5 Sport Airplanes You Can Buy For Less Than $200,000

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Ultralight Airplanes (In Europe) a.k.a Light Sport Aircrafts (In USA) are the perfect entry into flying or becoming a pilot. These airplanes generally are smaller in size and can only seat two people. They also have a speed limit of 120 knots in the US LSA category. Although these airplanes are categorized as for recreational use, they are also very capable cross country airplanes. You can travel further with them and cruise nicely at 120 mph - 130mph TAS.
The airplanes listed in this video may have a different price or performance from the numbers shown in the video, so please do check with the airplane website or manufacturer for more concrete data.
Here are the 5 airplanes listed
Bristell LSA: Arguably one of the best looking Light aircraft in the market today. The Bristell brand is rarely young at only 7 years old and they have already sold on average 50 airplanes each year since 2011. There are now at least 300 Bristell airplanes flying in the skies today.
Engine: Rotax 912
Cruise speed:112 knots
Stall speed: 31 knots
Fuel consumption: 4.5 gallons per hour
Price: $150,000
Czech Sportcruiser: Formerly known as the Piper sport, here is one of the most popular light sport aircraft in the United States today. With well over 600 fleet flying in the skies today, the sport cruiser should be considered the grandfather of all certified light aircraft, specifically in the LSA category. The airplane is currently headquartered and designed in the Czech Republic and it has several bases and distributors in the US and around the world
Engine: Rotax 912
Cruise speed: 93 knots
Stall speed: 31 knots
Fuel consumption: 4.6 gallons per hour
Price: $150,000
Tecnam Astore - The Tecnam Astore is one of the few hidden gems in the Light sport category. This airplane generally don’t get a lot of attention like the other more popular airplanes in the market. But this is a gorgeous airplane with nice finishes and touches. And it has a higher max cruise speed of 124 knots.
Engine: Rotax 912 or Rotax 914
Cruise speed: 120 knots
Stall speed: 39 knots
Fuel consumption: 4.5 gallons per hour
Price: $162,000
Sling 2: The sling 2 is a 2 seater LSA version airplane from the airplane factory. The sling 2 is both a certified LSA and can also be homebuilt as an experimental airplane. Needless to say that this is one of the most affordable light aircraft in the market. With a starting price of $135,000 and with all the bells and whistles, you are looking at about $30k-$40k more in price.
Engine: Rotax 912
Cruise speed: 120 knots
Stall speed: 40 knots
Fuel consumption: 3.8 gallons per hour
Price: $135,000
Blackwing Sweden: The blacking is a very fast ultralight airplane designed and manufactured in Sweden. The aircraft comes in 2 different models. One with fixed landing gear and another with retractable landing gear. The blackwing also boasts cruise speed reaching up to 150 knots per hour. That is quite fast for an airplane running on a 100 horse power rotax engine.
Engine: Rotax 912
Cruise speed: 136 knots
Stall speed: 35 knots
Fuel consumption: 3.7 gallons per hour
Price: $200,000
Music by bensound.com

[@rudolfabelin383]

I flew the Blackwing yesterday, in Sweden, with Niklas Anderberg from the company. My most common reference is the MFI-9 and MFI-15, so this was a new experience. Very so. The agilty really shows that this a modern age design made of state of the art carbon fibre and a modern wing profile. I found it hard to believe that we were powered by only 100 hp of the Rotax 912. Acceleration at take off was very good for 100 hp, But then again with an empty weight of approx. 650 lbs, it's just physics. Little fun with looping, 360 roll some 4G turns and low a pass past the spectators at roughly 170 kts. Big want to have factor!

[@Dyscombobulates]

Mike I really like the way you present airplanes. i can tell you are enthusiastic and dont talk down to novices. Keep it up

[@looseparts]

Basically, To be licensed to fly an LSA you only need a minimum of 20 training hours, vs 40 hours for a Private Pilot license. MUCH LESS MONEY - but your plane cannot fly faster than 120 knots, higher than 10,000 feet, weigh more than 1320 lbs and you cannot fly towered airports - There's lots of details on the web, but it's way cheaper to become a Light Sport pilot than the usually Private. Check it out.

