What's the difference between Sport Plane and Light Sport Aircraft?

[squale]

I was just wondering, what is the difference between a "SportPlane" and this new "Light-Sport Aircraft" ???

For instance, concerning the aircraft themselves, if you take a look at this link: http://www.quicksilveraircraft.com/aircraft.htm the GT-500 says this: "The first Sport Airplane in the world to receive FAA certification in the Sportplane class of the Primary category." Now this was up on that webpage since a long time ago, so I know it's not talking about the new "Light-Sport Aircraft" rule. So this then tells me there is ANOTHER class of aircraft called "Sportplane"? And if so, for this "SportPlane" class of airplanes, what pilot certification do you need?

I just want to make sure I am not missing the two of these sport plane classes up and I understand the requirements of each..

 

[nosehair]

The FAA defined term is "Light-Sport Aircraft". No "SportPlane" term is used. The pilot term is "Sport Pilot". get the facts from: www.faa.gov/newsroom

 

[squale]

yeah I see that, but I was wondering about that link I sent you above saying that the GT 500 was the first "Sport Plane" in the Primary category. This has been up there for quite a while way before the final "Light Sport Aircraft" rule was finalized just yesterday. So I am wondering if there is something already out there called a "Sport Plane"

??

 

[sky37d]

This is the reference I found to it.

The certification basis for Primary Category aircarft can be 14 CFR part 23, CAR part 03, JAR/VLA, Sportplane, or any other custom-developed certification basis accepted by the FAA under Primary Category.

 

[squale]

okay so "SportPlane" is something different than the new "light-sport aircraft" category huh?


where exectly does the Light-Sport aircraft fit into the scheme of things?

For instance, I am in training right now for PPL SEL, which is the 1.) Airplane Category, 2.) Single-Engine Land Class 3.) NO TYPE rating. This is for the certification of Airmen.

Then the Cessna 172 I am training in is registered in the Airplane - NORMAL category (also the Utility category).

So I am trying to get the overall pictures of how Sport Pilot and Light Sport Aircraft fit in?

 

[mattpilot]

Light-sport aircraft are small, simple, low-performance, low-energy aircraft limited to:

• 1,320 lb.(600 kg), (1,430 lb. seaplanes) maximum takeoff weight
• 1 or 2 occupants
• single engine (non-turbine)
• maximum stall speed (without lift enhancing devices) of 45 knots
• maximum airspeed in level flight of 120 knots
• fixed landing gear
• fixed pitch propeller.

According to the rule, "light-sport aircraft" are: airplanes, gliders, gyroplanes, balloons, airships, weight-shift-control, and powered parachutes. Helicopters and powered lifts are excluded because of complexity. Weight-shift-control aircraft and powered parachutes are also defined in the rule.

The FAA has created two new aircraft airworthiness certificates for:

• Special Light-Sport Aircraft. A new special airworthiness certificate for a light-sport category aircraft that is "ready to fly" when the manufacturer determines the aircraft meets a consensus standard developed jointly with FAA and industry (gyroplane category is excluded).
• Aircraft holding this airworthiness certificate may be used for personal use and for compensation while conducting flight training, rental (similar to primary category), or towing (of light-sport gliders or unpowered ultralights).

Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft. Aircraft holding this certificate may be used only for personal use. There are three ways to earn this new certificate:

1. existing ultralight-like aircraft that do not meet the requirements for ultralight vehicles
2. aircraft assembled from eligible kits that meet a consensus standard
3. aircraft previously issued a special, light-sport category airworthiness certificate.

Certain type-certificated aircraft that meet the above criteria may also be operated with a light-sport pilot certificate.

​

An ultralight is a vehicle that is manned by one occupant for recreation or sport purposes. It does not have a U.S. or foreign airworthiness certificate. If unpowered, it weighs less than 155 lbs. If powered, it weighs less than 254 lbs. empty, has a fuel capacity not exceeding five U.S. gallons, is incapable of more than 55 knots airspeed in level flight, and has a power-off stall speed which does not exceed 24 knots.

There are maintenance and inspection requirements for light-sport aircraft certificated as an experimental light-sport aircraft or special light-sport aircraft. There are also new pilot training and certification requirements for:

• a sport pilot certificate,
• a sport pilot rating at the flight instructor certificate level,
• two category ratings - weight-shift-control and powered parachute, both with land and sea class ratings at the private pilot certificate level, and
• a repairman certificate - light-sport aircraft with an inspection or maintenance rating.

FAA certificated pilots and flight instructors exercising sport pilot privileges must hold a valid U.S. driver's license or FAA medical certificate.

Source: aero-news.net



Does that help?

No?

Then i suggest you take a look at the FAA published rule here:

http://www.faa.gov/avr/arm/rulemaking/SportPilotRule7_19.doc Roughly 1.2Mb, but it answered all my questions

 

[squale]

yeah it helps, I am just still confused on how it fits into the current system. Right now you have CATEGORIES of airmen certificates for instance: Category = Airplane, Class = Single Engine Land, Type = there is no type rating required for a Cessna 172

Then for the certification of the aircraft you have: Category = NORMAL or Utility or Both

I am trying to fit this new light-sport aircraft into the structure here to see where it falls under

 

[squale]

okay I actually found a table which explains it better...

http://www.usua.org/SportPilot/Archive/SportPilotNPRM.html

scroll down to the first table..