Light Sport Aircraft

[DaveSims]

Ok, as I mentioned in another post, I got to see one of the first of the PiperSport, as our FBO is a dealer for them.  I was immediately impressed with the aircraft, until I read the operating handbook,  DAY VFR ONLY.  After seeing that, and a little research, it seems aircraft certified Light Sport, all carry that limitation. 

With that knowledge, I believe that the manufacturers of the Light Sport aircraft have gone about it completely wrong.  The original intent of the Light Sport program was to give people a cheaper avenue to fly.  However, almost all of the Light Sport aircraft being produced cost more than $100,000 US, for an airplane that can only be flown Day VFR.  Looking at the PiperSport, I can see why.  Why do you need a full glass cockpit for Day VFR?  A compass, airspeed indicator, altimeter, and a few engine gauges would suffice, and save $20,000-$30,000, not to mention weight.  Almost all Light Sport aircraft also have ballistic parachute systems.  Flying only Day VFR, you should never be in a situation to need one of those.  There goes another 100 lbs of unnecessary equipment, and maybe another $5,000 to $10,000 off of the sticker price. 

I would think it would be possibly for some manufacturer to create a basic Light Sport aircraft, since that is what they are meant to be, and be able to do it for under $60,000 new. 

[Hagar]

I understand that the PiperSport is the CZAW SportCruiser built under licence. This is a Czech design which is becoming popular in Britain where the NPPL restrictions are slightly different from the Light Sport

[beaky]

Part of the problem is that the Sport Pilot rating only allows daytime VFR flight...

I often hear from pilot wannabes who are thinking the Sport thing is some sort of cheap short-cut into flying (including starting out Sport and then going on to the PPASEL), but unless you get an older type that meets the criteria (Cub, Champ, Luscombe) and are satisfied to fly under the limitations, you won't be saving money. The price of these new Sport machines bears that out.

I don't get the glass panel thing, either, but I guess there's a market for it. Heck, even the new Wacos are being offered with IFR-certified glass suites. Not sure who's out there shooting WAAS approaches in IMC in biplanes, but there you have it. 

The Sport rules, for pilots and machines, really most benefit those who just want to fly something more substantial than an ultralight or glider, but do not want to risk failing the FAA medical exam. For those folks, it's a godsend.

[specter177]

What I don't understand is why the AIRCRAFT is limited to that. What is wrong with it that it's not allowed night flights?

[Hagar]

What I don't understand is why the AIRCRAFT is limited to that. What is wrong with it that it's not allowed night flights?

Not sure I understand it either. It might be a question of certification category.

[DaveSims]

What I don't understand is why the AIRCRAFT is limited to that. What is wrong with it that it's not allowed night flights?

Not sure I understand it either. It might be a question of certification category.

[Hagar]

The FAA seems to have its knickers in a twist over this Light Sport thing. Other countries seem able to cope with it.

[Brett_Henderson]

As Rotty mentioned; whether intended or not, the LSA thing found

[DaveSims]

[quote]As Rotty mentioned; whether intended or not, the LSA thing found

[specter177]

Well, if you're not a sport pilot, don't get a sport plane. Buy a used certified plane, preferably one with 4 seats and an IFR panel. There are many that are cheaper than a new LSA, and are proven designs.

[beaky]

What I don't understand is why the AIRCRAFT is limited to that. What is wrong with it that it's not allowed night flights?

There's no night restriction on the aircraft; it's the pilots...

If a LSA has the equipment needed for legal night flight, it can legally be flown night VFR... but not by a Sport Pilot.

[DaveSims]

What I don't understand is why the AIRCRAFT is limited to that. What is wrong with it that it's not allowed night flights?

There's no night restriction on the aircraft; it's the pilots...

If a LSA has the equipment needed for legal night flight, it can legally be flown night VFR... but not by a Sport Pilot.

The aircraft is equipped, but is placarded and has DAY VFR ONLY in the operator's manual.  That was my question, why go through the trouble of equipping it if it won't be doing it.

As for buying it versus a real airplane, I many liked the PiperSport because it meets all my mission requirements, and has a 46.5 in wide cabin, something not many other light aircraft that I have found have.  There was an opportunity to get into a partnership on one, for a reasonable price, but the DAY issue killed it. 

[beaky]

[quote]
The aircraft is equipped, but is placarded and has DAY VFR ONLY in the operator's manual.

[Ivan]

So its basically the same as getting winter wheels for your Audi S6 and the 'no more than 210 kmh' sticker on the window because they dont have winter wheels over speed category 'V'... You can do it but its not legal

[DaveSims]

So its basically the same as getting winter wheels for your Audi S6 and the 'no more than 210 kmh' sticker on the window because they dont have winter wheels over speed category 'V'... You can do it but its not legal

And I have heard some folks are flying their PiperSports at night.  But just imagine something not good were to happen.  You would be very alone very quick.  Your aircraft insurance probably would not help you at all, since you were operating outside of its legal limitations.  The FAA would be looking to hang you for the same reason.  If anyone was hurt, they would be able to sue you to no end.  Even though it is a paper limitation, I would be careful.