best light sport aircraft

10 Best Light Sport Aircraft

Light sport aircraft (LSA) is an easy way to get started in flying because they are simple, cheap, and easy to use. LSAs are great for both new and experienced pilots who want a clear flying experience.

Benefits of Owning a Light Sport Aircraft

Owning an LSA comes with many advantages like:

  • Affordability: Both the original cost of buying an LSA and the ongoing costs of maintaining it are usually less than those of regular aircraft.
  • Easy to Use: LSAs are easier to fly because they are designed to be simple. This makes them perfect for sports pilots and hobbies.
  • Flexibility in regulations: LSAs have less strict regulations, which means pilots can fly with a sport pilot certificate, which is easier and faster to get than a private pilot license.
  • Fuel Efficiency: LSAs usually use less fuel, which lowers costs and has a smaller effect on the earth.

10. Bristell NG5

The BRM Aero-designed Bristell NG5 is a highly regarded light sport aircraft that is known for its high-tech features, sleek design, and great speed. This modern plane is liked by pilots and flight fans alike because it is fast, comfortable, and easy to control.

The Bristell NG5 can be used for many different tasks because it is very flexible. People like to fly it for fun, to learn how to fly, and to go on vacation. It’s great for pilots who like to see new places because it’s fast, has a long range, and is comfortable. The NG5 is a great platform for aerial photos and other specialised aviation activities because of its modern look and high-tech features.

Specifications

SpecificationDetails
ManufacturerBRM Aero
CountryCzech Republic
EngineRotax 912 ULS
Horsepower100 hp
Cruise Speed115 knots
Maximum Speed130 knots
RangeApproximately 700 nautical miles
Fuel Capacity120 liters (31.7 gallons)
Fuel Consumption18 liters per hour (4.75 gallons per hour)
Stall Speed32 knots
Takeoff Distance150 meters (492 feet)
Landing Distance180 meters (591 feet)
Service Ceiling18,000 feet
Rate of Climb1,200 feet per minute
Wingspan8.13 meters (26.7 feet)
Length6.83 meters (22.4 feet)
Height2.28 meters (7.5 feet)
Wing Area11.24 square meters (121 square feet)
Empty Weight340 kg (750 pounds)
Maximum Takeoff Weight600 kg (1,320 pounds)
Seating Capacity2 (side-by-side)
Landing GearTricycle gear
Avionics OptionsDigital glass cockpit with optional advanced navigation
Build OptionsFactory-built or kit-built
ConstructionHigh-quality aluminum
VisibilityExcellent, with large bubble canopy
Safety FeaturesBallistic parachute system
ConfigurationsStandard with customizable paint schemes and interiors

9. Jabiru J230

An Australian business called Jabiru Aircraft Pty Ltd makes the popular light-sport aircraft J230-D. The company is known for making recreational and light aircraft. The J230-D is meant to be flexible, so it can be used for cross-country trips, fun flights, and flight training. Dual controls, electric flaps, cabin heat, and modern avionics like GPS and EFIS/EMS systems are some of the most important features.

Specifications

SpecificationValue
EngineJabiru 3300 6-cylinder
Engine Type4-stroke, horizontally opposed, air-cooled
Horsepower120 hp
Maximum Takeoff Weight600 kg (1320 lbs)
Empty Weight340 kg (750 lbs)
Fuel Capacity135 liters (35.7 US gallons)
Cruise Speed120 knots
Stall Speed45 knots
Range780 nautical miles
Seating Capacity2
Wingspan9.06 meters (29.7 feet)
Length6.74 meters (22.1 feet)

8. Aeropro EuroFox

The EuroFOX, which is made by Aeropro, is a famous and useful light sport aircraft that is known for being well-built, fast, and cheap. The EuroFOX is made in Slovakia and comes in a number of different configurations, such as tricycle gear, tailwheel, and amphibious versions, to meet the wants and preferences of different pilots.

