Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
Preface
Acknowledgements
Table of Contents
Chapter 1, Introduction To Flying
Chapter 2, Aircraft Structure
Chapter 3, Principles of Flight
Chapter 4, Aerodynamics of Flight
Chapter 5,
Flight Controls
Chapter 6,
Aircraft Systems
Chapter 7,
Flight Instruments
Chapter 8, Flight Manuals and Other Documents
Chapter 9,
Weight and Balance
Chapter 10, Aircraft Performance
Chapter 11, Weather Theory
Chapter 12,
Aviation Weather Services
Chapter 13,
Airport Operation
Chapter 14,
Airspace
Chapter 15, Navigation
Chapter 16, Aeromedical Factors
Chapter 17, Aeronautical Decision Making
Appendix
Glossary
Index |
Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) includes Airplane (Land/Sea),
Gyroplane, Airship, Balloon, Weight-Shift Control (Land/
Sea), Glider, and Powered Parachute. [Figure 1-21]
In order for an aircraft to fall in the Light Sport Category, it
must meet the following criteria:
• The maximum gross takeoff weight may not exceed
1,320 pounds, or 1,430 pounds for seaplanes. Lighterthan-
air maximum gross weight may not be more than
660 pounds.
Figure 1-21. Some examples of LSA (from top to bottom: gyroplane, weight-shift control, and a powered parachute).
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• The maximum stall speed may not exceed 45 knots,
and the inflight maximum speed in level flight with
maximum continuous power is no greater than 120
knots.
• Seating is restricted to single or two-seat configuration
only.
• The powerplant may be only a single, reciprocating
engine (if powered), but may include rotary or diesel
engines.
• The landing gear must be fixed, except gliders or those
aircraft intended for operation on water.
• The aircraft can be manufactured and sold ready-to-fly
under a new special LSA category, and certification
must meet industry consensus standards. The aircraft
may be used for sport, recreation, flight training, and
aircraft rental.
• The aircraft will have an FAA registration N-number
and may be operated at night if the aircraft is properly
equipped and the pilot holds at least a private pilot
certificate with a minimum of a third-class medical
Pilot Certifications
The type of intended flying will influence what type of
pilot's certificate is required. Eligibility, training, experience,
and testing requirements differ depending on the type of
certificates sought. [Figure 1-22]
Figure 1-22. Front side (top) and back side (bottom) of an airman certificate issued by the FAA.
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