10 New Planes Under $100K

Since the sport-pilot/LSA rules went into effect in 2004, approximately 40 models have appeared! And they're not just for folks with the new sport-pilot certificate. Private pilots can buy and fly them, too.

What's an LSA? First off, an LSA isn't a type-certificated aircraft like your Cirrus, Columbia, Cessna or Piper. In fact, so many new aircraft are available in the marketplace because the FAA changed the rules to allow aircraft manufacturers to agree on safe construction standards, called consensus standards. All LSAs are built to comply with standards established by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). Building an ASTM-compliant aircraft places most of the burden on the manufacturer, but it saves them the millions of dollars it would have cost to develop an FAA type-certificated aircraft. LSAs are safe aircraft, just not as expensive.

An LSA is defined as a single-engine (nonturbine) aircraft with fixed landing gear (amphibians can have retracting wheels) that's designed to transport two occupants. Maximum gross weight (plane, pilot, passenger, fuel, luggage, lunch) is limited to 1,320 pounds. Maximum airspeed is 120 knots (about 138 mph) and maximum stall speed is 45 knots (about 51 mph). Among the new LSA models you'll see everything from Cub-clones to composites. Some are modern versions of designs that have been proven in classic aircraft, while others are imports from Europe and Australia where lighter aircraft have been in the marketplace for more than a decade.

If you already have or are working toward your private-pilot certificate, an LSA is a great flying option. You don't have to hold a sport-pilot certificate to fly LSAs. In fact, your private ticket will let you do more with an LSA than a sport pilot is legally allowed. Sport pilots can't fly in controlled airspace without additional training and endorsements. They can't fly above 10,000 feet MSL. They can fly VFR during the daytime, but not at night. And, for now, they can't fly outside of the United States.

If none of these restrictions bother you, and you don't yet have your pilot certificate, or the medical has expired (not been revoked), you could opt for the less-expensive but more-restrictive sport-pilot certificate. Why would you? Because it's simpler and cheaper---just like LSAs.

There are about 40 ready-to-fly LSAs available in the marketplace, with more released monthly. The models presented here are the 10 most popular LSAs per the FAA Registry and the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (LAMA). Other great LSAs, such as the Remos G-3 and CubCrafter's Sport Cub, are relatively new to the market and as such, didn't make the list. Prices listed in this article are for basic models and will vary depending on equipment and, in some cases, monetary exchange rates. If you don't find what you want here, check out the other 30 models, or consider one of the hundreds of experimental aircraft, ultralights and classic aircraft that qualify as LSA under the new rules.

You can even equip an LSA for IFR, and a private pilot with an instrument rating can fly it IFR. A private pilot can fly an equipped LSA at night, too. Just remember that the plane itself is limited to you and one passenger. If that works for you, go for it---and keep the change.

Whether you fly with a sport-pilot, recreation-pilot or private-pilot certificate, LSAs are more economical to buy, rent and operate than most other aircraft. If costs are important to your flying, consider an LSA for your next aircraft.