Light Sport Compliant Lightning | ||
The Lightning is sold as a kit for certification by builders in the Experimental Amateur Built airworthiness category. The Lightning can be constructed so that its performance falls within the Light Sport Aircraft parameters, thus allowing its operation by pilots with Light Sport privileges. | ||
To be Light Sport Compliant the Lightning must:: | 1. Have vortex generators permanently installed on the wing. These vortex generators when installed per the directions in the build manual will reduce the clean stall speed to 45 knots or below at 1320 lbs. | |
| 2. Not have gear leg fairings installed. Gear leg fairings will make the Lightning too fast for the Vh definition found in the Light Sport rule. The aircraft may not exceed 120 knots in level flight at maximum continuous power. | ||
| 3. Have the correct prop installed. For the 3300 powered Lightning a Sensenich W64ZK-51 will keep the Vh speed at 120 knots or less. For the 2200 powered Lightning a Sensenich WC56FJ-54 will keep the plane within Light Sport parameters. Either of the Sensenich ground adjustable carbon props will comply as long as the pitch is set so that speeds do not exceed the Light Sport Parameters.
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The Lightning Sport with a 120 hp Jabiru 3300 engine will climb at 1800 ft/min and cruise at 120 knots on 4.5 gallons per hour. It will be a Light Sport version of a fast climbing, fast maneuvering sport aircraft. |