Light aircraft

A typical light aircraft: theCessna 172

With a maximum gross takeoff weight of 12,500 lbs, theDHC-6 Twin Otteris an example of the upper limit of the light aircraft category.

ARobinson R44light helicopter

Alight aircraftis anaircraftthat has amaximum gross takeoff weightof 12,500 lb (5,670 kg) or less.

Light aircraft are used asutility aircraftcommercially for small-scale passenger andfreight transport;for sightseeing, photography,cropdusting,and other so-called aerial work roles ofcivil aviation;for the personal-use aspect ofgeneral aviation;and in certain aspects ofmilitary aviation.

Examples of aircraft that are at the maximum gross takeoff weight for this category include thede Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin OtterandBeechcraft B200 Super King Air.

Uses

Uses include aerial surveying, such as monitoring pipelines,light cargo operations, such as"feeding"cargo hubs,and passenger operations. Light aircraft are used for marketing purposes, such as banner towing andskywriting,andflight instruction.The majority of personal aircraft are light aircraft, themost popularin history being theCessna 172,and most popular in modern history being theCirrus SR22andRobinson R44.Larger light aircraft, such as twinturbopropsandvery light jets,are often used asbusiness aircraft.Mostfloatplanesalso fall into the category of light aircraft.

See also

• Aviation safety
• Large aircraft,those over 12,500 lb (5,670 kg) MTOW
• Light-sport aircraft
• Light combat aircraft
• List of current production certified light aircraft
• Ultralight aviation