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 significantly, offering an extensive and diverse range of models—from high-performance backcountry aircraft to amphibians and versatile sport cruisers—enabled by eased certification standards.
  • Modern LSA designs blend various construction materials and feature sophisticated avionics like glass panels, often including optional safety systems such as whole-airplane recovery parachutes.
  • While adhering to performance limits, LSAs provide strong capabilities within their niches, such as impressive climb rates, efficient cruise speeds, and excellent short-field performance.
  • Many LSA models require proficient stick-and-rudder skills and specific training for consistent and safe operation, particularly for pilots transitioning from conventional aircraft.
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Sport Cruiser
Sport Cruiser

Sport Cruiser

One of the most popular LSAs is the Sport Cruiser, manufactured in the Czech Republic and distributed by U.S. Sport Aircraft in the U.S. The Sport Cruiser (look for a full pilot report soon) is a two-place, all-metal, side-by-side low-winger with a huge glass canopy. It’s a blending of conventional materials with modern design to come up with a rugged and great-looking little plane. It’s optimized to be a cruiser, with good forward speed (120 knots, the maximum allowed under LSA), a stall speed of just 31 knots (thanks to the slotted flaps), and a range in excess of 500 nm and with a fuel flow of less than 5 gph. There are even a couple of hidden small luggage bays in the wings. The Sport Cruiser SVT comes with leather upholstery, flat-panel avionics and a BRS whole airplane recovery parachute system, so even though it’s an LSA, it’s still a serious traveling machine.

Niche: Low-wing sport

Base Price: $160,000

Competitors: Tecnam Sierra, Bristell NG 5 LSA

Sport Cruiser Specifications

Learn more at Czech Sport Aircraft.

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