Light and Simple: Sport Flying (AFH Ch. 17)

Light sport is aviation with the weight — and some of the barriers — stripped out. Chapter 17: what makes an airplane a light-sport airplane, what sport pilot privileges do and don't include, and the flying qualities of very light machines: wind sensitivity, quick energy bleed, and why 'simple' still deserves real transition training.In this episode:What counts as light-sport: the category, the limits, the paperwork Sport pilot privileges and the fine print around them Light airplanes in wind: low mass, big control response, short attention span Energy bleeds fast: approach speeds and flare timing in a light machine Transition training: 'easy to fly' still means different to flySources: FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Chapter 17. Also referenced: **Handbook edition:** FAA-H-8083-3C (Airplane Flying Handbook); 14 CFR Part 1, §1.1 — definition of light-sport aircraft (weight, speed, stall, engine, gear, prop, occupant criteria); 14 CFR §47.3(b) — aircraft registration requirement; 14 CFR §61.101(i)(3) — recreational pilot night operation for additional certificates/ratings under instructor supervision (5 statute miles visibility); 14 CFR §61.303 — pilot certificate / medical or U.S. driver's license eligibility table for LSA; 14 CFR §61.315 — sport pilot privileges and limits, including §61.315(a) endorsement and §61.315(c)(5) no-night-flight limitation; 14 CFR §61.413 — flight instructor-S limited to instruction in LSAs; 14 CFR §91.205(c) — instruments and equipment required for VFR night operations. Current as of August 2026 — always verify against the current FAR/AIM.Maya and Rico are AI-generated hosts. Episodes are produced from official FAA public-domain source material. Education and entertainment only — not flight instruction; always consult your CFI and the current FAR/AIM.