SportCruiser is now available with the equipment required for Night/VFR Flight when equipped with the Night Lighting Package and flown by a Pilot with a Private Pilot or higher Rating and possesses a current FAA Medical Certificate, and for Instrument Training in VMC Conditions.

Night flying and IFR limitations. 

After our recent visit to the AOPA EXPO and discussions with Tom Gunnarson concerning night flight and IFR limitations for LSA aircraft we have a definition of what is acceptable.

First of all the two LSA manufacturers claiming IFR certification are wrong. There is no IFR certification for LSA aircraft. Strict interpretation of the rule in its current configuration will allow both night flight and IFR training in visual conditions by a private pilot with current medical certificate and Instrument Rating if :

   • aircraft has minimum IFR equipment per CFAR 91.205
   • aircraft is approved for Night /IFR  operation by the manufacturer
   • engine is approved for Night /IFR  operation by the manufacturer

The LSA rule will be clarified in the future to give clear definitions to the above items. But for now it's clear that without really saying "it is IFR certified" we can say the aircraft can be used for night flight and in IFR training in VMC conditions if properly equipped and approved by the manufacturer.