Regulation Text
§ 61.316 What are the performance limits and design requirements for the aircraft that a sport pilot may operate?
(a) If you hold a sport pilot certificate, you may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that, since its original certification, meets the following requirements:
(1) A maximum stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed without the use of lift-enhancing devices (VS1) of not more than 45 knots CAS, except for airplanes, which must have a VS1 speed of not more than 59 knots CAS at the aircraft's maximum certificated takeoff weight and most critical center of gravity.
(3) A non-pressurized cabin, if equipped with a cabin.
(4) For gyroplanes, a fixed-pitch, semi-rigid, teetering, two-blade rotor system.
(5) For powered aircraft other than balloons or airships, the loss of partial power would not adversely affect directional control of the aircraft and the aircraft design must allow the pilot the capability of establishing a controlled descent in the event of a partial or total powerplant failure.
(6) For helicopters, they must be certificated with the simplified flight controls designation.
(7) For gliders, fixed or retractable landing gear.
(8) For powered-aircraft other than a glider, fixed landing gear except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.
(9) For powered-aircraft other than a glider, a fixed, ground-adjustable, or an automated controllable pitch propeller except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) If you hold a sport pilot certificate, you may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that has retractable landing gear or an airplane with a manual controllable pitch propeller if you have met the training and endorsement requirements specified in § 61.331.
[Docket FAA-2023-1377, Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35215, July 24, 2025]
Research Notes
Research Notes — § 61.316 Light-Sport Aircraft Performance and Design Limits
This Is the LSA Definition for Pilot Purposes
§ 61.316 establishes the performance and design envelope that defines which aircraft a sport pilot may fly. Note: the formal FAA definition of a "light-sport aircraft" for airworthiness purposes lives in § 1.1 (Definitions). The § 61.316 limits are the pilot-certificate-relevant version. Some aircraft may be certificated as LSA for airworthiness purposes but exceed the § 61.316 limits that apply to sport pilots. Source: 14 CFR § 61.316 via eCFR.
Stall Speed Limit — Airplanes vs. Other Categories
§ 61.316(a)(1): for airplanes, the VS1 stall speed (clean configuration, max gross, critical CG) may not exceed 59 knots CAS. For all other aircraft, the limit is 45 knots CAS. This 59-knot limit for airplanes was expanded in the 2025 Amdt. 61-159 from the original 45-knot limit that applied to all categories — the change was intended to allow more capable aircraft designs into the LSA category. Source: Federal Register — LSA Modernization Final Rule 2025.
Two-Seat Maximum — Airplanes Now Up to Four
§ 61.316(a)(2): the maximum seating is two persons for all categories except airplanes, which may now have up to four seats. The 2025 rulemaking was a significant expansion — previously all LSA were limited to two seats. However, sport pilots are still limited to carrying one passenger regardless of aircraft seating (§ 61.315(c)(4)). A four-seat LSA airplane with a sport pilot certificate: you and one passenger, period. Source: Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35215.
Non-Pressurized Cabin
§ 61.316(a)(3): all LSA must have a non-pressurized cabin. This aligns with the altitude limitation in § 61.315(c)(11) — without pressurization, the physiological constraints naturally limit practical operating altitude. Source: FAA Aerospace Medical Education Division, Altitude Physiology.
Retractable Gear and Controllable Pitch — Endorsement Pathway
§ 61.316(b): sport pilots may fly LSA with retractable landing gear or manual controllable pitch propeller if they have met the training and endorsement requirements in § 61.331. These were historically excluded from sport pilot privileges; the endorsement pathway was added by Amdt. 61-125. Source: 14 CFR § 61.331 — Endorsements for Additional Privileges.
Amendment History
AOA Notes
These notes correspond to the highlighted phrases in the regulation text above. Each one flags something worth knowing — a common misread, a checkride gotcha, or a practical pro tip.
CFI Commentary
Highlighted phrases in the regulation text above link to instructor notes at the bottom of this page. Look for the amber or blue highlights — each one flags a gotcha or a pro tip worth knowing.