[@garrygballard8914]

This is a killer video Mike. How about doing an updated video. Or an updated one every year ?

[@pano-rific8838]

Bristell is the pistol but Sling is the thing. I saw your unboxing last night. Best wishes on that. I'll keep the popcorn warm for your next up date. ~ your neighbor.

[@brianlgkennyable]

I'd like to see a video on the "coming soon" darkaero 1. It's being developed by a company called darkaero and promises some pretty impressive numbers. 2700 km at 440 kph max cruise or 3500km at 400kph (55% power). 2 seats side by side and they say kits will start at $80'000 and a finished plane being about 130'000- $150'000 if I remember correctly. They are expecting to have the prototype up in the air for testing in the spring and the kit should be available in about a year according to what they told me yesterday. It's a company based in Wisconsin and its 3 brothers that are all engineers.

[@crpth1]

I hope I'm wrong. But somehow it sounds too good to be true! Price, performance, cost... It simply doesn't add up! ;-)

[@CrabLouis]

Nice summary breakdown. I appreciate you putting the high points into the show notes too. Thanks Mike.

[@deanadamedge]

I don’t know why you didn’t consider the VL3. It blows all of these away on performance and aesthetics.

[@brentjohnson6654]

Love the look of the black wing. Also I like the Sling 2 (I am partial to canopies - I learned on Grumman American TR2 or AA-1A).

[@eatmorenachos]

I really like how much information you can cram into one video. Very informative. Ever thought of doing something on motorgliders? They seem to beat LSA in many ways.

[@pigsnack]

Nice work, Mike. Very informative. Looking forward to more videos especially in the LSA segment.

[@ArmAmericaFTG]

Mike your videos are not only awesome, they are also very inspiring!

[@Bourock1]

You should check out the Aerospool WT9 Dynamic, AEROPRO EuroFOX, Tomarkaero Viper SD4 and Shark.Aero Shark from Slovakia. Great aircraft for a reasonable price.

[@DanFrederiksen]

I had forgotten that LSA has a speed limit. That's a little disappointing. I'd prefer they would just limit the weight because it prevents optimal designs. But there is a technical work around. What if it was computer limited to 120kts level flight but could go 180kts 5 degrees up and down :)

[@mauriceevans6546]

Light sport rules are expected to change in the next 2 years. Heavier weight, faster speed, four place aircraft and constant speed prop.www.bydanjohnson.com/latest-update-on-faas-plan-to-change-light-sport-aircraft-regulations-july-2019/

[@flypipers3228]

Great video clips and insight. Well done Mike. I enjoy your channel

[@maxpower2592]

For under 100k....... Gentle used Sports cruiser ALLDAY!

[@sgperformer]

Fantastic review, thank you!

[@louissanderson719]

Surprised I haven’t seen more of these at ATO’s

[@timw9600]

Great, Great job on the videos! Just bought my Airventure tix for Oshkosh. Gotta get my MG T-Shirt as well now!

[@davidfulginiti5985]

Mike, just discovered your channel, love it keep the vids coming----- David

[@jimbiller9682]

Regarding the Bristell engine: I saw a Dan Johnson video which described an option to have the rotax with a turbo installed in teh "Turbo-Normalizer" configuration. Thus the max speed of 120 kts is at sealevel. However using the turbo more as altitude increases gives a much faster cruise, while staying within the LSA catagory.

[@gbigsangle3044]

Turbo in SLSA is absurd. SLSA has a ceiling limit of 10k feet MSL. Or 2k AGL above mountain terrain.

[@OmarCapellan]

Like always great video bro. Thanks for the info.

[@cheguevara391]

I was on my very first solo flight on the bristle base model 4500 ft in the air and I started falling not knowing what was going on, I am use to flying self adjusting RPM air density pitch controls but this plane started descending as I went up I instantly realised it was because the air density was a lot lower up there

[@Joseph-nk8se]

You mentioned ultralights and light sport are European and American descriptions of the same type of aircraft. That's incorrect, they are two different groups of aircraft and are also US descriptors.

