On July 20, 2004, the sport-pilot and light-sport aircraft (LSA) rule was adopted, creating a new segment of the GA industry, a new class of pilots and hopes for a private aviation renaissance. The approaching 10th anniversary of the date invites reflection on its results, and what better place than the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo at Sebring, celebrating its own 10th anniversary in 2014.
The LSA rule has clearly led to innovation as intended, says veteran industry expert Dan Johnson. “That’s most significant and obvious in the 134 LSA models certified to date—more than one new aircraft per month for 10 years straight. There’s nothing like it in aviation history.”
Phil Lockwood, designer of the Air Cam, sees the results through the prism of the advances in light engines, like…
