A light aircraft is a smaller, more portable, and cheaper type of airplane, which is commonly used for leisure flights, commercial utility transport, or sightseeing. Although they do not have as many safety features as larger aeroplanes, these types of planes are relatively safe. They are also easier to get into, and offer a lot more flexibility in terms of use.
Light aircraft are typically used for sightseeing and aerial photography, and are designed to carry fewer passengers. They are typically less expensive than their bigger counterparts, and are easy to operate.
These airplanes are typically powered by one engine and can fly up to 35,000 feet. Their speed is comparable to that of a small jet, but they do not have the high-tech safety features that larger aircraft have. There are two main classifications, the single turboprop and the piston twin. The former category is usually the first choice, and is the closest you can get to a traditional aeroplane.
Two-seat LSAs like the Diamond DA-20 and Cessna 150/152 are often the first choice when it comes to light-aircraft flying. These are able to cruise at speeds beyond 120 knots. Unlike a piston twin, these airplanes feature electric propulsion and can fly from one side of the country to the other without refueling.
The lightest of the lightweight aircraft is the Cobalt, a piston-powered airplane that can seat five people and is considered the fastest of its kind. It also offers hand-stitched leather seats, ample storage for luggage, and an interior reminiscent of a fighter-jet.
Another lighter weight aircraft is the Icon A5, which is an inexpensive, all-metal, four-seater. This aircraft includes a very low-profile instrument panel, a central control-stick, and a Garmin 795 GPS system. With a moving map and full sectional markings, the system can display a three-dimensional visual of the terrain, which is a feat in and of itself.
There are a lot of new light aircraft being produced, and there are several models to choose from. Some of the more notable ones include the DHC-6 Twin Otter, which has a maximum gross takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds.
One of the most popular is the Comco Ikarus C42, which is a popular option for training, sightseeing, and travel. The company was founded in Berlin in 1984, and its goal is to design and build aircraft that can be operated independent of the pilot and the towbar.
Another new entry into the light aircraft world is the SkiGull. The wing of this aircraft folds into a compact shape, akin to bat wings. While the wings are not as sturdy as traditional planes, they are much more shock-absorbing. Compared to a standard land plane, a SkiGull can fly 500 percent farther, as well as fly longer.
However, a light aircraft trip is not for the faint of heart. Many aircraft are unsafe. If you’re thinking of flying in a small aircraft, you need to be careful, and you should always have a professional pilot at the controls.