[@PaulAnthonyDuttonUk]

That Bristell with the new rotax will be lush. It's such a beauty but it's speed has never done it's looks justice. One of those planes with slide back lids can be flown open I think which is cool yet who would not want a 200 knot microlight.. I am defiantly going to have to play the potato game to choose between the Bristell and that last one. I might even have to use ip dip. )

[@mojogrip]

I hear ya. Truth is most of these airplanes can go faster with the 100HP Rotax engine, but FAA will not allow anything beyond 120KTS for LSA

Bristell 915is is the answer. Or VL3. I fly and prefer Bristell for it´s bigger size and spacious cockpit, it´s surelly the most comfortable LSA (or micro) on the market now.

[@stevenhair6156]

If anyone ever wants to get a Phd in airplane information systems, professor Mike is the way to go!

[@ronineternal3842]

Enjoyed the video. Thanks. P.S. I would check out Dynamic WT9 and Shark Aero.

[@StardustADV]

Sling 2 is something that I wish I could have now, I want one so badly! Its a dream plane for me. Though... if the black wing were to come here. I would jump at that. Especially since I heard rumors of retractible gear becoming potentially available for sport pilots.

[@shawnknowles9141]

Mike love your videos. All of these are nice planes. Do you know of any used LSA's for 25 to 50k? Particularly low wing designs. I have seen the Ercoupe but looking for newer designs. Plus turned off the Ercoupe because of lack of rudder pedals. Thanks

[@briand4000]

Evektor sportstars...earlier models, can be had for around $50-$60k. I have a 2006 with only 250 total hours on it. It's a really fun little airplane and cheap to operate. After years of feeding a 60 year old C-180 at 12 gph and with ridiculously overpriced PMA/TSO'd parts, I'm really enjoying the ASTM standards in the LSA. These new LSA's are beautifully built airplanes with incredible fit and finish.

[@gringoloco8576]

Brian D are you able to do your own maintenance?

[@NeverMe01]

Best LSA is the Magnus Fusion 212 in my opinion.....great vid

[@k1ngk64___6]

My pick would be the Blackwing Sweden

[@brotherjim3051]

I miss these videos.

[@quranulkareem3435]

Thanks for your information.I appreciate you.Thanku.

[@Peel123]

Swedish pride. They need to bring that thing to America.

[@pano-rific8838]

Mike, you are as amazing as the aircraft you review. Keep it up Bro. Ever consider Sailplanes?

[@meacomefeyou]

what's a sail plane?

[@antonwestergaard5211]

@@meacomefeyou a glider

[@rogerrr1012]

yes... please make a video about WT9 Dynamic...

[@richardgannon3526]

Review the Risen

[@darrenspohn8376]

Fro what I have read, they are making the sportcruier night vfr compliant. Rotax is making night certified engines. So if you have a private licence, the cruiser is a good option. Especially if you want to fly at night.

[@briand4000]

My sportstar is night compliant and it is awesome with the big bubble canopy on a starry night. With the smooth running Rotax, it's like a magic carpet ride.

[@berniemccann8935]

Please explain a "night certified" engine.

[@razvannedelcu6923]

You should check one damn good LSA with a price under 100K! Check for Magnus Fusion 212!

[@gbigsangle3044]

Also the Aerotrek.

[@OperatorBayArea77788]

Awesome video. I really want to I go back country flying one day soon 👌🏽👍🏾

[@rgf918]

Pipistrel Virus is currently the best lsa in world.It also won Nasa awards .its range is 1420km and most amazing thing is its Service ceiling: 7,000 m (23,000 ft). Indian air force bought several hundred "Pipistrel Virus SW" to use in worlds highest mountains hamaliyas Service ceiling: 7,000 m (23,000 ft)

[@berniemccann8935]

... Himalayas ...

[@gbigsangle3044]

The Pipistrel is second the the Flight Design SLSA. Sales numbers prove it. But now there is the Vashon and it is by far the best SLSA for the money.

