Light Sport Aircraft

[FlyinRock]

If you want to experience some fun flying you might try flying a LSA. I just got involved in them to help out a friend who had more work than he could handle. Flying one that is called the Breese 2 and is manufactured at the little strip south of Mobile at St Elmo (2R5). In the past year or two, the LSA activity there has increased a great deal and about a week ago there were 7 in the pattern! Downwind at about 55mph, base at 55mph, final at 55mph and touchdown at about 45mph with a landing roll of about 200 feet.
You'll feel like your butt is scraping the ground and the sight picture for round out and flare takes some getting used to. All in all its fun flying no matter how you look at it.
I never thought I'd be in one and now look at the old man instructing in them!
Semper Fi
Rocky

 

[yak52driver]

Most of the guys that are flying LSA at my airport are flying J-3's, Champs and Luscombes because they are cheaper to acquire than new LSA aircraft. We do have the occasional new LSA come to the field, though, and I have to admit they look pretty cool. A great option for anyone that is concerned about being able to pass a FAA medical.

 

[insanebikerboy]

I'll put a safety plug in here. AOPA published an interesting report about LSA's and mishaps. According to the report, the aircraft themselves are very reliable and safe, the majority of the mishaps are from guys who fly heavier aircraft (which included the basic Cessna, etc), and they try and fly LSA's like the heavier aircraft.

Basically, it was saying get some good instruction since the sight picture and handling characteristics can be surprisingly different than a heavier airplane.