By Renee Worthing 

Staff Writer

Aviation enthusiasts are invited to Sanford Regional Airport this weekend for the first New England Light Sport Expo.

The two-day event, which kicks off Saturday, will feature several light sport aircraft and demonstration flights and is the first of numerous upcoming events at the airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration defines light sport airplanes as one or two-seat, fixed-wing aircraft with an unpressurized cabin, fixed landing gear and a maximum speed in level flight with of about 138 mph (120 knots). Because they are easy to operate, they require less flight instruction time, enabling would-be pilots to earn a light sport certification in less time than it would take to earn a private pilot license.

Sanford Regional Airport Manager Evan McDougal said Sept. 13 and 14 are the dates for the Maine Model Jet Rally followed by the Red Star Rally Pumpkin Drop at Number One Pond, Sept. 20 and 21.

The Maine Model Jet Rally features demonstrations of hand-held radio control, RC (radio controlled) model jets from all over the United States. 

McDougal said the expo was the brainchild of fixed base operator, Southern Maine Aviation owner Jim Knowles.

After attending an aviation event in Florida earlier this year where light sport planes were on display, Knowles purchased four light sport airplanes and brought them to Sanford.

“He wants to introduce them to people,” McDougal said.

Southern Maine Aviation is not only a dealer in light-sport aircraft, it offers light-sport pilot lessons, as well.

He said a light-sport pilot rating, while more restrictive than a private pilot license, allows daytime flights with one passenger.

The light-sport pilot rating also restricts altitude to 10,000 feet above mean sea level, but does not restrict how far a pilot can fly unlike the recreational pilot license that applies to ultra light aircraft.

Earning a light-sport pilot certificate is less expensive and less time-consuming than receiving a private pilot license, McDougal said. He said one of the biggest advantages to a light-sport certification is it can be earned in about half the time it takes to earn a private pilot license. In addition, light-sport airplanes burn less fuel than other planes -– about four gallons of fuel per hour instead of 12 gallons per hour used by Cessnas and other similar aircraft.

“Light-sport are ideal for day trips,” McDougal said.

  He said light-sport certification affords people who have always wanted to fly, the opportunity to start flying.

Downturns in the economy and rising aviation fuel costs have kept some current private pilots on the ground, McDougal said. But, the introduction of light-sport airplanes and the Federal Aviation Administration’s creation of light-sport rules in 2004 enable commercial pilots to continue to fly for less money.

McDougal said current private pilots can become certified in light-sport aircraft by taking a check-ride or in-flight test with an FAA examiner. 

The New England Light Sport Expo will offer seminars both days detailing information about sport pilot regulations, medical requirements, ownership and maintenance issues.

A representative of the Portland Flight Standards District Office will be available Saturday, to explain the differences and limitations between a light sport certificate and a private pilot license.

Free informational material will be available and both afternoons will feature take-off and landing contests to demonstrate the easy handling of the airplanes.

A pancake breakfast on Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Southern Maine Aviation will start the second day of activities and the Cockpit Café will be open for breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon both days. The cost of the pancake breakfast is $6 per person. 

The flying public is encouraged to bring their light-sport aircraft and participate in the flying contests as well, McDougal said.

Admission and parking for the event are free. 

Vendors interested in participating in the expo should contact Southern Maine Aviation at 324-8919 or info@nelsexpo.com. Aircraft manufacturers or dealers interested in promoting their products  should contact McDougal at 432-0596.