The EuroFOX is liked by flying schools, private owners, and aviation fans because it works well, doesn’t cost much to run, and can be changed to fit different needs. It’s good for many things, like learning how to fly, flying for fun, taking pictures from the air, and even moving light items. Its versatility as a light sport aircraft is further enhanced by its ease of change between different setups, such as from tricycle gear to amphibious.

Specifications

SpecificationDetails
ManufacturerAeropro
CountrySlovakia
EngineRotax 912 series
Horsepower80-100 hp (depending on model)
Cruise SpeedApproximately 100 knots
Maximum SpeedApproximately 120 knots
RangeApproximately 600 nautical miles
Fuel Capacity85 liters (22.5 gallons)
Fuel Consumption15 liters per hour (4 gallons per hour)
Stall Speed30 knots
Takeoff Distance120 meters (394 feet)
Landing Distance130 meters (426 feet)
Service Ceiling15,000 feet
Rate of Climb1,000 feet per minute
Wingspan9.2 meters (30.2 feet)
Length6.23 meters (20.4 feet)
Height2.3 meters (7.5 feet)
Wing Area11.4 square meters (122.7 square feet)
Empty Weight290 kg (639 pounds)
Maximum Takeoff Weight560 kg (1,235 pounds)
Seating Capacity2 (side-by-side)
Landing GearTricycle gear or tailwheel (conventional)
Avionics OptionsAnalog instruments to advanced glass cockpit systems
Build OptionsFactory-built or kit-built
ConstructionSteel tube fuselage, aluminum wings, fabric covering
VisibilityExcellent, with large bubble canopy
ConfigurationsTricycle gear, tailwheel, amphibious
STOL CapabilitiesYes (Short Takeoff and Landing)

7. Evektor Harmony

The Evektor Harmony LSA is a modern Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) that is popular with flight schools and private pilots because it is flexible, has high-tech electronics, and is built to last. The Harmony LSA is made by Evektor-Aerotechnik, a Czech company with a long history of making aeroplanes. It is intended to meet the needs of both training and leisure flying.

Evektor has sold more than 1,400 LSAs around the world, and half of them are used by flight schools or aero clubs. This shows how reliable the Harmony is and how well it works in settings with a lot of training. Orders like the recent large purchase by Jet Access in the US, which shows how popular and trusted the Harmony LSA is becoming in the aviation world, have helped this success.

Specifications

SpecificationValue
Engine OptionsRotax 912 ULS, Rotax 914 UL Turbo, Rotax 912iS
Horsepower100 hp (Rotax 912 ULS), 115 hp (Rotax 914 UL Turbo)
Rate of Climb900 ft/min (Rotax 912 ULS), 1,250 ft/min (Rotax 914 UL Turbo)
Max Level Speed115 knots (Rotax 912 ULS), 130 knots (Rotax 914 UL Turbo)
Max Speed146 knots
Stall Speed45 knots
RangeUp to 700 nautical miles
Takeoff Run620 feet
Landing Run590 feet
AvionicsGarmin G3X or Dynon SkyView, integrated autopilot, air traffic collision warning systems, night flight/IR training packages
ConstructionMetal with aluminum rivets and bonding agent
Cockpit FeaturesComfort high seats, ergonomic grips, optional ballistic recovery system
CertificationApproved by multiple international aviation authorities

6. Vashon Ranger R7

The Vashon Ranger R7 is a tough, fully-equipped, two-seater plane that was made to be affordable and useful in a variety of situations. It has a large cockpit, a full Dynon glass panel avionics suite, a reliable Continental O-200-D engine, and a strong metal build that can handle a variety of conditions. The Ranger is made for training and personal use. It has improved safety features, pedals that can be adjusted, and a cabin big enough to sleep in. It is made in the United States and is meant to fill the gap between older planes that don’t have enough features and expensive new models.

