Chapter 11 Light-Sport Aircraft Engines Engine General Requirements Engines used for light-sport aircraft and other types of  aircraft, such as some experimental aircraft, ultralight  aircraft, and powered parachutes, must be very light for  the power they develop. Each aircraft requires thrust to  provide enough forward speed for the wings to provide lift  to overcome the weight of the aircraft. An aircraft that meets  the requirements of the light-sport categories must meet the  following requirements.