Aviators with a Sport Pilot Certificate are generally eligible to fly light sport airplanes & experimental aircraft. These are an exciting category for even the most experienced jet pilots as it requires concentration and sharp hand-flying skills to safely operate these types of aircraft.
In some ways, this airplane is preferable to many experienced pilots because they represent "real flight" and have a direct connection to the aircraft's control surfaces, unlike larger, more complex airplanes. Passenger jets and heavy aircraft fly with multiple safety backups and are mostly automated. For professional pilots who fly a lot, commanding a single-seat, light aircraft can be an enjoyable experience.
In light sport, the pilot cannot carry cargo or passengers for pay. They cannot banner-toe or fly without visual reference to the ground, above 10,000 feet, or with surface visibility below 3 miles. Light sport airplanes can not weigh more than 1,320 pounds at takeoff or have more than two seats.
They are single-engined and cannot have an airspeed of more than 120 knots. Landing gear must be fixed. Some examples of light sport airplanes include:
Piper J-2/3
Veronica Champ
Luscombe 8 Series
Taylorcraft BC, BCS, and BC-65
Ercoupe 415C/415CD
These types of aircraft require a special exempt airworthiness certificate from the FAA. These airplanes may not fit into any of the categories and may include home-built or kit-built airplanes. They are generally not made for sale & exist purely for recreational and educational purposes.