SportFlying.aero

All About Light-Sport Aircraft
  • Hangar
    • Intro to Light Sport Aircraft
    • Privacy Policy
  • Requirements
    • Sport Flying Basics
      • The New Rules
      • Light-Sport Aircraft
    • How Planes Fly
      • Taking a Plane Apart
        • Engine
        • Wings
        • Tail
        • Landing Gear
      • The Four Forces
        • Thrust & Drag
        • Lift & Weight
        • Power Over the Forces
        • Equilibrium
      • Flight Controls
        • Throttle
        • Ailerons
        • Elevators
        • Rudder
        • Coordinating Controls
      • Reading Instruments
        • Airspeed Indicator
        • Altimeter
        • Magnetic Compass
        • Attitude Indicator
        • Turn Coordinator
        • Heading Indicator
        • Vertical Speed Indicator
  • Aircraft
    • Sport Planes
      • Light-Sport Aircraft
        • Weight Limit
        • Seating
        • Engine
      • Is it Airworthy?
        • Aircraft Certification
        • Concensus Standards
      • The Bottom Line
      • New LSA's
        • Zodiak XL
        • Kitfox Sport
      • Classic LSA's
        • Piper J-3 Cub
        • Aeronca Champion
        • Luscombe Silvaire
      • Experimental Aircraft
    • Buy Your Sport Plane
      • Shopping Around
        • Where To Look
        • Deciphering Ads
      • Checking It Out
        • Fuselage
        • Mechanical Systems
        • Logs & ADs
        • Reports & Appraisals
      • Closing the Deal
        • Financing Your Wings
        • Taking Title
        • Taking Possesion
    • Find Your Sport Plane
      • Getting What You Want
      • Asking Questions
      • Making Decisions
    • Sharing Sport Planes
      • Renting Your Plane
        • Comparing Costs
        • Find the Right Wings
      • Flying Partnerships
        • Choose Carefully
        • Plan Use of Plane
        • How to Hold Title?
        • Meet Regularly
        • Get It In Writing
      • Flying Clubs
        • Joining the Club
        • Flying Club Types
        • Club Questions
      • Buying Time Blocks
    • Build Your Sport Plane
      • Custom-Built Basics
        • Construction Rules
        • Construction Resources
        • Investment
        • Need Some Help?
      • Construction Methods
        • Selection Process
        • Plane Plans
        • Plane Kits
        • Quick Builds
      • Construction Materials
      • Engine Basics
        • The Right Engine
        • Installing the Engine
      • Propellers
      • Flight Instruments
  • Maintenance
    • Maintaining Your LSA
      • Basic Maintenance
      • Preventative Maintenance
      • Required Maintenance
      • Repairs
      • Airworthyness Directives
      • LSA Repairman Cert.
      • Experimental Aircraft
  • Costs
    • Calculating Costs
      • Whats in Your Wallet?
      • Initial Costs
      • Operating Costs
      • Ongoing Costs
      • Unexpected Costs
  • Sport Flying
  • Flying Books
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Introduction to Light-Sport Aircraft

Light Sport AircraftIn 2004, the lackluster sales of private aircraft was boosted by the introduction of a new type of pleasure planes: Light-Sport Aircraft. It was part of the new Sport Pilot and Light-Sport Aircraft (SP/LSA) rules from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). And it has offered sport pilots more than a hundred new and classic aircraft models.

SportFlying.aero is your guide to Light-Sport Aircraft: what they are, how to select and buy, how to maintain, and how to keep costs down. They are not your father's airplanes. They are newer, lighter, wider, faster, more efficient, and a lot of fun to fly!

This website is presented in a very logical structure to make it easy to find things when you need them. Let's take a closer look at each section.

REQUIREMENTS introduces you to the recent FAA rule changes that dramatically enhance private aviation. You'll discover what makes up a light-sport aircraft and why.

AIRCRAFT focuses on how to select, fund, and share a sport plane that fits both your flying needs and your pocketbook. You'll discover ways of saving hundreds and even thousands of dollars as you discover the thrill of becoming "pilot in command" of one of many types of aircraft that a sport pilot may fly.

MAINTENANCE shows you what you can and cannot do in maintaining your aircraft -- including how to become a licensed LSA Repairman.

COSTS help calculate the expenses of sport flying as well as how to keep them to a minimum while still enjoying a safe light-sport airplane.

SPORT FLYING redirects you to SportFlyingGuide.com, our sister-site that focuses on the new Sport Pilot certificate including REQUIREMENTS, INSTRUCTION, and ways you can enjoy SPORT FLYING.

FLYING BOOKS is your resource for learning more about sport flying with the many books available to student and licensed pilots. Your purchase from FlyingBookClub.com helps support this website.

Along the way, practical sidebars show you the safe and smart way to do things, define words and terms you might not be familiar with, point out any dangers or pitfalls, and give you other bits of helpful information.
Wing Tips

Here are some valuable tips from pilots, manufacturers, officials, and other aviation folks on how to get the most from your flying experience, as well as other related information you need to know.

Flying Words

What does that mean? Here you'll find a concise definition of important flying terms in context. Also check the Glossary for more definitions to make things clearer.

Stall Warning!

Sport planes are safe[md]if you pay attention! Here's how to fly safely and keep others safe as you discover the many thrills of sport flying.

Knowledge Test

You knew there would be a test! As appropriate, this site includes concise tips specifically aimed at helping you pass your FAA sport-pilot knowledge and practical tests. You'll ace it, ace!

Let this website be your guide to safe and affordable light-sport aircraft. This and other Mulligan Aviation websites offer cost-effective ways to fly general aviation aircraft. Fly safe!

--- Dan Ramsey, The Frugal Pilot

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Notice: This website is not intended as flight instruction. Refer to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration for flight and aircraft rules and regulations. Fly safe!

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