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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Zenith CH750

An offshoot of the popular CH701, the CH750 adds more room while sacrificing none of the off-airport capability for which the breed is well known. The 750 is taller, has a bigger wingspan, and has more range, payload and useful load than the 701, all while keeping within the FAA’s max weight for the category of 1,320 pounds. With an 86 knots cruise speed, the 750 isn’t fast, but it’s fun to fly, with great visibility thanks to the high wing and big windows and extreme short-field capability that rivals that of taildragger competitors, claims the company. In every way that matters, the 750 is a real Zenair. An all-metal airplane like all of the company’s products, the 750 features a few signature Zenith touches, including leading edge slats and a Y-ended center-mounted yoke for use by either occupant.

Niche: High-wing utility

Base Price: $75,000 (depends on builder choices)

Competitors: CubCrafters Carbon Cub, American Legend Cub

Zenith CH750 Specifications

Learn more at Zenith Aircraft.

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