SPORT PILOT/LIGHT-SPORT AIRCRAFT RULE:
QUICK ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

Summary of Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) Rule for Sport Pilots: A new class of simple-to-fly aircraft that meets the following definition:
 

• Maximum gross takeoff weight: 1,320 lbs.

• Maximum stall speed: 51 mph (45 knots)
• Maximum speed in level flight with maximum continuous power (Vh): 138 mph (120 knots)
• Two-place maximum (pilot and one passenger); single, non-turbine engine, fixed or ground adjustable propeller, fixed landing gear.

The following from EAA is a collection of brief answers to some of the more common Sport Pilot questions:

Aircraft:

• Non-LSA Aircraft: Holders of a sport pilot certificate may fly an aircraft with an existing airworthiness certificate if it meets the definition of a light-sport aircraft (such as weight and speeds).  For example, an amateur-built  STOL CH 701 or ZODIAC aircraft may be flown by a Sport Pilot since the aircraft meet the definition.
• Can be factory-built under a new Special Light-Sport Aircraft (S-LSA) certification without FAR Part 23 compliance. Aircraft must meet 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 it was kit- or plans-built and operated as an ultralight trainers. Aircraft must be transitioned to E-LSA category no later than January 31, 2008.

The Zodiac Light Sport Aircraft (LSA), as featured on the cover of EAA Sport Pilot & Light-Sport Aircraft magazine. The Zodiac... Have It Your Way.  Ready-to-fly, ready-to-build, or IFR capable by Dan Johnson (pages 24 - 31, 12/06 issue).

The Sport Pilot rule:

• Allow sport pilots to fly existing aircraft (standard airworthiness certificate) that meet the definition of a light-sport aircraft.
• Creates a new student sport pilot certificate for operating any aircraft that meet the definition of a light-sport aircraft.
• Creates a new sport pilot flight instructor certificate.
• Requires FAA knowledge (written) and practical (flight) test.
• Credits ultralight training and experience toward a sport pilot certificate.
• Credits sport pilot flight time toward more advanced pilot ratings.
• Requires either a 3rd class FAA medical certificate or a current and valid U.S. driver's license as evidence of medical eligibility (provided the individual does not have an official denial or revocation of medical eligibility on file with FAA).
• Does not allow carrying passengers for compensation or hire
• Allows sharing ("pro-rata") operating expenses with another pilot.
• Allows daylight (civil twilight) flight only.

• Click here for a synopsis of the final rules (from EAA)

• 19-page summary of the SP/LSA final rule.

More Details:

• EAA's SportPilot.org Website - the best source for updates and analysis of the new rule.

• FAA's Sport Pilot Resources:

  • Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA)

  • Sport Pilot Certificate

 

AMD manufactures the certified Light Sport Aircraft (S-LSA) at its production facilities located south of Atlanta in Eastman, Georgia.  

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	August 2008: Zenith introduces the STOL CH 750 light sport utility aircraft "The Chris Heintz-designed STOL CH 701 is a workhorse. It has been performing short takeoff and landing (STOL) duty for 20 years and has developed a cult following. Its big brother, the STOL CH 801, is a lot bigger, with twice as many seats and room inside," reported EAA Sport Pilot magazine (October 2008).  "So, with small and large STOL machines, what else would Chris Heintz fans want? How about a mid-sized S-LSA STOL machine? They have one: the new STOL CH 750."
	Two ZODIAC S-LSAs flying formation. Click here for a list of schools offering flight training in the ZODIAC S-LSA.
	Made in the USA: Factory-Assembled ZODIAC S-LSA: AMD Zodiac S-LSA test aircraft with a Continental O-200 powerplant and Dynon glass panel.
	AMD's production light sport aircraft (S-LSA) Zodiac CH 650 LSi expands "operating instructions" to include Night and IFR operations.  Click here for details.
	Austin (age 15) taking Sport Pilot flying lessons in the Zodiac XL at Dragonfly Aviation (in California).  Click here for a listing of flying schools using the Zodiac XL aircraft for flight training.
	Silver Sky Aviation of Phoenix, Arizona has added a Zodiac XL S-LSA to its flight line. The aircraft is being used there for basic instruction, transition training, flight reviews and check rides. Silver Sky also offers demo flights in the Zodiac XL and is a representative for the factory-assembled S-LSA. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 480-785-5192, or toll free 866-498-8276.
	December 2005:  AMD starts deliveries of the Zodiac XL S-LSA aircraft.
	The Zodiac XL S-LSA is the ideal sport cruiser for both local sightseeing and cross-country flights.
	Custom panel includes a Dynon EFIS (Electronic Flight Information System) and EMS (Engine Monitor System), autopilot, and Garmin stack.
	Flight training in the Zodiac in the Caribbean

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from EAA Hotline (December 16, 2005, Volume 5, Number 57): Special Airworthiness Certificate For S-LSA Zodiac CH 601 XL AMD has received a Special Airworthiness Certificate for the Zodiac CH 601 XL. AMD completed all of the documents, flight-testing and quality control requirements with assistance from Zenair Ltd, and the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (LAMA). The all-metal Zodiac features a Continental O-200, 100-hp engine and Sensenich propeller. The original model was designed in the early ‘80s, and reengineered in 2001 as the CH 601 XL.

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EAA Sport Pilot magazine:

Train for the checkride at home with your flight simulator program on your PC..., as reviewed in the June 2006 issue of Sport Pilot magazine: Click here to read the article. Click here for the EAA Sport Pilot magazine website. Click here for Sport Pilot info

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Popular Mechanics magazine (April 2006 issue): "How I learned to Fly in a Week" by Davin Coburn. The writer obtains his sport pilot certificate in eight days in a Zodiac XL S-LSA trainer.
	Popular Mechanics® Science Blog Air Challenge: Davin Coburn successfully completes a sport pilot license in a week. Popular Mechanics builds and flies a Zodiac

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	Gleim Publications now offers a Sport Pilot Kit designed to help expedite training for the sport pilot certificate. They offer a complete training program at an affordable price, with user-friendly self-study materials that are carefully designed to make it easy to learn and understand.  The Sport Pilot Kit contains everything you need (except airplane and instructor).
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Sport Flying by Dan Ramsey, Earl Downs, forwarded by Tom Poberezny
	The FAA's new sport flying license will let people earn their wings for a fraction of the time and cost of a traditional license. The Complete Idiot’s Guide‚ to Sport Flying introduces this new field of flying to consumers, and shows you how to fly smart—offering tips on how to get more flying fun for less money. Order from Amazon.com

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Zenith Aircraft Company's amateur-built kit STOL CH 701, the new STOL CH 750 and the new ZODIAC CH 650 designs should be eligible for operation under the new rules.  However, Zenith Aircraft Company cannot guarantee that kit aircraft, as constructed by the builder, will be eligible for operation under the new category.

Light Sport Aircraft for Sport Pilots

Already, the STOL CH 701 and the ZODIAC CH 601 can be licensed in Canada and in Europe under "Advanced Ultralight" rules, where some are used for flight training.  Based on the market demand, plans are being made to offer assembled aircraft as allowed under the new rules.

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