There is currently a noticeable resurgence of light sports aircraft for sale in the market. LSA sales have gained significant traction amid a steadily recovering economy. With friendly market conditions, it is the best time to peruse aviation classifieds to find the best LSA that would fit your needs and your budget.
Why Light Sport Aircraft?
Why opt for light sports aircraft (LSA)? There are three things that come in mind:
First, these are simple to operate hence they are easy to fly. While piloting lighter LSA would need better airmanship skills because of its vulnerability to weather and other atmospheric conditions, flying LSA is less complicated compared to other general aviation (GA) planes. There is a reason why flying schools use the LSA for their students who are just starting out.
Second, these are also relatively affordable plus they have lower maintenance and operating costs. Compared to other GA planes, LSA offer a wide price range that can fit right in any prospective buyer’s budget. There’s also the many testimonials that point to the fact that maintaining and operating one’s LSA do not cost as much as other planes. In fact, owners can do their light maintenance if this is encompassed by their expertise. If an owner also takes a couple of special aviation courses, he/she can legally perform aircraft inspection which is otherwise costly if you bring in the professionals. LSA affordability both in selling price as well as maintenance and operating costs will definitely give you the best value for your investment.
Third, these come in different shapes and sizes to fit the buyer’s needs and occasional whims. There are over a hundred types of LSA to choose from, all with cutting edge technology and standardized safety features coupled with the best aesthetics you can imagine. Such an extensive roster is obviously not offered by other GA planes out there in the market.
Important to include in one’s LSA understanding are the FAA-regulated standards that define Light Sport Aircraft worthiness to fly. These include:
• Maximum weight: Not more than 1, 320 lbs for “land only aircraft” ; Not more than 1, 430 lbs for “land and water aircraft”
• Maximum airspeed: Must not exceed 120 knots
• Maximum stalling speed: Not more than 45 knots
• Maximum seating capacity: Two (pilot included)
• Fixed-pitch propeller
• For gyroplanes, rotor system must be fixed-pitch, semi-rigid, teetering, and two-blade
• Non-pressurized cabins for LSA that come with these
• Fixed landing gear particularly for gliders
More LSA benefits
While getting a pilot’s license can be expensive, getting one to fly Light Sport aircraft is not as costly. Readily gleaned from aviation reviews is the observation that LSA scores high in comfort, stability, and safety. This can be largely attributed to the fact that certified manufacturers have to strictly comply with the standards set by the internationally-renowned American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
It is really no surprise that the LSA weathered the economic slump only a few years ago. If you want hassle-free, low cost, safety-conscious flying, LSA should definitely be the choice for you. So go ahead. Hit those aviation classifieds. You might just find the perfect light sports aircraft for sale that best fits your needs.
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