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 significantly grown and diversified due to eased certification standards, leading to an incredible variety of available models.
  • The article showcases diverse LSA designs, including high-performance backcountry aircraft, versatile amphibians, efficient low-wing sport planes, and utility models, each catering to different flying preferences.
  • Many modern LSA models feature advanced avionics, optional safety systems like ballistic parachutes, and are designed for enjoyable flying, often requiring specific pilot skills due to their light handling characteristics.
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Zenith CH750
Zenith CH750

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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