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

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

Gemini Sparkle

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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Tecnam P2002 Sierra Mk2
Tecnam P2002 Sierra Mk2

Tecnam P2002 Sierra Mk2

The P2002 Sierra Mk2 is the third Tecnam aircraft to be featured in this buyer’s guide, and it’s the third different category of airplane, testimony to the versatility of the design team in Capua, Italy, where the company is headquartered. And the Sierra Mk2 is a clear demonstration of the company’s commitment to design. The low-wing, all-metal, two-seat side-by-side beauty has a relatively short and thin-chord wing that nevertheless allows it to stall at sub-40-knot speeds, thanks to the long-span slotted flaps. The plane is made for going to places, too. With a cruise speed of 120 knots (again, the max allowed in the LSA category), the Sierra Mk2 can get down the road, and with a range of 600 nm, it has legs, too. Available with either Garmin or Dynon avionics, buyers can get a capable panel and a BRS chute as an option, as well.

Niche: Low-wing sport

Base Price: $150,000

Competitors: Sport Cruiser, Bristell NG5 LSA

Tecnam P2002 Sierra Mk2 Specifications

Learn more at Tecnam.

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