WASHINGTON, DC, July 20, 2004 – The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is cheering the FAA’s release of the Sport Pilot and Light-Sport Aircraft rule. The long awaited rule provides safe standards for an evolving category of general aviation aircraft and operations without being overly burdensome.

“GAMA believes that Sport Pilot will inspire more people to pursue their dream of becoming a pilot and begin enjoying the many practical benefits of general aviation aircraft of all sizes,” said GAMA President and CEO, Ed Bolen. The FAA estimates that an additional 27,000 new people will have the opportunity to become certificated pilots over the next 10 years because of the Sport Pilot rule.

The rule defines a Light-Sport Aircraft as an airplane that has a maximum takeoff weight of not more than 1,320 pounds, maximum airspeed of not more than 120 knots, a stall speed of 45 knots or less, and a maximum seating capacity of two. By contrast, a typical single-engine airplane weighs around 3,000 pounds, has a maximum airspeed at about 160 knots, a stall speed over 60 knots and seats 4-6 people.