Ep 6. Light-Sport Aviation

In season 1 episode 6 of The Aviators, titled "Light-Sport Aviation," the show dives into the world of recreational flying. Host Kurtis Arnold takes viewers on a journey to learn about Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA), a classification of small planes that are lightweight and easy to fly.

First, we meet Amy Saunders, a flight instructor and vice president of the Sport Aviation Center in Florida. Saunders explains the benefits of LSA and how they make flying more accessible and affordable. She also takes us on a tour of the center and shows off some of the various models of LSA they offer for training and rental.

Next, the show profiles pilot and entrepreneur Scott Severen, who designs and builds his own LSA in his garage. Severen takes us through the process of building an LSA and discusses the freedom and creativity that comes with building your own plane. We also see him take his finished plane, the Indigo, on a test flight over the beautiful Arizona landscape.

The episode then switches gears to explore the history of LSA. We learn that the classification was created in response to the declining popularity of general aviation and the need for a more affordable and accessible option. The show visits the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, a massive aviation event in Wisconsin, to see the variety of LSAs on display and hear from industry experts about the unique features and advantages of these planes.

The Aviators also features a segment on the safety aspects of LSA. We learn that the FAA has strict requirements for certification and training for LSA pilots, and that many safety features are built into the planes themselves. The show takes us into the cockpit with pilot Dan Johnson, who demonstrates some of the safety features of his LSA and shares his passion for flying these small, nimble planes.

Finally, the episode concludes with a look at the future of LSA. We visit the University of North Dakota's aviation program, which has launched a new initiative to train students on LSA as a part of their curriculum. We also hear from industry insiders about the potential for LSA to introduce more people to flying and spur innovation in the aviation industry.

Overall, "Light-Sport Aviation" is an informative and engaging episode that showcases the accessibility and excitement of flying LSA. From exploring the history and innovations of the field to meeting pilots and experts, viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation for these small planes and the joy of recreational flying.