The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed new certification requirements for light-sport craft, pilots and repairmen.
Light-sport craft are simple, low-performance craft limited to 1,232 pounds (560 kilograms) maximum weight, two occupants, a single non-turbine powered engine, stall speed of 39 knots (about 44 m.p.h.), maximum airspeed of 115 knots (about 132 m.p.h.) and fixed landing gear. These include airplanes, weight-shift-control aircraft, powered parachutes, gyroplanes, gliders, balloons and airships.
Airworthiness
– An experimental light-sport aircraft airworthiness certificate would be established for existing light-sport aircraft that do not meet requirements of the Federal Aviation Regulations.
– Special, light-sport aircraft airworthiness certificates would be offered for light-sport aircraft that meet an airworthiness standard developed by industry.
Pilots, flight instructors, repairmen
– There would be new certificates for student pilots operating light-sport aircraft, sport pilots and flight instructors with a sport pilot rating.
– Two new aircraft category and class ratings would be established: weight-shift-control (with land and sea class ratings) and powered parachute. These would have training and certification requirements.
– A current U.S. driver’s license or an FAA airman medical certificate would be required.
– A new repairman certificate would require a maintenance or inspection rating to maintain and inspect light-sport aircraft.
Private, recreational pilots
There are additional requirements for recreational and private pilots. They must have classroom and flight training, pass written and practical tests, pass a medical examination and have certification.
