Light Sport Aircraft
A Light Sport Aircraft is an aircraft (other than a helicopter) designed and built to an approved Consensus Standard (such as ASTM), which meets the following criteria:
Basically, a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) is a certified version of the advanced microlights that have been coming into New Zealand in recent years. Factory-built LSA aircraft are designated S-LSA and may be operated for limited hire or reward, while kit-built LSA aircraft are designated as E-LSA.
- maximum take-off weight of 600 kg or less
- maximum stall speed of 45 knots
- maximum seating capacity of 2 seats (including the pilot)
- single, non-turbine engine driving a propeller (if powered)
- unpressurised cabin (if applicable)
- maximum never exceed speed of 135 knots (if a glider)
Basically, a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) is a certified version of the advanced microlights that have been coming into New Zealand in recent years. Factory-built LSA aircraft are designated S-LSA and may be operated for limited hire or reward, while kit-built LSA aircraft are designated as E-LSA.
Since their introduction in USA about 10 years ago, the Light Sport Aircraft category has been rapidly taking on the conservative General Aviation (GA) world of light aircraft. Many other countries around the globe have adopted the LSA category.
In comparison with popular Cessna and Piper GA models, the new LSA models are much cheaper to buy, much cheaper to maintain and insure, use way less fuel, run on 95 unleaded petrol or AvGas, cause less pollution, are quiet, have amazingly low stall speeds and are often faster cruising.
It is increasingly hard for an individual pilot to justify the costs of owning or even renting a GA light aircraft. Across the world, private pilots are happily switching to the Light Sport Aircraft category. Similarly, many flight schools and aero clubs have seen the writing on the wall and now use LSA trainers in their fleets.
It is increasingly hard for an individual pilot to justify the costs of owning or even renting a GA light aircraft. Across the world, private pilots are happily switching to the Light Sport Aircraft category. Similarly, many flight schools and aero clubs have seen the writing on the wall and now use LSA trainers in their fleets.
The rigorous ASTM standards have been accepted by our CAA, opening the way for New Zealand aero clubs, flight schools, commercial operators and private individuals to enjoy affordable flying in modern light sport aircraft.
Light Sport Aircraft can legally be used in the GA world for pilot training, business or pleasure. In addition, they qualify in New Zealand as Class 2 Microlights, so can be flown on a microlight pilot's licence.
Light Sport Aircraft can legally be used in the GA world for pilot training, business or pleasure. In addition, they qualify in New Zealand as Class 2 Microlights, so can be flown on a microlight pilot's licence.
Flight schools, adventure aviation operators and other commercial users favour registering their aircraft as Light Sport Aircraft, but private owners and recreational aircraft clubs often prefer to register them as Microlights.
Rex Kenny from CAA commented that there will be many benefits to the NZ aviation industry by allowing special category aircraft (including LSA). Benefits include:
- The ability to use special category aircraft in adventure aviation activities under Part 115
- Using LSAs for flight training of Part 61 pilots
- Enabling aero clubs to use these modern designs, which are available at reduced cost and provide greater operational efficiency and lower maintenance costs.
The term 'Light Sport Aircraft' is usually shortened to LSA (just in case you thought there weren't enough aviation acronyms),
What is ASTM?
ASTM started life as the 'American Society for Testing and Materials'. Today ASTM are a globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of international voluntary consensus standards, one of which covers Light Sport Aircraft.
ASTM administers the LSA Consensus standard whose purpose is to certify light sport aircraft. In the early 2000's, the industry stakeholders developed an up-to-date standard that applied to the aircraft design, production and airworthiness. The LSA consensus standard is rigorous and controls 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:
ASTM administers the LSA Consensus standard whose purpose is to certify light sport aircraft. In the early 2000's, the industry stakeholders developed an up-to-date standard that applied to the aircraft design, production and airworthiness. The LSA consensus standard is rigorous and controls 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:
