Cessna joins the fray to build LSA

[Junkie]

This could be intersting

06/06/06 - EAA WELCOMES CESSNA’S INTEREST IN LSA MARKETPLACE

EAA welcomes Cessna Aircraft Company’s participation in light-sport aircraft activities at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2006, following today’s announcement by Cessna that it will have a full-scale, proof-of-concept aircraft at AirVenture as it studies the possibility of producing a light-sport aircraft.

“We are pleased Cessna has chosen EAA AirVenture Oshkosh to showcase its proof-of-concept LSA to the public,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA president. “This is another step toward expanding the light-sport aircraft marketplace, which continues to grow since the sport pilot/light-sport aircraft rule became effective less than two years ago.”

Cessna’s proof-of-concept LSA will be displayed on the south side of AeroShell Square at EAA AirVenture.

“EAA spent more than a decade helping the sport pilot/light-sport aircraft rule become a reality, and the organization is dedicated to making it a success for the individual aviation enthusiast as well as the industry,” Poberezny said. “Cessna’s interest in this segment of the aviation market reinforces the importance of our efforts to help people enjoy safe, fun flight.”

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh will take place at Wittman Regional Airport on July 24-30. The LSA Mall, where attendees can discover and compare all of the aircraft available under the new rule, will be open daily throughout the weeklong event.

[Duck Rogers]

Proves that LSA is the way to go in today's ever competitive market. It's much more affordable and I bet a bunch of GA pilots are gonna switch when it gets introduced here.

Cessna are no fools. I bet they have already seen where the interest is and where the potential money is :D

Duck Rogers

[wamatt]

Is light sport aircraft an official category or whats really the definition?

[Arnulf]

LSA is a new category in the US of A. The idea is to make fun flying more accessible to a broader base of people.

[RudiGreyling]

Yeah, I saw that...

Wonder if the Cessna LSA plane is going to be at Cessna prices at Cessna performance i.e. high and marginal respectively.

The LSA from Rans, Zodiac and RV12 might be better contenders, if you are into building with Aluminium.

It is exciting times, best is to wait a year and see how these guys slug it out and how the planes come out.

Regards
Rudi

[Arnulf]

wamatt wrote:

Is light sport aircraft an official category or whats really the definition?

The Sport Pilot Rule:

A sport pilot may exercise flight privileges in one or more of the following aircraft categories:

Airplane (single-engine only)
Glider
Lighter-than-air (airship or balloon)
Rotorcraft (gyroplane only)
Powered Parachute
Weight-Shift controlled (e.g. Trikes)
The sport pilot rule:

Creates a new sport pilot certificate for operating any aircraft that meet the definition of a light-sport aircraft.
Creates a new sport pilot instructor certificate.
Requires FAA knowledge (written) and practical (flight) test.
Credits ultralight training and experience toward a sport pilot certificate.
Credits sport pilot flight time toward more advanced pilot ratings.
Requires either a current and valid U.S. driver's license or 3rd class FAA medical certificate.
Does not allow carrying passengers for compensation or hire
Allows sharing ("pro-rata") operating expenses with another pilot.
Allows day VFR flight only.
Allow sport pilots to fly vintage and production aircraft (standard airworthiness certificate) that meet the definition of a light-sport aircraft.





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Light-Sport Aircraft:

Maximum gross takeoff weight--1,320 lbs (600 kg.), 1,430 lbs. if float equipped.
Lighter-than-air light-sport aircraft maximum gross weight--660 lbs (300 kg.)
Maximum stall speed-51 mph (45 knots)
Maximum speed in level flight with maximum continuous power (Vh)--138 mph (120 knots)
Two-place maximum (pilot and one passenger)
Day VFR only operation (unless the aircraft is equipped per FAR 91.209 and the pilot holds at least a Private Pilot certificate).
Single, reciprocating engine only
Fixed or ground adjustable propeller
Unpressurized cabin
Fixed landing gear
Seaplanes may have repositionable landing gear that allow the wheels to be rotated for amphibious operation.
Can be manufactured and sold ready-to-fly under a new Special Light-Sport aircraft certification without FAR Part 23 compliance. Aircraft must meet ASTM consensus standards. Aircraft under this certification may be used for sport and recreation, flight training, and aircraft rental.
Can be licensed Experimental "Light-Sport Aircraft" if kit- or plans-built. Aircraft under this certification may be used only for sport and recreation and flight instruction for the owner of the aircraft.
Can be licensed Experimental "Light-Sport Aircraft" if it was kit- or plans-built and operated as an ultralight trainers. Application must be submitted within 24 months after the effective date of the rule.
Will have FAA registration-"N" number.
Aircraft category and class includes: Airplane (Land/Sea), Gyroplane, Airship, Balloon, Weight-Shift-Control (Trike Land/Sea), and Powered Parachute.
U.S. or foreign manufacture of light-sport aircraft is authorized.
Aircraft with a standard airworthiness certificate that meet above specifications may be flown by sport pilots. However, that airworthiness certification category will not be changed to a light-sport aircraft. Holders of a sport pilot certificate may fly an aircraft with a standard airworthiness certificate if it meets the definition of a light-sport aircraft
Sport Pilot Intructors:

The new sport pilot/light-sport aircraft rule:

Creates new sport pilot flight and ground instructor certificates.
Allows instructors to use ultralight exemption experience.
Allows conversion to sport pilot instructor status for ultralight instructors.
Allows current CFI's to train sport pilots.
Repairmen Certificate

The sport pilot/light-sport aircraft rule creates a new Repairmen Light-Sport Aircraft certificate-with either a maintenance or inspection rating. To obtain a repairman certificate-light sport aircraft you must demonstrate a skill level sufficient to determine the aircraft is in a condition for safe flight, and for

Inspection rating-complete a 16 hour course on the inspection requirements of the particular make and model of light-sport aircraft;
Maintenance rating-complete an course (80 to 120 hours depending on category of aircraft) on the maintenance requirements of the particular category of light-sport aircraft.
Other LSA Maintenance Options

Maintenance, including all inspections on special light-sport airworthiness certificated aircraft can be completed by:

An appropriately rated mechanic--that is, A&P, IA
An appropriately rated repair station; or
An appropriately rated repair station; or
A certificated pilot (Sport Pilot rating or higher) may perform preventative maintenance
Maintenance, including all inspections on experimental light-sport airworthiness certificated aircraft can be completed by:

An appropriately rated mechanic--that is, A&P, IA
An appropriately rated repair station;
A repairman (light-sport aircraft) with a maintenance rating;
To perform inspections on your own aircraft, you must have a repairman's certificate (light-sport aircraft) with an inspection rating.

More extensive training can lead to a general Repairman's Certificate (Similar to IA, Inspection Authorization) for operations such as dealers, manufacturers, etc.

Detailed Information: (See EAA site for extensive coverage.)