Light-sport aircraft has to meet the following:
- Maximum gross takeoff weight—1,320 lbs, or 1,430 lbs for seaplanes.
- Lighter-than-air maximum gross weight—660 lbs (300 kg.)
- Maximum stall speed—51 mph (45 knots)
- Maximum speed in level flight with maximum continuous power (Vh)—138 mph (120 knots)
- Single or two-seat aircraft only
- Single, reciprocating engine (if powered), including rotary or diesel engines
- Fixed or ground-adjustable propeller
- Unpressurized cabin
- Fixed landing gear, except for an aircraft intended for operation on water or a glider
- Driver's License Medical Approved
A sport pilot may exercise flight privileges in one or more of the following aircraft categories:
Airplane (single-engine only)
Glider
Lighter-than-air (airship or balloon)
Rotorcraft (gyroplane only)
Powered Parachute
Weight-Shift control aircraft(e.g. Trikes)
For details: http://www.sportpilot.org/learn/final_rule_synopsis.html
Most of the european ultralight, microlight or ULM aircraft is possible to have under the US sportpilot and Light sport aircraft rules. EASA in Europe is also working on similar rules for Europe, but when such european rules gets approval is not exactly known yet.
/Jonny Majava
Ultralight is ultraligero in spanish, ultraleggeri in Italian and ultraléger in French. In GB they call ultralight for microlight.
