What you will learn
- Identify all LSA category definitions including weight, speed, and configuration limits.
- Determine when a driver's license may or may not be used as medical eligibility.
- Apply sport pilot operational limitations for daytime VFR flight planning.
- Recognize airspace endorsement requirements for Class B, C, and D operations.
- Compare sport pilot and private pilot privileges for informed certificate decisions.
- Understand LSA maintenance rules and owner-performed condition inspections.
Topics covered
Light-Sport Aircraft Definitions
LSA weight limits (1,320 lbs MTOW), maximum 2 seats, single non-turbine engine, fixed landing gear, 120 KCAS max speed, and 45 KCAS max stall speed per 14 CFR 1.1.
Pilot Qualifications and Medical
Sport pilot eligibility requirements per 14 CFR 61.303, driver's license as medical eligibility, conditions that disqualify driver's license use, and minimum age requirements.
Sport Pilot Privileges and Limitations
Daytime VFR only per 14 CFR 61.315, 3 statute miles minimum visibility, altitude limits (10,000 MSL or 2,000 AGL), passenger carrying privileges, and operating restrictions.
Airspace Operations
Class E and G airspace without endorsement, Class B/C/D airspace endorsement requirements per 14 CFR 61.325, and controlled airport operations.
Cross-Country Flight Planning
Route planning around restricted airspace, weather evaluation for VFR-only operations, fuel management for LSA, and navigation using pilotage and dead reckoning.
Aircraft Systems and Performance
LSA powerplant and propeller systems, performance calculations for lightweight aircraft, density altitude effects on LSA, and weight and balance for two-seat aircraft.
LSA Maintenance and Airworthiness
Owner-performed maintenance per 14 CFR 65.107, condition inspections, S-LSA vs E-LSA airworthiness categories, and manufacturer maintenance manuals.
Sport Pilot vs. Private Pilot
20 vs 40 hour minimums, flight time credit toward PPL, privilege differences, medical requirements comparison, and upgrade path from sport to private pilot.
Prerequisites
- •No prior flight experience required.
- •Valid U.S. driver's license (for medical eligibility).
- •Minimum age 17 for powered aircraft, 16 for gliders.
- •English language proficiency for radio communication.