FAA Powerplant Written Practice Test

What defines a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA)?

1. An aircraft with retractable landing gear

2. An aircraft powered by a single reciprocating engine

3. An aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of 6,000 lbs

4. An aircraft designed for aerobatic flight

The correct answer is: An aircraft powered by a single reciprocating engine

A Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) is primarily characterized by specific regulatory guidelines, including its maximum takeoff weight, passenger capacity, and performance capabilities. Among these defining characteristics, one of the defining features is that LSAs are typically powered by a single reciprocating engine. This aspect is significant because it delineates LSAs from larger, more complex aircraft types, aligning with the goal of providing simpler, easier-to-fly planes suited for sport and recreational flying. While retractable landing gear, a maximum takeoff weight of 6,000 lbs, and aerobatic design features can be associated with other categories of aircraft, they do not meet the specific requirements laid out by the FAA for LSAs. An aircraft with retractable landing gear or designed for aerobatic flight does not align with the simplicity and ease of operation intended for light sport aircraft. Additionally, the maximum takeoff weight for LSAs is actually limited to 1,320 lbs (or 1,430 lbs for seaplanes), which is far below the stated 6,000 lbs. Thus, the aspect of being powered by a single reciprocating engine stands out as a distinctive characteristic of Light Sport Aircraft.