The Primary Category

FAA established the Primary Category in 1992 at the request of EAA and other general aviation groups, to allow for the manufacture of ready-to-fly airplanes or kit aircraft that could be built under a manufacturer-supervised program. Primary Category aircraft are limited to a gross weight of 3,000 pounds, or less, and must be powered by a certificated engine and propeller. They can be used for training or recreational flying.
A sub-category of the Primary Category is called Sportplanes; a sportplane is defined as any single or two-place aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of 1,200 pounds, or less, and a maximum stall speed of 45 knots. They are limited to day VFR, normal category operation. Currently, two aircraft-the Quicksilver GT 500 and the RANS S-7C-have been certified under this category.
A minimum of a Recreational pilot’s certificate (or student endorsement) is required to operate such aircraft.