LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT RENTAL

Light Sport Aircraft Rental

If you’re looking for an exciting way to get into the air without spending hours in flight training, light sport aircraft (also known as SportCruisers) rentals at Santa Monica Flyers are a great option. Our SportCruisers are easy to fly, and our instructors offer comprehensive sport airplane training courses that are perfect for beginners!

SportCruiser Fleet

This Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) is a perfect 2-seater plane for those looking to get their Sport or Private license in a budget-friendly way.

Instructor rates range from $110 – $125/hr

What is the light sport aircraft rental experience like at Santa Monica Flyers?​

The SportCruiser is a forgiving airplane and is perfect for someone new to flying or with limited flight time.

The SportCruiser rental process is simple. You must complete the required paperwork, including a renter’s agreement and a credit card authorization form. You will also need to provide your driver’s license and proof of aircraft rental insurance.

After completing the paperwork, you can schedule a checkout with a CFI from our school. The front desk can happily arrange scheduling your checkout. 

To be eligible to rent our SportCruisers, you must have at least a sport pilot certificate and complete the checkout which requires and consists of:

  • Minimum 5-hours in type
  • Minimum 1 ground lesson
  • Minimum 1 checkout flight

After successfully completing a checkout with a CFI, we will upload your checkout form to your account and give you access to rent the SportCruiser on your own. If need be, a flight review endorsement can be provided if requirements are met. If 6 months pass without you renting the SportCruiser (whether on your own or with an instructor), an additional brief checkout flight with a CFI will be needed to ensure you are still current in the airplane.

What is a light sport aircraft?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) created the sport aircraft category in 2004 to make it easier for people to get their pilot license and sport aircraft and light sport sea. A light sport aircraft, or LSA, is a small, single-engine plane designed for recreational flying. They are typically made from composite materials and have a maximum takeoff weight of no more than 1,320 pounds (600 KG).

An aircraft must meet specific requirements to be classified as a light sport aircraft. A light sport aircraft must meet the following:

  • (1) A maximum takeoff weight of not more than
    • (i) 1,320 pounds (600 kilograms) for aircraft not intended for operation on water; or
    • (ii) 1,430 pounds (650 kilograms) for an aircraft intended for operation on water.
  • (2) A maximum airspeed in level flight with maximum continuous power (VH) of not more than 120 knots CAS under standard atmospheric conditions at sea level.
  • (3) A maximum never-exceed speed (VNE) of not more than 120 knots CAS for a glider.
  • (4) A maximum stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed without the use of lift-enhancing devices (VS1) of not more than 45 knots CAS at the aircraft’s maximum certificated takeoff weight and most critical center of gravity.
  • (5) A maximum seating capacity of no more than two persons, including the pilot.
  • (6) A single, reciprocating engine, if powered.
  • (7) A fixed or ground-adjustable propeller if a powered aircraft other than a powered glider.
  • (8) A fixed or feathering propeller system if a powered glider.
  • (9) A fixed-pitch, semi-rigid, teetering, two-blade rotor system, if a gyroplane.
  • (10) A nonpressurized cabin, if equipped with a cabin.
  • (11) Fixed landing gear, except for an aircraft intended for operation on water or a glider.
  • (12) Fixed or retractable landing gear, or a hull, for an aircraft intended for operation on water.
  • (13) Fixed or retractable landing gear for a glider.

What are light sport aircraft pilot requirements?

A pilot must have at least a sport pilot certificate to operate a light sport aircraft. This license differs from a private pilot license and only allows you to fly light sport aircraft. To obtain a sport pilot license, you must:

  • At least 17 years old by your “FAA Checkride.”
  • Be able to read, speak, write and understand English
  • 3rd Class Medical Certificate OR U.S. Driver’s License
  • 20 hours of flight time:
    • 15 of these hours from an authorized instructor
    • 5 of these hours of solo flight training
      • One solo cross country flight 
    • 2 of these hours of cross-country flight training
    • Ten takeoffs and landings
  •  Exams Required for Certification
    • FAA Knowledge Test
      • Multiple-choice exam (40 questions) administered by FAA-authorized facility
    • FAA Checkride
      • Oral Exam
      • Flight/Practical Exam

What does it cost to rent a light sport aircraft?

The light sport aircraft rental rate at Santa Monica Flyers is $169 per hour (wet).

The hourly rate for a light sport aircraft rental is the same for both residents and non-residents of California. There is no sales tax on light sport aircraft rentals in California.

Where do light sport planes fly in the Los Angeles area?

Many sport pilots choose to fly nearby KSMO. This includes, but is not limited to, the following airports:

  • Van Nuys Airport
  • Camarillo Airport
  • John Wayne Airport
  • Long Beach Airport
  • Bob Hope Airport (Burbank)

Are you looking for an exciting experience?

If you’re looking for an exciting way to get into the air without spending hours in flight training, light sport aircraft rentals at Santa Monica Flyers are a great option! Our SportCruiser is easy to fly, and our instructors offer comprehensive light sport airplane training courses that is perfect for beginners!

Contact the experienced team at Santa Monica Flyers today by calling (310) 800-8050