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Is IFR legal in LSA…or NOT?

September 1, 2010 by James Lawrence Leave a Comment

We’ve all seen the ads: “Full IFR-Equipped LSA!” *** A few top-line models offer such instrument packages, such as Flight Design CTLS, Evektor MAX, Tecnam’s P2008. *** But is an LSA legal to fly IFR? *** Quick tell: Yes — when flown by an appropriately rated pilot. *** We already know that a Sport Pilot license holder can only fly in day VFR up to 10,000 feet. This discussion is about the airplane. *** As pal Dan Johnson, who just took up this issue on his own blog, notes, ASTM’s F37 committee has worked hard to create an IFR standard, but unsuccessfully so far. The committee did add a line to the latest Design and Performance (D&P) Standard (yet to be adopted) that prohibits S-LSA flight into Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). *** This does not however prevent a rated IFR pilot with a current medical from flying a currently registered SLSA into IMC, and of course let’s also assume the airplane is rigged with the appropriate Full Monty: IFR instrumentation, lighting and powerplant. *** That last item gives LSA watchers some pause, since most Rotax and Jabiru engine models, which power the vast majority of S-LSA, are not certified for IFR flight. Only an FAA-certified powerplant is legal. *** (Note: Rotax does indeed have certified versions such as the 912F and 912S, certified to Part 33 and used on Diamond aircraft, which are IFR legal.) *** The same criteria hold for night flight: it’s legal, as long as the pilot is rated and the airplane is properly equipped such as with landing lights. *** Just to say it one more time: a Sport Pilot-only licensee cannot legally fly at night or into IMC. *** As Dan notes, once FAA accepts the latest D&P Standard, LSA makers will be able to outfit LSA with instruments as specified in FAA regs that will allow qualified pilots to file and fly IFR…but only into VMC (Visual Meteorological Conditions). *** Ironically, many (if not all) FAA folks, sez Dan, are supporters of allowing LSA for IFR training including into IMC, which is currently verboten. *** But to sum up, the bottom line remains: all currently registered S-LSA and those that are registered before the new D&P Standard is finally approved by FAA can legally operate in IMC flight — but only if they have the proper equipment and a suitably rated pilot at the controls. *** And here’s yet another distinction: IFR training on LSA is also legal in the IFR airspace system — but only into VMC. Only an aircraft type-rated for IFR training in IMC can legally do so. *** Head buzzing yet? Mine is.  *** This topic surfaces consistently on various pilot forums online. *** One poster recently suggested that potential IFR-equipped LSA buyers make sure they talk it all over thoroughly with the manufacturer/dealer first, to ensure everything stays kosher. *** Of course, since we pilots, especially when we post on the internet, are deliberative beasts who love to parse a topic until its magnetos fry, the idea has been put forth that pitot heat should be required on any hypothetical IFR LSA, and composite versions shout have a metal mesh impregnated into the airframe to handle lightning strikes, such as on a Columbia 350. Others, of course, disagree. *** And at this point, my brain cries “Enuf!” and defers this fine topic for another day, in the interests of preserving what little cognitive power I have left for my J3 flight later this afternoon (before dark, natch).

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BRM Aero manufacturers the handsome Bristell all-metal SLSA. This highly evolved, next-generation Light-Sport was carefully engineered for luxury, comfort, excellent stability, and safety while being fun, fast, and easy to fly.

Arion Aircraft has designed and built one of the most beautiful low wing entries in the Special LSA and kit-built aircraft sector. The all-American designed and built aircraft is priced fairly and flies wonderfully ... need you search for more?


Tecnam is the world's leading manufacturer of Light-Sport aircraft offering more models and variations than any other producer. Besides the world's fastest-selling light twin and their new P2010 four seater, Tecnam offers these LSA: P-92 Eaglet, Astore, and P2008.

Lockwood Aircraft is the builder of two of light aviation's best-recognized flying machines: AirCam and the Drifter line. Most sport aviators already know the Lockwood brand, a leader in Rotax maintenance and aircraft services.

US Sport Planes offers the all-composite, well-proven Jabiru line, one of the most popular Light-Sport Aircraft in America and the world. Under new leadership in Texas, the fast, handsome, and especially roomy Jabiru models are supported with exceptional service.

AeroJones Aviation builds the very popular CT-series of Light-Sport Aircraft for Asia-Pacific markets. CTLSi is the latest version... a 98% carbon fiber design with superb performance, roomy cockpit, great useful load, and a parachute as standard equipment.

Flight Design USA imports CT, one of the best selling Light-Sport Aircraft in American and the world. CT is 98% carbon fiber |with superb performance, roomy cockpit, great useful load, and a parachute as standard equipment ...a market leader for many years!

