John Cooper wrote: >"THERE ARE NO CERTIFICATED AIRCRAFT THAT ARE ELIGIBLE AS A LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT".< This is in fact true. However, what counts is there are a few certificate aircraft which ARE eligible to be operated by the holder of a sport pilot license. For some reason, the light sport pilot is often confused with the light sport plane. I for one can tell them apart even in a dark hangar... ;)
John, Please forgive me but I think I'll disagree on the semantics and legal definition, not on your meaning. The beginning of the Sport Pilot rule changes starts with the "definition" of Light Sport Aircraft. That sets the definition of those words into the "law" (regulation) of the land. Those words are: PART 1DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS Amend §1.1 by adding the following definitions in alphabetical order to read as follows: §1.1 General definitions. * * * * * Consensus standard means, for the purpose of certificating light-sport aircraft, an industry-developed consensus standard that applies to aircraft design, production, and airworthiness. It includes, but is not limited to, standards for aircraft design and performance, required equipment, manufacturer quality assurance systems, production acceptance test procedures, operating instructions, maintenance and inspection procedures, identification and recording of major repairs and major alterations, and continued airworthiness. * * * * * Light-sport aircraft means an aircraft, other than a helicopter or powered-lift that, since its original certification, has continued to meet the following: (1) A maximum takeoff weight of not more than (i) 660 pounds (300 kilograms) for lighter-than-air aircraft; (ii) 1,320 pounds (600 kilograms) for aircraft not intended for operation on water; or (iii) 1,430 pounds (650 kilograms) for an aircraft intended for operation on water. (2) A maximum airspeed in level flight with maximum continuous power (VH) of not more than 120 knots CAS under standard atmospheric conditions at sea level. (3) A maximum never-exceed speed (VNE) of not more than 120 knots CAS for a glider. (4) A maximum stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed without the use of lift-enhancing devices (VS1) of not more than 45 knots CAS at the aircrafts maximum certificated takeoff weight and most critical center of gravity. (5) A maximum seating capacity of no more than two persons, including the pilot. (6) A single, reciprocating engine, if powered. (7) A fixed or ground-adjustable propeller if a powered aircraft other than a powered glider. (8) A fixed or autofeathering propeller system if a powered glider. (9) A fixed-pitch, semi-rigid, teetering, two-blade rotor system, if a gyroplane. (10) A nonpressurized cabin, if equipped with a cabin. (11) Fixed landing gear, except for an aircraft intended for operation on water or a glider. (12) Fixed or repositionable landing gear, or a hull, for an aircraft intended for operation on water. (13) Fixed or retractable landing gear for a glider. So, in fact, I think the FAA wienies were wrong in their statement that "THERE ARE NOT CERTIFICATED AIRCRAFT THAT ARE ELIGIBLE AS LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT" True there are none that are eligible as Special Light Sport Aircraft. But, if the actual airplane meets the definition quoted above, then it is, by definition, a Light Sport Aircraft. Ed
