Could 2020 bring a new description of aircraft under the LSA banner? Could this include greater capabilities and opportunities? Could you get the airplane you want for less? When?! Yes, yes, and yes …but probably not as soon as you want. The regulation may not emerge in 2020 but whatever the announcement date, what could be coming and how will it affect you? We still have more to report from Sun ‘n Fun and Aero 2019 — and we will! — but numerous conversations at each event have pointed to another topic of keen interest to many: “What’s coming and when?” Manufacturers of aircraft are among the most interested to hear more, but so are individual pilots and all the organizations and other enterprises that serve the recreational aircraft market. In this article, let’s take a closer look. (More articles will follow.) EAA has adeptly branded their good work to some of these ends as MOSAIC, or Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certificates.
What’s Coming to Light-Sport Aircraft and Sport Pilot Kit Aircraft in 2020 (or so)?
Arion's Lightning XS, powered by Continental's 180-horsepower Titan engine, is a huge performer with fixed landing gear. This is a kit, although Arion also makes a ready-to-fly Special LSA version called LS-1.
Builder Assist Centers
Nearly everyone in recreational aviation is by now well aware that the country is dotted with enterprises calling themselves a Builder Assist Center. This was not always the case.Sweden's Blackwing is a retractable two seater with in-flight adjustable propeller. These qualities require a kit-built aircraft in America today. Blackwing is also available with fixed gear that could (but does not yet) qualify as an SLSA.
Rans offers their S-21 Outbound in either tricycle gear as shown or in taildragger with a choice of powerplants. You can buy this aircraft assembled or in kit form.
Blackshape's Prime is another aggressive tandem seating European hot rod with retractable gear. In the USA today it would have to be assembled from a kit.
Then What?
Once you've got one of these speedy aircraft built, how can you learn to fly it or transition from a different aircraft you presently fly? Can you hire someone?Build centers can help individuals achieve highly finished looks like this new Bristell with its handsome flush-mounted avionics.
* DISCLAIMER — As with following articles in this series, what is described here is the best available information at the time of publication. In spring of 2019, FAA's regulation is still in early stages of development and it is a huge, sweeping rule set that touches on many parts of the FARs. What finally emerges may or may not be as described here.