10 | February-March 2017 | Powered Sport Flying Light Sport Aircraft What Effect Will “BasicMed” Have on Light Sport? Are excited general aviation pilots kidding themselves about BasicMed? At least one prominent light aviation expert thinks so and judging from comments I’ve received, I am inclined to say this is much more common than some want to believe. The number of inquiries or comments I have received compels me to speak to this subject. Several readers or viewers asked variations on this question, “Will this have an adverse effect on Light Sport Aircraft?” I’ll offer my response and then add some other comments. Aviation medical reform is nearly complete (BasicMed becomes effective May 1st). Many pilots may be waiting to qualify. Most need only to fulfill the requirement for an online evaluation every two years (free from aopa) plus needing to see a doctor every four. If they did not earn a third class medical in the last 10 years, they must get that out of the way first. This is potentially a big problem as many let their medical lapse for various reasons. The good news: Light Sport Aircraft or Sport Pilot-eligible kit aircraft trigger no such requirement. Aviators from the lsa and Sport Pilot-eligible aircraft community are generally pleased that some pilots will be able to acquire airplanes from the used GA fleet at low cost or continue to fly the one they already own or rent. The fleet averages nearly 40 years old but that also means lower asking prices (though BasicMed demand could nudge the prices upward). However, the appeal remains strong for a new lsa at an affordable price or a used lsa at a reduced cost. These roomy, up-to-date aircraft commonly have modern fuelefficient engines, highly sophisticated equipment including glass panels, and feature low operating costs with performance to match many GA airplanes, albeit with two seats. Light kit aircraft offer broad customization at modest expense. All can be flown with no medical proof other than a valid driver’s license. When the rule change was first proposed five years ago, lsa sales took a nose dive. That body blow to a young industry segment has long since been absorbed and pilots who want a late-model aircraft have been choosing from dozens of models that are now well-established in the market and boast good safety records. Remos debuted their slick new GXiS model at AirVenture 2016.
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