Island Ultralight - Light Sport Aircraft Hawaii
What is a Light-Sport Aircraft? The FAA has defined light-sport aircraft as simple-to-operate, easy-to-fly aircraft that, since initial certification, has continued to meet the following performance definition:
• A maximum takeoff weight of not more than--1,320 pounds for aircraft not intended for operation on water; or 1,430 pounds for an aircraft
intended for operation on water; o 660 pounds (300 kilograms) for lighter-than-air aircraft.
• A maximum airspeed in level flight with maximum continuous power (VH) of not more than 120 knots (138 mph) CAS under standard
atmospheric conditions at sea level.
• A maximum never-exceed speed (VNE) of not more than 120 knots (138 mph) CAS for a glider.
• A maximum stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed without the use of liftenhancing devices (VS1) of not more than 45 knots (51mph)
CAS at the aircraft's maximum certificated takeoff weight and most critical center of gravity.
• A maximum seating capacity of no more than two persons, including the pilot.
• A single, reciprocating engine, if powered.
• A fixed or ground-adjustable propeller if a powered aircraft other than a powered glider.
• A fixed or autofeathering propeller system if a powered glider.
• A fixed-pitch, semi-rigid, teetering, two-blade rotor system, if a gyroplane.
• An unpressurized cabin, if equipped with a cabin.
• Fixed landing gear, except for an aircraft intended for operation on water or a glider.
• Fixed or repositionable landing gear, or a hull, for an aircraft intended for operation on water.
• Fixed or retractable landing gear for a glider.
In addition to fixed-wing airplanes, the definition of a light-sport aircraft also includes powered parachutes, weight-shift control aircraft (i.e., Trikes), balloons, airships, gliders and gyroplanes.
Any aircraft that meets the definition of a light-sport aircraft as called out in FAR (Federal Aviation Regulations) Part 1.1 is eligible to be operated by a sport pilot. These aircraft can be certificated in any category including standard, experimental amateur-built, experimental exhibition, experimental light-sport aircraft (E-LSA) or special light-sport aircraft (S-LSA).
• A maximum takeoff weight of not more than--1,320 pounds for aircraft not intended for operation on water; or 1,430 pounds for an aircraft
intended for operation on water; o 660 pounds (300 kilograms) for lighter-than-air aircraft.
• A maximum airspeed in level flight with maximum continuous power (VH) of not more than 120 knots (138 mph) CAS under standard
atmospheric conditions at sea level.
• A maximum never-exceed speed (VNE) of not more than 120 knots (138 mph) CAS for a glider.
• A maximum stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed without the use of liftenhancing devices (VS1) of not more than 45 knots (51mph)
CAS at the aircraft's maximum certificated takeoff weight and most critical center of gravity.
• A maximum seating capacity of no more than two persons, including the pilot.
• A single, reciprocating engine, if powered.
• A fixed or ground-adjustable propeller if a powered aircraft other than a powered glider.
• A fixed or autofeathering propeller system if a powered glider.
• A fixed-pitch, semi-rigid, teetering, two-blade rotor system, if a gyroplane.
• An unpressurized cabin, if equipped with a cabin.
• Fixed landing gear, except for an aircraft intended for operation on water or a glider.
• Fixed or repositionable landing gear, or a hull, for an aircraft intended for operation on water.
• Fixed or retractable landing gear for a glider.
In addition to fixed-wing airplanes, the definition of a light-sport aircraft also includes powered parachutes, weight-shift control aircraft (i.e., Trikes), balloons, airships, gliders and gyroplanes.
Any aircraft that meets the definition of a light-sport aircraft as called out in FAR (Federal Aviation Regulations) Part 1.1 is eligible to be operated by a sport pilot. These aircraft can be certificated in any category including standard, experimental amateur-built, experimental exhibition, experimental light-sport aircraft (E-LSA) or special light-sport aircraft (S-LSA).
