A light aircraft is an aircraft that has a maximum gross takeoff weight of 12,500 lb (5,670 kg) or less.[1]
Light aircraft are used as utility aircraft commercially for small-scale passenger and freight transport; for sightseeing, photography, cropdusting, and other so-called aerial work roles of civil aviation; for the personal-use aspect of general aviation; and in certain aspects of military aviation.
Examples of aircraft that are at the maximum gross takeoff weight for this category include the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter and Beechcraft B200 Super King Air.[2][3]
Uses
editUses include aerial surveying, such as monitoring pipelines,[4] light cargo operations, such as "feeding" cargo hubs,[5] and passenger operations. Light aircraft are used for marketing purposes, such as banner towing and skywriting, and flight instruction. The majority of personal aircraft are light aircraft, the most popular in history being the Cessna 172, and most popular in modern history being the Cirrus SR22 and Robinson R44. Larger light aircraft, such as twin turboprops and very light jets, are often used as business aircraft. Most floatplanes also fall into the category of light aircraft.
See also
edit- Aviation safety
- Large aircraft, those over 12,500 lb (5,670 kg) MTOW
- Light-sport aircraft
- Light combat aircraft
- List of current production certified light aircraft
- Ultralight aviation
References
edit- ^ Crane, Dale: Dictionary of Aeronautical Terms, third edition, page 308. Aviation Supplies & Academics, 1997. ISBN 1-56027-287-2
- ^ Viking Air (26 September 2014). "Twin Otter Series 400". Retrieved 20 December 2016.
- ^ Jackson, Paul; Munson, Kenneth; Peacock, Lindsay. Jane's All the World's Aircraft. Jane's Information Group. ISBN 0-7106-2684-3.
- ^ Collins, Mike (August 6, 2009). "Piper project honors pipeline patrols". aopa.org. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Retrieved 20 December 2016.
- ^ "Mountain Air Cargo". Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2012.