• A Piper Cub meets the definition of a light-sport aircraft.cessna 172's image by Edward White from Fotolia.com
  
  In 2004, the Federal Aviation Administration released a set of standards for a new class of certification. Student pilots would be allowed to obtain certification to fly light-sport aircraft. Light-sport aircraft certificates are available for fixed wing aircraft, powered parachutes, weight-shift control aircraft, balloons, airships, gliders and gyroplanes. Despite the different types of aircraft available to a sport pilot, all light-sport aircraft must conform to the standards set out by the Federal Aviation Administration.
  
  

Restrictions for all Light-Sport Aircraft

• A light-sport aircraft must have no more than one piston-powered engine. This engine may drive a fixed-angle or ground-adjustable propeller -- as opposed to "in-cabin adjustable" or "variable pitch." The maximum attainable speed in level flight must be 120 knots per hour or less. The cabin must be unpressurized. The total useful load of passengers, fuel and cargo may not exceed 660 pounds.
  
  

Land-based Fixed Wing Aircraft

• In addition to the previously listed restrictions, a fully loaded and fueled light-sport aircraft may not weigh more than 1,320 pounds. The landing gear for a land-based aircraft must not be retractable.
  
  

Seaplanes

• Float-type landing gear is heavier than wheeled landing gear; therefore, seaplanes are allowed to be heavier.seaplane image by Pierrette Guertin from Fotolia.com
  
  The total weight of a seaplane may not exceed 1,430 pounds. However, a seaplane may have retractable landing gear.