2014 is a milestone year as it’s been 10 years since the establishment of the LSA (Light Sport Aircraft) class in the USA. Recently introduced to the European market, this category is positioned between the Ultra-Light and the certified aircraft categories.
In 2010 and after careful scrutiny of this new regulation, LISA Airplanes chose to classify the AKOYA in the LSA category rather than in the Ultra-Light for two main reasons :
- The LSA class offers 150kg (340lbs) of additional take-off weight compared to the Ultra-Light. This extra mass has enabled us to install the best equipment and safety devices in the AKOYA, to increase cockpit comfort, especially for long flights and to offer a much higher payload for future owners.
- Created in the US, this category has rapidly spread in the world such as in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, South Africa and Europe etc. Thus, we will be able to rapidly deliver the AKOYA to many parts of the world without having to modify the aircraft in accordance to each national regulation. Moreover, regarding Europe, the LSA class has been established by the European authority (EASA) and not at the national level which means the owners of the AKOYA will be able to fly from one European country to another without having to take care of any special administrative process.
More mobility and greater safety. It is within this spirit that we have decided to include training for all our clients in the offer. An LSA aircraft is easy to fly but at the same time light therefore has a different handling from the majority of aircraft available in flight training centers. Pilot’s training is the key to safety. So whether novice or experienced, all our clients can take advantage of a personalized training program in order to obtain the necessary license for flying the AKOYA (SPL or LAPL, see “LICENSES”), and also the specific ratings required to operate seaplanes as well as training in landing on snow-covered terrain.
LICENCES : licenses vary somewhat depending on the country but overall, licenses for flying aircraft in the LSA category requires a shorter period of training than a PPL (Private Pilot License).
- SPL training (Sport Pilot License) for the USA: 20h flying minimum + a theory exam (conditions: be in possession of a valid driving license + at least 17 years old).
- LAPL training (Light Aircraft Pilot License) for Europe: 30h flying minimum + a theory exam (conditions: meet the medical requirements of class 2 + at least 17 years old).
For other countries where LSA aircraft is recognized, a similar license exists in the majority of cases. Otherwise, a PPL license will be necessary.
More mobility and greater safety