What were the key changes of the new rule?
In 2004, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and DOT (Department of Transportation) made three major changes to the regulation around consumer and recreational flying:
- 1. Created the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category for lightweight, simple and easy-to-fly recreational aircraft. LSA are intended to be safe, affordable, and more accessible than traditional, transportation category aircraft.
- 2. Created the Sport Pilot License (SPL) to compliment the new LSA category. An SPL can be achieved in half the time and cost of a traditional, transportation-focused Private Pilot License.
- 3. Created two new Light Sport Aircraft Maintenance Certifications that enable more accessible and affordable maintenance for LSA aircraft.
Combined, these three rule changes work in concert to safely open up aviation to a much broader consumer market.
What exactly defines an LSA?
The FAA defines an LSA as any aircraft that can meet the following performance criteria:
- 1. Two occupants maximum
- 2. 1320 lbs max gross weight (1430 lbs for seaplanes)
- 3. Single engine (non-turbine)
- 4. 120 kts (138mph) max level flight speed
- 5. 45 kts max stall speed
- 6. Fixed landing gear (retractable allowed for seaplanes)
Are Light Sport Aircraft the same as ultralights?
No. Ultralights fall under an entirely different category and different set of criteria that originated out of the hang gliding industry many years ago. The maximum empty weight of an ultralight aircraft is limited to 254 pounds and can carry only one person. The FAA does not require any training to fly an ultralight. Light Sport Aircraft are larger, faster, more robust aircraft that require at least an FAA Sport Pilot License to fly.
Are Light Sport Aircraft the same as “experimental” aircraft?
No. The Light Sport Aircraft classification is divided into two separate categories: Special-Light Sport Aircraft (S-LSA) and Experimental Light Sport Aircraft (E-LSA). S-LSA’s are factory-built in accordance with industry consensus standards (ASTM) and sold as ready-to-fly aircraft, while E-LSA’s are assembled from an aircraft kit. The ICON A5 is an S-LSA, delivered to the customer in a ready-to-fly configuration.
What is an S-LSA?
S-LSA stands for Special Light Sport Aircraft. The FAA further categorized Light Sport Aircraft as either Special Light Sport Aircraft (S-LSA) or Experimental Light Sport Aircraft (E-LSA). S-LSA’s are factory-built and delivered in a ready-to-fly condition, with no assembly required by the owner. The ICON A5 is an S-LSA and will be delivered in a ready-to-fly condition.