[@sasquatchhadarock968]

Got to love government certification requirements $$$

[@addictedtopussy69]

Should of included the Zlin Z143l or z143Lsi. One of the few 4 seater aerobatic capable plane on the market.

[@JonesNate]

I've seen ultralight aircraft here in the US. (EAA Air Show, Oshkosh, WI, 1990s) The difference between ultralight aircraft and light sport aircraft is weight. What you showed here is light sport, yes. If you go into even lighter aircraft, you start getting into ultralight aircraft. If I recall correctly, the main restriction on ultralight aircraft in the US, is the aircraft cannot weigh more than 150 pounds. There are many out there, and many of them also fall into the powered glider category.

[@johnanderson2171]

Great video as always!

[@Tharkunify]

Mike, I was wondering if you had a chance to fly the Astore and how it "felt" compared to the Sling 2. I have flown the Sling and like the plane, but was specifically wondering about difference in storage space behind the seats, landing characteristics (the sling 2 is very easy to land), fit and finish. The Astore seems to cost more for a decked plane with IFR equipment ($220k vs. $180k). Thanks.

[@BeardTube]

This is clearly "Rich Rebuilds" second voiceover channel. Must have got tired of fixing teslas :)

[@aidanw-qf9nl]

I'm learning to fly on a Bristell :)

[@mojogrip]

Ahh lucky you.

[@aidanw-qf9nl]

MojoGrip it flies great, super responsive controls, amazing interior and avionics, also surprisingly smooth, I didn't even get motion sick in it, but I get sick in the 152, love the channel btw dude

[@kowkunt8710]

Hi would you explain the Herron 130 H.P. turboprop compared to a gas piston engine Cheers

[@janedredding8870]

Didn't include the Vashon Ranger 7? LSA for $100K. They are pretty new on the scene so a lot of folks don't know about them yet. I like the airplane.

[@mauriceevans6546]

Jane D Redding that plane is way too heavy for two people with light sport

[@gbigsangle3044]

The Vashon is the best factory made SLSA on the market. It's all metal construction with an over-beefy landing gear. Fully loaded for $114k. You will have to wait to get one though, a 2 year backlog is already in place. Remember, SLSA is speed limited to 120ktas cruise so putting in a bigger engine knocks that plane out of the SLSA niche.

[@mauriceevans6546]

Vashon is too heavy for any light sport use

[@gbigsangle3044]

@@mauriceevans6546 The Vashon is an SLSA. It is factory built light sport. It has a gross weight of 1300lbs. It has 100hp and cruises at about 110ktas. It can be used on paved and grass strips....has overbuilt mains for flight school use, so is perfect for backcountry flying. It really is an incredible product considering fully loaded its only $114k delivered. Thats with dual Dynon glass, ADS-B/IN/OUT and a Dynon autopilot. vashonaircraft.com/

[@gomidassemerjian6073]

Would you do a comparison video for Kit airplanes like the T 51 and the Kit Fox? Or even the Icon A5.

[@walte2208]

Please mike look at the RISEN airplane By Alberto porto holds a record flight from Europe to South America. It can be better than everyone you put on your list. Best regards. Cordial

[@petter5721]

Blackwing is awesome 👍🏻

[@gp2862]

Was hoping to see the Shark in this video.

[@Aiza45]

Love this video... Awesome channel!!!

[@williamtesch5454]

What is the fuel capacity and does it have a pressurized cabin?

[@garrygballard8914]

I saw something, somewhere on the VJ3 ? How about an update on that ?

[@juanantonio674]

Genial saludos cordiales desde Patagonia Chile

[@brentjohnson6654]

Great video. Keep them coming.

[@timpell1231]

HELLO MIKE, Love the video on the LSA planes for the US. I am in the market for one. Looks like they all use a Rotax 912 engine to within the FAA guidelines. I will want to order with a parachute. Which plane(s) do you recommend? Thanks.

[@alecsanderqki]

Hi, I see you haven't compared the VL-3 Evolution. Please, What do think of it?

[@ericc.4292]

I'll take the 1:24 scale one thank you.

