Small planes?

Question

Hi i had some questions.

Ok so you have your cessna 152 cost 110K

then there are the light aircraft that seat 2 people and can go 140mph and i think cost like 80k or soemthing

so why go for a normal aircraft when you can get a light sport aircraft?

sorry if it sounds confusing, but i am confused

Answer 1

It depends on what your travel needs are. For, say, retired couples that like to fly for occasional recreation, smaller aircraft are probably better. But for people who might work for a company that requires them to travel a lot, a larger, more comfortable aircraft would be better.

Answer 2

First, remember the 152 hasn't been produced for almost 20 years.  So, you could buy 3 or 4 Cessna 152's for $110K.  

Some people must have an FAA type certified aircraft.  An S-LSA is not FAA certified.  It is built to an ASTM consensus standard and must have a warning label that it isn't FAA certified.  

Hope this answers  your question.

Edit==============

I strongly disagree with some of the responses above.  First, LSA aircraft are NOT necessarily ultralight aircraft with limited range.  There are several designs that go farther, faster and with a greater payload than the 152.  I know of at least one that is IFR certified and another that has a 1200 mile range.

Answer 3

The biggest factors I would say would be range and useful load.  So, if you are looking to make several hour trip or have 3+ people or gear a sport aircraft may not be right for some.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

The main benefit of a Light Sport aircraft in the USA is that you can get a Sport Pilot's certificate (license) in half the time required for a standard private certificate (20 hours of training instead of 40), and you don't need a medical exam to fly.  If you have a state-issued driver's license, you can self-certify that you have no medical condition that would prevent you from operating an aircraft safely.

The disadvantages of a Light Sport aircraft are limited range and speed, flying in daylight hours only, and it's only two seats.  If you want to fly a bigger, faster aircraft, you'll have to go on and finish your training and get a private pilot's ticket.

Answer 5

Aircraft are designed with specific missions in mind. When buying a plane, therefore, the first thing you need to do is decide how you will be using it. A 'lite' aircraft that is going to be used only within 50 - 100 miles of a backyard airstrip, in uncontrolled airspace does NOT need:

1. Long range fuel tanks,

2. Radar altimeter

3. Super-comfortable seating and cabin facilities

4. Baggage capacity of more than 50 to 80 pounds

5. IFR capability

6. tons of other stuff.

The point is that buying an aircraft is about more than just seating capacity and engines. The typical 152, 172 and 182s all have different mission specifications.

Some buyers want an airplane with more seating and range. others simply need a plane that can land on the short field or lake in their back yard.