Happy 20th birthday, Sport Pilot Rule!

Hard to believe, but it’s been 20 years this month that the Sport Pilot Rule, creating the category for Light Sport Aircraft, went live! In those 20 years, several manufacturers have created some extremely nice planes. Some look like the older, more traditional Ultralight styles, while some are sleek and sexy, or look more like an older GA plane. The intent of the new rule was to lower the barriers of entry into aviation and make flying more affordable and accessible.

Light Sport Aircraft have a great safety record. Manufacturers must go through a lengthy process before the FAA will certify their plane. To see specs on any given LSA, or to just look around, visit https://bydanjohnson.com. Dan Johnson, former LAMA President, is a great resource for anyone wanting to buy a plane.

To learn more about Sport Pilot, you can also visit this handbook from the FAA: faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/18_afh_ch17.pdf.