[@2404Pepe]

Tks Mike!!! great info

[@The_young_cameraman]

Someone: hah no one knows you czechia. Czech GA: are you sure about that😈😏

[@jeffrymilton1093]

Is it my imagination or have the light sports category prices increased considerably in the last couple years?

[@ajpilot7862]

Yes there are some nice airplanes on the market.

[@torblackthorn8503]

I would like to know the average cost of the KitFox S7, since the company won't give me a straight answer. And I would like to explore one with the new STOL inspired wing.

[@erikhansen8235]

Mojo, what about the: Barberini SHARK, the Stream-TL & the Black Shape Prime? Thoughts...? The Shark is a sexy aircraft, actually all three are.

[@mojogrip]

I'm putting together a video that will feature specifically those airplanes. I don't consider them LSA because of the retracts, and they are more aerobatic planes with front/back seating rather than side by side. Will have the video up sometime in March.

[@erikhansen8235]

Awesome, look forward to viewing it. I have been looking at getting into a C22 VIP Gyrocopter from Celier Aviation. You should give it a look. I never thought I would take a gyro seriously but there are several that have absolutely changed my mind. Good job on the vids too, keep it up. v/r E

[@TheMarpalm]

Really enjoy your channel.

[@weketsu7299]

Can't fly with diabetes thank you for making me jealous once again 👍

[@DanFrederiksen]

could you lose weight and get rid of the diabetes?

[@weketsu7299]

@@DanFrederiksen Nah i got type 1, got nothing to do with my weight

[@crpth1]

@@weketsu7299 ​- For what it's worth, I truly hope my 2 cents will be a life changer for you! My overweight, high blood pressure, pains, inflammations and my TYPE 1 DIABETES! They all went away along with the daily medication! Like a miracle! On an incredibly reasonable, cheap and easy regime of fasting and low carb diet... Please, please, please have a look into it. It's a true life changer. I haven't swallowed any more daily pils, My weight came down, along with my blood pressure, inflammations and pains are all gone. Along with the gloomy dark shadow my doctor spell on me everytime he read the "numbers". That were getting worse by the day! Sorry for this out of topic. But too many people spend to much money, effort and pains to get worse by the day! Like it was happening to me... FASTING, fasting, fasting. About 12h fasting cycle was more than enough to put things back on track. It was that easy! Back to airplanes! Cheers

[@rmshivo]

keen to know of any pressurised two seat planes of that category

[@Trinavara]

1:47 I wonder what's the difference in drag ,speed and overall handling with the retractable landing gear,sure looks faster!!!

[@jeremyhill2243]

Well done!

[@rogerrr1012]

Hi... When a review on wt9 dynamic? How is that that probably the best light airplane is not in this list? Thanks ;-)

[@chrislewis5150]

You need to check the FARs. There is a big difference between ultralight and light sport.

[@mojogrip]

I know. You should watch the video again from the beginning. LSAs in the United Stated are called Ultralights in Europe, which is what the video says :)

[@JonesNate]

I've seen ultralight aircraft here in the US. (EAA Air Show, Oshkosh, WI, 1990s) The difference between ultralight aircraft and light sport aircraft is weight. What you showed here is light sport, yes. If you go into even lighter aircraft, you start getting into ultralight aircraft. If I recall correctly, the main restriction on ultralight aircraft in the US, is the aircraft cannot weigh more than 150 pounds. There are many out there, and many of them also fall into the powered glider category.

[@ghostindamachine]

Great video!

[@AwesomesMan]

What’s the difference between these and something like a Cessna 152?

[@mcalcada11]

you're missing the TL Sting S4

[@kc135_lover]

My Cessna skycatcher didn't make the list! Quite disappointed 😹

[@Jeffrey-817]

Huh? An Ultralight in the USA is single occupancy, 5 gal fuel, 63 mph max airspeed, 26 mph Stall and 254 lbs. FAR 103.5.......LSA in USA can not cruise above 136 mph, two occupants. And yes there are plenty of LSA tail draggers. So, I think you kinda sorta get the LSA regs save the landing gear configurations allowed but not ultralights. Please be careful with your information . I will be pleased to show folks nice Ultralights for $15K but they sure have nothing in common with these. :-) Real Ultralights are a-lot of fun! Jeffrey Harris 36 years flying ultralights 26 years general aviation pilot SEL 10 years flying LSA You have excellent taste brother. Wish I could afford these guys.

