Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) was introduced in 2004 as a new segment by the FAA. It has reduced requirements for getting a license as compared to the Private License. There is a burgeoning of choices in this category, some of which can be taken "cross country."
LSA's can satisfy the "get up" pilot as well as the "get there" pilot. They burn as little as 5 gph (gallons per hour) and often can run on different types of fuel. Plus they're cheaper to buy (in the relative sense). If you are landing in a heavy cross-wind though, you would be better off in a GA (General Aviation) aircraft like a bigger Cessna.
Matt's Top Picks:
1. Flight Design's CTLSi
The "i" means fuel injected. Although the carbureted version is still a gas-sipper, go for the more efficient version. This plane cruises at the max allowable 120 kts (knots). It has the latest controls & navigation equipment. It's made of composite construction so offers a good payload capability. You can also put floats on this plane so you can take off and land on water.
http://flightdesignusa.com/
2. CubCrafters Sport Cub S2
Most people probably would have selected the Carbon Cub SS model over this one, but in the spirit of the original Piper Cub, I like this model. It has a 100hp Continental engine and offers very good short takeoff and landing performance. It cruises at 100 mph. Land on your favorite riverbed and have a picnic!
www.cubcrafters.com
3. Technam P2008
This is a classically designed aircraft that offers good performance. The company offers a wide range of LSA aircraft, so knows a thing or two about staying below the 1320 lb limit. The P2008 cruises at 120 kts so will get you there in a flash!
www.tecnam.net
4. SeaRey
This is part of the amphibian class, which is allowed a few additional pounds beyond the typical LSA. It won't cruise at the 120 kt max speed of some others, but it can offer you many landing strips - anywhere there is good water or a runway.
www.searey.com
LSA's can satisfy the "get up" pilot as well as the "get there" pilot. They burn as little as 5 gph (gallons per hour) and often can run on different types of fuel. Plus they're cheaper to buy (in the relative sense). If you are landing in a heavy cross-wind though, you would be better off in a GA (General Aviation) aircraft like a bigger Cessna.
Matt's Top Picks:
1. Flight Design's CTLSi
The "i" means fuel injected. Although the carbureted version is still a gas-sipper, go for the more efficient version. This plane cruises at the max allowable 120 kts (knots). It has the latest controls & navigation equipment. It's made of composite construction so offers a good payload capability. You can also put floats on this plane so you can take off and land on water.
http://flightdesignusa.com/
2. CubCrafters Sport Cub S2
Most people probably would have selected the Carbon Cub SS model over this one, but in the spirit of the original Piper Cub, I like this model. It has a 100hp Continental engine and offers very good short takeoff and landing performance. It cruises at 100 mph. Land on your favorite riverbed and have a picnic!
www.cubcrafters.com
3. Technam P2008
This is a classically designed aircraft that offers good performance. The company offers a wide range of LSA aircraft, so knows a thing or two about staying below the 1320 lb limit. The P2008 cruises at 120 kts so will get you there in a flash!
www.tecnam.net
4. SeaRey
This is part of the amphibian class, which is allowed a few additional pounds beyond the typical LSA. It won't cruise at the 120 kt max speed of some others, but it can offer you many landing strips - anywhere there is good water or a runway.
www.searey.com