Specifications

SpecificationValue
Length21 ft 9 in
Height8 ft 4 in
Wingspan29 ft 6 in
Empty Weight875 lbs
Gross Weight1320 lbs
Useful Load445 lbs
Max Cruise Speed117 KCAS
Range501 nm
Service Ceiling12,000 ft (est.)

5. Tecnam P2008

The Italian company Tecnam manufactured the Tecnam P2008 LSA, which is a light sport aircraft (LSA). The P2008 LSA is known for its great performance, comfort, and flexibility. It has a sleek, modern look and was built with cutting-edge technology. It has a high-wing design that makes it easy for pilots and people to see and get in and out.

Its body is made of carbon fibre and its wings are made of metal. This makes the P2008 LSA both light and strong. The aircraft is driven by a Rotax 912ULS or 914 engine, which works well and reliably. The cockpit has a wide cabin, ergonomic seating, and high-tech avionics choices, such as glass cockpit screens, to make it comfortable and easy to use.

Key features of the P2008 LSA include low fuel consumption, fast takeoff and landing distances, and a large baggage area. These qualities make it a good choice for both training and leisure flying. In addition to making it safer generally, its modern aerodynamics and building materials help it fly smoothly. Many people who are interested in flying will find the Tecnam P2008 LSA interesting because it is a light sport aircraft that can be used for many different purposes and is very efficient.

Specifications

SpecificationDescription
Crew1
Capacity1 passenger
Length22.8 feet (6.95 meters)
Wingspan29.5 feet (9.0 meters)
Height8.4 feet (2.55 meters)
Wing area124.9 sq ft (11.6 sq m)
Empty weight815 lbs (370 kg)
Max takeoff weight1,320 lbs (600 kg)
Fuel capacity29 US gallons (110 liters)
Powerplant1 × Rotax 912ULS or 914, 100 hp or 115 hp (75 kW or 86 kW)
PropellerFixed-pitch or variable-pitch propeller
Maximum speed138 knots (159 mph, 256 km/h)
Cruise speed115 knots (132 mph, 213 km/h)
Stall speed (with full flaps)40 knots (46 mph, 74 km/h)
Range600 nm (690 miles, 1,111 km)
Service ceiling14,000 feet (4,267 meters)
Rate of climb1,150 ft/min (5.84 m/s)
Takeoff distance656 feet (200 meters)
Landing distance656 feet (200 meters)

4. CubCrafters Sport Cub S2

The American company CubCrafters manufactured the CubCrafters CC11-100 Sport Cub S2, which is a light sport aircraft (LSA). It is built on the famous Piper Cub design. Due to which it has the ability to fly in versatile conditions. The Sport Cub S2 features a high-wing configuration, which provides excellent visibility for the pilot and facilitates short takeoffs and landings (STOL). It is powered by a four-cylinder, air-cooled engine system. Typically the Continental O-200, the Sport Cub S2 that delivers dependable performance and efficiency. It can be upgraded with current avionics therefore, S2 provides better safety and navigation features. Which is why it remains popular among aviation fans and flight schools.

Specifications

SpecificationDescription
Length22.4 feet (6.83 meters)
Wingspan35.5 feet (10.82 meters)
Height6.75 feet (2.06 meters)
Wing area175 sq ft (16.3 sq m)
Empty weight825 lbs (374 kg)
Max takeoff weight1,320 lbs (599 kg)
Fuel capacity24 US gallons (91 liters)
Powerplant1 × Continental O-200-D air-cooled flat-four engine, 100 hp (75 kW)
PropellerFixed-pitch wooden propeller
Maximum speed108 knots (124 mph, 200 km/h)
Cruise speed100 knots (115 mph, 185 km/h)
Stall speed (with full flaps)39 knots (45 mph, 72 km/h)
Range368 nm (425 miles, 684 km) at 75% power
Service ceiling14,000 feet (4,267 meters)
Rate of climb1,150 ft/min (5.84 m/s)
Takeoff distance (over 50 ft obstacle)350 feet (107 meters)
Landing distance (over 50 ft obstacle)350 feet (107 meters)

3. Flight Design CTLS

The Flight Design CTLS is a famous light sport aircraft for its speed, agility, and safety features. The 2020 Sport Edition has a new cabin, better cowling, and a lighter empty weight. It comes with high-tech navigation systems like the Garmin G3X or Dynon SkyView HDX. The CTLS has a carbon/aramid body, a wing without struts, and better landing gear to make it faster and more comfortable. You can get it with either a Rotax 912ULS or 912iS engine, which gives it up to 100 hp and 1800 km of range at MTOW.

