LSA
Transportation & Travel abbreviation · Aviation
| Stands for | Light-sport aircraft |
|---|---|
| Categories | Transportation & Travel |
LSA stands for Light-sport aircraft, an aviation abbreviation.
US category of small, simple aircraft that can be flown with a sport pilot certificate using a driver's license instead of an FAA medical certificate. Under the original 2004 rule an LSA was limited to two seats, 1,320 pounds and 120 knots.
Example: She bought an LSA so she could keep flying without renewing her medical certificate.
Usage notes
The FAA's MOSAIC rulemaking, finalized in 2025, widened the category to heavier and faster aircraft and broadened sport pilot privileges. Most LSAs are built to industry consensus standards (ASTM) rather than full FAA type certification. Europe has a related but separate light sport category under EASA rules.
Related abbreviations
More aviation abbreviations
- IR – Instrument rating
- LAANC – Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability
- LCC – Low-cost carrier
- LIFR – Low instrument flight rules
- LOC – Localizer
- LPV – Localizer performance with vertical guidance
- MAP – Missed approach point
- MDA – Minimum descent altitude
- MEI – Multiengine instructor
- MEL – Minimum equipment list
- METAR – Meteorological Aerodrome Report
- MFD – Multi-function display