Light-Sport Aircraft propulsion must be a single, reciprocating engine.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. A turbine engine is required
• D. Electric motors only

Answer: (A)

Light-Sport Aircraft are defined to be powered by a single reciprocating (piston) engine. This keeps the aircraft within a simple, light-weight design that fits the sport pilot/LSA category, making maintenance and operation straightforward. Because of this rule, configurations with more than one engine or with turbine powerplants don’t meet the LSA propulsion requirement. So stating that propulsion must be a single reciprocating engine is correct, and explanations that imply turbine power or electric-only propulsion would fit the LSA definition don’t align with how LSAs are defined for this purpose.