Specifications

SpecificationDetails
EngineRotax 912ULS or 912iS
Max Power100 hp
Max Speed120 knots
Cruise Speed112 knots
Range1800 km (at MTOW)
Fuel Capacity34.3 gallons
Wingspan8.60 meters
Length6.30 meters
Height2.30 meters
Takeoff Distance320 meters
Landing Distance300 meters
Empty Weight372 kg
Max Takeoff Weight600 kg
Seating Capacity2 people
Safety FeaturesBallistic Recovery System (BRS), Advanced Avionics

2. Pipistrel Virus SW

The Pipistrel Virus SW is extremely fast, flexible, light sport aircraft that is famous for its amazing range and speed. There are three variants of it: the Virus SW 80, the Virus SW 100, and the Virus SW 100 iS. It has Rotax engines with up to 100 hp, which let it cruise at up to 147 knots and go up to 852 nautical miles. The plane has modern avionics, a large cockpit, and a ballistic parachute system to make it safer. This makes it a great choice for both training and leisure flying.

Specifications

SpecificationVirus SW 80Virus SW 100Virus SW 100 iS
EngineRotax 912 ULRotax 912 ULSRotax 912 iS
Max Power80 hp100 hp100 hp
Max Speed264 km/h (143 knots)283 km/h (153 knots)283 km/h (153 knots)
Cruising Speed246 km/h (133 knots)273 km/h (147 knots)273 km/h (147 knots)
Range890 nautical miles783 nautical miles852 nautical miles
Stall Speed64 km/h (34 knots)64 km/h (34 knots)64 km/h (34 knots)
Takeoff Distance140 meters95 meters95 meters
Max Altitude18,000 feet18,000 feet18,000 feet
Fuel Capacity2 x 50 liters2 x 50 liters2 x 50 liters
Useful Load185 kg183 kg180 kg
Wing Span10.71 meters (35 feet 1 inch)10.71 meters (35 feet 1 inch)10.71 meters (35 feet 1 inch)
Length6.5 meters (21 feet 3 inches)6.5 meters (21 feet 3 inches)6.5 meters (21 feet 3 inches)
Height1.85 meters1.85 meters1.85 meters
Empty Weight287 kg289 kg292 kg
Max Takeoff Weight472.5 kg / 600 kg472.5 kg / 600 kg472.5 kg / 600 kg
Safety FeaturesBallistic Parachute SystemBallistic Parachute SystemBallistic Parachute System

1. ICON A5

The ICON A5 is a light sport aircraft design for adventure trips. One of the most important features is its ability to fly both land and water. It has got wings that fold up, a panoramic cover, and high-tech electronics like the Garmin G3X TouchTM. It has a Rotax 912iS Sport engine that gives it a top speed of 95 KCAS and a range of 427 nautical miles. The A5 also puts safety first with a structure that doesn’t spin and a parachute system. It works with different kinds of fuel with full customization control.

Specifications

SpecificationDetails
EngineRotax 912iS Sport
Max Speed95 KCAS
Range427 nautical miles
Fuel Capacity20 gallons
Wingspan34.8 feet (with wings extended)
Length23 feet
Height8.1 feet
Takeoff Distance (land)840 feet
Takeoff Distance (water)920 feet
Seating Capacity2 people
Useful Load430 pounds
Landing GearRetractable (for water landings)
Safety FeaturesSpin-resistant airframe, parachute system

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