IT'S HERE: SPORT PILOT/LIGHT-SPORT AIRCRAFT RULE EFFECTIVE 
SEPTEMBER 1, 2004

• Click here for a synopsis of the final rules (from EAA)

• 19-page summary of the SP/LSA final rule.

QUICK ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
The following from EAA is a collection of brief answers to some of the more common Sport Pilot questions:

• Gross weight = 1,320 pounds (600 kilograms)

• Max Continuous Full Power Speed = 120 knots (138 mph)

• Stall Speed = 45 knots (52 mph) · no more dual stall speeds

• Two Place - pilot and one passenger

• Day VFR

• Driver's License Medical Approved - however, if you have received a letter with the word "denied" from FAA, not from your doctor, you must get a one-time special issuance or FAA authorization.  Even if you have been denied in the past, you can try again for special issuance (medicines have changed, for example).

• Rule Effective Date = SEPTEMBER 1, 2004

 

More Details:

• EAA's SportPilot.org Website - the best source for updates and analysis of the new rule.

• FAA's Sport Pilot Website

 

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Zenith Aircraft Company's STOL CH 701 and ZODIAC XL designs should be eligible for operation under the new rules.  The newer ZODIAC XL has been optimized for the Sport Pilot category. However, Zenith Aircraft Company cannot guarantee that kit aircraft, as constructed by the builder, will be eligible for operation under the new category.

Already, the STOL CH 701 and the ZODIAC CH 601 can be licensed in Canada and in Europe under "Advanced Ultralight" rules, where some are used for flight training.  Based on the market demand, plans are being made to offer assembled aircraft as allowed under the new rules.

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From EAA Sport Aviation magazine:

"Overseas production is one way of keeping labor costs down. Zenith has an established relationship with Czech Aircraft Works to assemble Zenith kits for overseas customers, and it's already delivered more than 300 airplanes.
"Because Zenith is ever mindful of the final purchase price, it's likely this partnership will expand to include light-sport aircraft production.
"The Heintz family experience with the production mib watch replicarecommended you readbrand logohttps://www.strotary.org/contact-us of the FAA-certificated CH 2000 airplane should certainly give Zenith a running start with light-sport aircraft.  While it expects some obstacles, because such challenges are part of all certification activities, it remains optimistic and excited about the light-sport aircraft potential."

• From EAA Sport Aviation magazine, "Getting ready for Light-Sport Aircraft," by Ed Kolano, November 2001 issue.

Sport Pilot Info:

• Click here to visit EAA's SportPilot website
• Click here to visit the FAA's Sport Pilot website for the latest news and updates.