[@benjidowning2609]

Do you think the VL3 Revolution is a good plane?

[@luisrodriguez-ng3wf]

This video is amaizing

[@letrasynumeros6353]

What about the TL Ultralight stream?

[@berniemccann8935]

Mike, it seems that some people can't read, others can't write. Actually, I'm writing to those people, not you. I did notice the number 5 in the title. Therefore, it may surprise some that there are about 150 different types of LSA aircraft available today and, even with your magic, it would be hard to put them all in one video. So, when [e-mail] complains that you didn't mention the Zipzip Mk II, go ahead and tell him that. I guess that it'll not be necessary, now. 🙄 You're doing well.

[@ToyManFlyer1100]

Bernie...You forgot the "Wee Wonk MkIII"...Can get in conventional gear, Trike and rocket assist...Also, for a wee bit more tockles......A twin w/ on -board coffee-maker and naturally it comes w/ a 400 HP engine, constant speed prop w/ wind direction adjust...Literally the prop turns it self into the wind no matter the position of the airframe......

[@jacksonamaral329]

cool this plane.

[@darrenspohn8376]

Free market economics will say that the the more of a product is built, the cheaper each will be. Why is that not happening with LSA's.?

[@gbigsangle3044]

No aircraft made is cheaper by volume. Each is handmade....there is no economy of scale.

[@Clovescp]

Imagino que este lindo ✈ com o motor Rotax 914 movido a Jet-A1 ficaria Excelente!

[@douglasberard8664]

Oh So Nice...

[@ynghackr]

how long can they fly in air with off engine shut off???

[@1a2b3c4.]

Are there any 4 seater LSA

[@davidpurdue3992]

Can the blackwing be bought in Europe and then flown in the USA?

[@mojogrip]

It could be shipped. I think there's a dealer in the US though. Maybe a different model

[@davidpurdue3992]

Thanks!

[@austinmaness8339]

Tecnam Astore or Czech Sport Cruiser?

[@noelarmstrong7915]

Very nice.

[@kowkunt8710]

Will Vans a aircraft become a sell off item?

[@jim_mai]

if you can say ‘sling’, you can say ‘thing’

[@PilotSteven]

I'm missing Evektor SportStar/Harmony ...

[@briand4000]

First S-LSA certified in the USA!

[@gbigsangle3044]

None of the planes presented are the top sellers. Flight Design CTLSi was the top selling SLSA until last year when the Carbon Cub surpassed it. The Vashon will displace both these products once that company ramps up.

[@robyarnold8343]

Niceeee.....aeroplane....👍👍👍🛩️🛩️🛩️

[@PaulAnthonyDuttonUk]

Have a question. I am guessing the 915 can be restricted to comply with LSA speed rules and be unrestricted for ELSA yet what happens with aircraft that are retracting gear capable? Would you have to buy fixed gear for LSA certification need then change the wheel gear out for retracts under ELSA or can you go strait to ELSA then come back to LSA as a given right if you want to and then only have to retrofit fixed gear for sake of resale or different usage?

[@mojogrip]

All that sounds really complex lol. If you go with retracts, I believe you are completely out of the LSA or ELSA bracket (I could be wrong). Once you have retracts then the airplane would be experimental at that point. Or it could be a certified airplane.

[@PaulAnthonyDuttonUk]

MojoGrip ELSA does provide for retracts and LSA can be converted to ELSA and then back to LSA if wanted one time only but the Question is can you go direct to ELSA on paper without need of physically having to have fixed gear first to tick the LSA box?

[@berniemccann8935]

@@PaulAnthonyDuttonUk - Easier said than done.

[@gbigsangle3044]

The 915 will not be compatible with SLSA since you will be able to fly faster than the cruise and max speed numbers. You can do anything you want in an Experimental though.

[@KK-px4hh]

Mojo jojo of aircraft's.