Hansen Air Group represents recognized brands in the LSA|space: FK Lightplanes and their distinctive biplane Comet, FK9, and FK51 plus the great-flying Magnaghi Sky Arrow. Based in Atlanta, Georgia Hansen Air Group is an experienced player in the LSA space.

Vickers Aircraft has created one of the most distinctive new LSA seaplanes yet to emerge. Powered by the 180-horsepower Titan IO-340CC by Continental Motors, their Wave model is like no other seaplane ever introduced with multiple features to set it apart from the crowd.

Aeromarine-LSA offers the remarkably well-priced Merlin PSA, a fully enclosed, all-metal single seater. Quick build kits are only $16,500; build time is a swift two weeks. A flying Merlin can be finished for under $30,000. Merlin performs most enthusiastically on a two- or four-stroke engine. Click to read more…

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BushCat is the distinctive Light-Sport Aircraft within reach of almost any budget. With a solid heritage BushCat by SkyReach is fun, capable, and available as a kit, fully-built SLSA or ELSA.

North Wing is America's leading manufacturer of weight shift LSA and Part 103 ultralight trikes. The company's wing designs are so good that most other trike manufacturers use them. Aircraft prices are highly affordable by all.

Aerotrek Aircraft imports the A240 and A220 tricycle gear or taildragger Special Light-Sport Aircraft. A finely finished aircraft at an excellent price, Aerotrek has wide, affordable appeal.

Aero Adventure offers what is likely the lowest cost boat-hull seaplane in the light aircraft space with a kit that, complete with engine, sells for less than $50,000. Add a long history to its credit and Aventura is a seaplane worthy of a close look.

Just Aircraft has delivered more than 300 kit aircraft since 2002, but in 2012 they electrified pilots with the awesome performance of their all-new SuperSTOL. It may look extreme and performs extremely well, but it is truly docile and forgiving to fly.

Sonex Aircraft is one of aviation's best-known brands offering exciting performance, easy building, prices to match the budgets of most pilots, and you will do business with some fine people. Taking years of success to new heights, Sonex debuted the "B" models with numerous upgrades.

Aeropilot USA ends your search for a Light-Sport Aircraft that is both familiar and new. Consider L600. This 80%-sized copy of Cessna's 182 is built with modern materials and well equipped but for tiny fraction of the cost of a new Skylane.

SilverLight Aviation created the first all-American gyroplane with modern sophistication and equipment, built by a proven expert. Gyroplanes like AR1 fly much like fixed wings but with real advantages.

AirMax designed and manufactures a wonderful Light-Sport amphibious flying boat of the same name. Created in Brazil SeaMax is a beautifully finished, high performing aircraft, the first to win FAA acceptance as a SLSA and it sets a high standard for light floatplanes.

Bristell USA distributes the highly-refined Bristell aircraft in North America. The Czech-built aircraft is a 5th generation design with excellent performance, wonderful handling, and a most appealing shape. Other airplanes may look similar but Bristell has gone far beyond.

American Legend has been in the LSA space since the beginning, offering their iconic yellow taildragger. The Texas company offers a full line of LSA and kit-built aircraft including the 180-horsepower Super Legend HP.

Evektor is Number One and always will be. The Czech company's SportStar was the number one SLSA to win approval but engineers have steadily improved the model far beyond that 2005 version that started the race.

Progressive Aerodyne designed and supplies the SeaRey series, arguably the most celebrated of all light seaplanes in America. A close community of hundreds of owners offers camaraderie few other brands can match.

Evolution Trikes developed and continues to refine their Revo, an absolutely magnificent weight shift control aircraft (or trike). Rev is their new very affordable single place machine.

Aerolite 103 is a remarkably well priced (way below $20,000), well-equipped, Part 103 ultralight that flies beautifully. Several hundred are airborne and production has never been more solid. Here is an airplane every pilot can love and afford.

Glasair Aviation became famous for their Glasair series. Today the Washington state company is focused on the newer Sportsman in several varieties and on Merlin LSA. Later in 2017, buyers can buy a Merlin in fully-ready-to-fly form from this much-admired company renown for its top-tier customer service.

SportairUSA imports the dashing and superbly-equipped StingSport S4 that has won a loyal following from American pilots. More recently, they introduced their TL-3000 high-wing LSA. SportairUSA is a full-line operation with maintenance and training, too.

Aeromarine-LSA represents the Part 103 Zigolo, a dual-purpose ultralight and motorglider with prices starting at only $12,000, a genuine bargain among fixed wing, three axis ultralights. Powered by a gasoline engine now, the company is also developing electric propulsion. Click here to read more…




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