Plane & Pilot 2017 Buyer's Guide: Light Sport Aircraft

From amphibians to trainers, there's an LSA for everyone.

Plane & Pilot

Wednesday, February 08, 2017 at 06:49 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category has matured into a highly diverse segment, offering a wide array of models tailored for various flying niches, including backcountry, amphibious, touring, and sport flying.
LSA regulations have fostered significant innovation in aircraft manufacturing, leading to models that combine modern avionics and construction techniques (like composite materials) with category-specific performance characteristics.
Each highlighted LSA model showcases unique design philosophies, prioritizing features such as short-field capability, high cruise speed within limits, robust utility, or amphibious versatility, often requiring specific pilot training due to their distinct handling.
The market continues to offer compelling choices for LSA enthusiasts, demonstrating ongoing growth and the ability of manufacturers to deliver diverse and engaging flying experiences.

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Super Petrel

First released by Brazil-based EDRA Aeronautica in 2001, the Super Petrel design was subsequently updated and modified to conform to the light sport requirements in the U.S. and Europe. It appeared as the Super Petrel LS in 2009, though was only LSA-certified in the U.S. two years ago. The LS model is an amphibious biplane equipped to carry two passengers at a top cruise speed of around 100 knots. Dual-axis autopilot and Dynon glass come standard, creating a modern, user-friendly cockpit. The Super Petrel LS’s primarily composite design, complete with carbon Kevlar hull, makes it sturdy and impact-resistant while still capable of maintaining respectable performance numbers for the category. In our flight report on the plane, we lauded its handling, both in the air and on the water.

Niche: Seaplane/Amphibian

Base Price: $155,000

Competitors: Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey, ICON A5

Super Petrel Specifications

Learn more at Super Petrel.

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