LSA Light Sport Aircraft Directory

Any aircraft seeking an airworthiness certificate in the special light-sport category must meet the following parameters:
1. Maximum Gross takeoff weight of 1,232 lbs (560 kg.) or less.
2. Lighter-than-air light-sport aircraft maximum gross weight of 660 lbs (300 kg.) or less
3. Maximum stall speed-landing configuration (Vso): 39 knots or less
4. Maximum stall speed-without the use of lift-enhancement devices, (Vs1): 44 knots or less
5. Maximum speed in level flight with maximum continuous power (Vh) of 115 knots
6. Two-place maximum (pilot and one passenger)
7. Single, non-turbine engine only
8. Fixed or ground adjustable propeller
9. Unpressurized cabin
10. Fixed landing gear
11. Seaplanes may have repositionable landing gear that would allow the wheels to be rotated for amphibious operation.

The Special light-sport airworthiness certificate will apply only to new factory-built, ready-to-fly aircraft, not kit-built aircraft, existing ultralight trainers, or previously type-certificated aircraft. These light-sport aircraft must be designed and produced to industry "consensus standards."This category of light-sport aircraft may be used for sport and recreation, flight training, or rental

The purchaser (customer) of the aircraft applies for the certificate. The purchaser registers the aircraft and applies to the FAA for a certificate. The FAA or its designee (DAR) will inspect the aircraft, at which time the applicant must present the information required in the proposed 21.186(d).

§ 21.186 Issue of special airworthiness certificates for light-sport category aircraft.

Special, light-sport category aircraft airworthiness certificates. The FAA issues a special airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category to operate a light-sport aircraft, other than a gyroplane, for sport and recreation, flight training, or rental.

Eligibility. To be eligible for a special airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category-

(1) A registered owner must submit-

(i) The applicable pilot operating handbook;

(ii) The applicable maintenance and inspection procedures;

(iii) The manufacturer's Statement of Compliance as described in paragraph (c) of this section;

(iv) A written statement declaring that the aircraft has not been altered after its date of manufacture; or that any alteration performed on the aircraft meets the applicable consensus standard and has been authorized by the manufacturer or a person acceptable to FAA who has established a program to review alterations performed on the manufacturer's aircraft; and

(v) A written statement declaring that any future alterations performed on the aircraft will meet the applicable consensus standard and be authorized by the manufacturer or a person acceptable to FAA who has established a program to review alterations performed on the manufacturer's aircraft;

(2) The aircraft must not have been previously issued an airworthiness certificate in the standard or primary category; and

(3) The aircraft must be inspected by FAA and found to be in a condition for safe operation.

Manufacturer's Statement of Compliance for light-sport category aircraft. A manufacturer of an aircraft intended for certification with a special airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category must issue a Statement of Compliance that:

(1) Identifies the aircraft make and model designation, aircraft serial number, class of light-sport aircraft, and the date of manufacture;

(2) Identifies the consensus standard used to manufacture the aircraft;

(3) States that the aircraft complies with the consensus standard specified in paragraph (c)(2) of this section;

(4) States that the manufacturer has determined the aircraft conforms to the manufacturer's design data, using a quality system that complies with the consensus standard;

(5) Identifies the applicable pilot operating handbook, maintenance and inspection procedures, pilot flight-training manual and states that this information will be made available to any interested person;

(6) Identifies a document describing the system the manufacturer will use for monitoring and correcting safety-of-flight issues;

(7) States that, upon request of the FAA, the manufacturer will provide unrestricted access to its facilities; and

(8) States that the aircraft was tested in accordance with a production acceptance test procedure that meets a consensus standard, that the manufacturer has found the aircraft performance acceptable, and that the aircraft is in a condition for safe operation.

(d) Imported light-sport aircraft. For an imported aircraft to be eligible for a special airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category, a registered owner must meet the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section and provide to the FAA evidence that:

(1) The aircraft was manufactured in a country with which the United States has an agreement for the import or export of that product;

(2) The make and model of the aircraft to be imported is eligible for an airworthiness certificate or flight authority in the country of manufacture; and

(3) The civil aviation authority of the country of export has determined that the aircraft is in a condition for safe operation.