MLchartDataset catalogue

Light-sport aircraft (LSA)

Term · Aviation and air traffic control · MLC-T-AVN-000564

An FAA-registered aircraft, other than a helicopter or powered-lift, that meets certain weight and performance. Principally it is a single-engine aircraft with a maximum of two seats and weighing no more than 1,430 pounds if intended for operation on water, or 1,320 pounds if not. It must be of simple design (fixed landing gear (except if intended for operations on water or a glider), piston powered, nonpressurized, with a fixed or ground adjustable propeller). Performance is also limited to a maximum airspeed in level flight of not more than 120 knots calibrated airspeed (CAS), have a maximum never-exceed speed of not more than 120 knots CAS for a glider, and have a maximum stalling speed, without the use of lift-enhancing devices of not more than 45 knots CAS. It may be certificated as either Experimental LSA or as a Special LSA aircraft. A minimum of a sport pilot certificate is required to operate light-sport aircraft.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-AVN-000564
FieldAviation and air traffic control
AbbreviationLSA
References14 CFR part 1, §1.1; FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary
Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-AVN-000564",
  "term": "Light-sport aircraft (LSA)",
  "field": "Aviation and air traffic control",
  "definition": "An FAA-registered aircraft, other than a helicopter or powered-lift, that meets certain weight and performance. Principally it is a single-engine aircraft with a maximum of two seats and weighing no more than 1,430 pounds if intended for operation on water, or 1,320 pounds if not. It must be of simple design (fixed landing gear (except if intended for operations on water or a glider), piston powered, nonpressurized, with a fixed or ground adjustable propeller). Performance is also limited to a maximum airspeed in level flight of not more than 120 knots calibrated airspeed (CAS), have a maximum never-exceed speed of not more than 120 knots CAS for a glider, and have a maximum stalling speed, without the use of lift-enhancing devices of not more than 45 knots CAS. It may be certificated as either Experimental LSA or as a Special LSA aircraft. A minimum of a sport pilot certificate is required to operate light-sport aircraft.",
  "abbreviation": "LSA",
  "references": [
    "14 CFR part 1, §1.1",
    "FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/aviation/light-sport-aircraft-lsa/"
}

Record 564 of 1,122 in Aviation and air traffic control terminology (MLC-0104). Request the full dataset.