Pelican Sport

Single Piston

The Pelican Sport is a light sport aircraft designed to meet the FAA's LSA certification standards, which cap maximum takeoff weight at 1,320 pounds and impose strict performance limitations. Built for recreational flying and flight training, the type represents the accessible end of general aviation — aircraft that can be flown with a sport pilot certificate requiring fewer training hours than a private pilot license. The single-engine design emphasizes simplicity and economy, with straightforward systems and modest fuel consumption making it an attractive option for pilots seeking low-cost flying. Like most LSA designs, the Pelican Sport operates within a tightly constrained envelope: a never-exceed speed of 120 knots, stall speeds in the low 40-knot range, and a maximum structural cruising speed under 100 knots. These limitations are by regulatory design rather than engineering compromise — the LSA category deliberately trades performance for reduced certification complexity and lower operating costs. The type's flap-extended speed of 65 knots and approach speed around 45 knots make it well-suited to short grass strips and backcountry operations where faster aircraft would struggle. SkyMeter has tracked 3 flights across 2 airframes and 2 operators, with PELI-FLIGHT INC the largest observed operator.