport pilot and your traditionally certificated SEL type pilot is the medical requirements. Sport pilot’s are required to have either a 3rd class medical or a current drivers license. The only caveat is that in order to qualify to use the drivers license they cannot have been denied a 3rd class medical. This is great news if you’re in doubt of your medical or if you just don’t want to bother with the medical exam.
The Airplane: Here’s where you’re gonna save some money… They weigh less than 1,320lbs, have only one or two seats, are single engine and stall slower than 45 knots without cruising faster than 120kts. This may sound a bit restrictive but it save you on the order of $100k. For some of your choices go take a look at this.
These aircraft have a real chance to revitalize the aviation industry. They offer an affordable first step for pilot’s as well as an alternative to more expensive standard category aircraft for flight training. Many of the aircraft have been around for a while in Europe, and as such have some pretty impressive track records already. They represent a return to grassroots aviation, simple and affordable. For more information, definitely take a look at Sportpilot.org and AOPA’s SportPilot page.
Tags: General Aviation, Grassroots Aviation, Learn How To Fly, light sport aircraft, Light Sport Aviation, Pilot Medical Exam, Pilot Medical Requirements, Sport Aircraft Flight Training, Sport Pilots
Filed under: Aviation News, The Blurbs
