NOTE: All of the following requirements and regulations are  subject to change. Always refer to the latest Federal Aviation  Regulations for current information.  A light-sport aircraft means an aircraft, other than a rotorcraft  or powered-lift, since its original certification, has continued  to meet the following:  1.  A maximum takeoff weight of not more than 1,320  pounds (lb) (600 kilograms (kg)) for aircraft not  intended for operation on water; or 1,430 lb (650 kg)  for an aircraft intended for operation on water.  2.  A maximum airspeed in level flight with maximum  continuous power (V$_{H}$) of not more than 120 knots  calibrated airspeed (CAS) under standard atmospheric  conditions at sea level.  3.  A maximum never-exceed speed (V$_{NE}$) of not more  than 120 knots CAS for a glider.  4.  A maximum stalling speed or minimum steady flight  speed without the use of lift-enhancing devices (V$_{S1}$)  of not more than 45 knots CAS at the aircraft’s  maximum certificated takeoff weight and most critical  center of gravity.  5.  A maximum seating capacity of no more than two  persons, including the pilot.  6.  A single, reciprocating engine, if powered.  7.  A fixed or ground-adjustable propeller, if a powered  aircraft other than a powered glider.  8.  A fixed or auto-feathering propeller system, if a  powered glider.  9.  A fixed-pitch, semirigid, teetering, two-blade rotor  system, if a gyroplane.  10. A non-pressurized cabin, if equipped with a cabin.  11. Fixed landing gear, except for an aircraft intended for  operation on water or a glider.  12. Fixed or retractable landing gear, or a hull, for an  aircraft intended for operation on water. 13. Fixed or retractable landing gear for a glider. Powered parachute means a powered aircraft comprised of  a flexible or semirigid wing connected to a fuselage so that  the wing is not in position for flight until the aircraft is in  motion. The fuselage of a powered parachute contains the  aircraft engine, a seat for each occupant, and is attached to  the aircraft’s landing gear. Weight shift control aircraft means a powered aircraft with  a framed pivoting wing and a fuselage controllable only in  pitch and roll by the pilot’s ability to change the aircraft’s  center of gravity with respect to the wing. Flight control of  11-2 the aircraft depends on the wing’s ability to flexibly deform  rather than the use of control surfaces. As the weight of an engine is decreased, the useful load that  an aircraft can carry and the performance of the aircraft are  obviously increased. Every excess pound of weight carried  by an aircraft engine reduces its performance. Since light- sport aircraft have a narrow margin of useful load, engine  weight is a very important concern with all of the light, low  airspeed aircraft. Tremendous gains in reducing the weight of  the aircraft engine through improvements in design, operating  cycles, and metallurgy have resulted in engines with a much  improved power to weight ratio.  A light-sport aircraft engine is reliable when it can perform  at the specified ratings in widely varying flight attitudes and  in extreme weather conditions. The engine manufacturer  ensures the reliability and durability of the product by design,  research, and testing. Although most of these engines are not  certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),  close control of manufacturing and assembly procedures is  generally maintained, and normally each engine is tested  before it leaves the factory and meets certain American  Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.  Some engines used on light-sport aircraft are certificated  by the FAA and these engines are maintained as per the  manufacturer’s instructions and Title 14 of the Code of  Federal Regulations (14 CFR). Most light-sport engines require a definite time interval  between overhauls. This is specified or implied by the engine  manufacturer. The time between overhauls (TBO) varies  with the type of engine (cycle), operating conditions, such as  engine temperatures, amount of time the engine is operated  at high-power settings, and the maintenance received. After  reaching the time limit, the engine has to be overhauled.  Sometimes this requires the engine to be shipped to an  authorized manufacturer’s overhaul facility.  [Figure 11-1] One consideration when selecting a light-sport engine is the  shape, size, and number of cylinders of the engine. Since  these engines range from single cylinder to multicylinder  engines, the mounting in the airframe is important to maintain  the view of the pilot, aircraft center of gravity, and to reduce  aircraft drag. Given they meet all applicable regulations, the holder of  a powerplant certificate can perform maintenance and  inspections on light-sport engines. The holder of a sport  pilot certificate may perform preventive maintenance on  Personnel Authorized to Perform  Inspection and Maintenance on Light- sport Engines