Who can fly a light-sport aircraft?
Be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old if you are applying to operate a glider or balloon). Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. Hold at least a third class medical, or hold a current and valid U.S. driver’s license for operations in light-sport aircraft other than a glider or balloon.
Can you travel in a light-sport aircraft?
All pilots can Fly an LSA Airplane Private, commercial and Air Transport pilots can fly LSA with an FAA medical OR a drivers license as medical eligibility. This makes the LSA popular for all to fly as long as you can drive.
Is Light Sport airplane and ultralights the same?
The term light sport aircraft (LSA) is reserved for U.S. certification, but the term ultralight is used for a similar airplane in many other countries. That’s why it’s not uncommon to see a foreign manufacturer’s website use the term ultralight when referring to an LSA being offered in the U.S.
What can a Light Sport pilot do?
You can only fly when visibility is 3 miles or greater. You can carry a passenger. You can fly in class E and G airspace. You can fly aircraft that meet the definition of light-sport aircraft (LSA)
Does a Cessna 150 qualify as a light-sport aircraft?
No, the Cessna 150, 152, and 172 does not meet the definition of light-sport aircraft. All of these airplanes are over the maximum weight allowed for someone with only a sport pilot license to fly. This is a very commonly asked question since these Cessna planes are very popular and widely available.
What do I need to fly a LSA?
Do I need a license to fly an LSA? You must obtain a Sport Pilot Airman Certificate or a Private Pilot airman certificate if you wish to fly a two-seat LSA. Single-seat ultralight vehicles are less regulated and more clearly defined under the Federal Aviation Regulations Part 103, where a license is not required.
What are the rules for light-sport aircraft?
The Light Sport Aircraft Rule:
| Max. Gross Takeoff Weight | 1,320 lbs (1,430 lbs for seaplanes) |
|---|---|
| Max. Stall Speed | 51 mph / 45 knots CAS |
| Max. Speed in Level Flight (VH) | 138 mph / 120 knots CAS |
| Seats | Two (max.) |
| Engines / Motors | One (max. if powered.) |
Can you fly ultralight without a license?
Do I need a License to Fly an Ultralight? A true single seat ultralight requires no license to fly (assuming it meets the requirements of Part 103 for an ultralight aircraft). Any two seat “ultralight” or Light Sport type aircraft requires a Sport Pilot Certificate or higher to fly.
Can light sport aircraft fly at night?
No, someone with a sport pilot license is NOT permitted to fly at night. They are required to fly during the daytime using VFR (Visual Flight Rules).
Can a private pilot fly light sport aircraft?
You should know that any current private pilot may fly a light-sport aircraft (LSA) they are qualified for without a FAA medical but using their drivers license as medical eligibility. To be a “current pilot” you need a biennial flight review (flight review every 2 years) same as all pilots need to be current.