Evektor Sportstar

Single Piston

The Evektor SportStar is a Czech-built light sport aircraft that became one of Europe's most successful LSA designs after its introduction in the late 1990s. Manufactured by Evektor-Aerotechnik in Kunovice, Czech Republic, the SportStar was among the first aircraft certified under both European ultralight regulations and the U.S. FAA's new Light-Sport Aircraft category when it debuted in 2004. The all-metal, low-wing design seats two side-by-side and is powered by a Rotax 912 series engine, offering a practical blend of European engineering and American LSA accessibility. With a maximum takeoff weight of exactly 1,320 pounds (the LSA limit), the SportStar delivers respectable cross-country performance for the category, cruising around 115 knots while maintaining the docile handling characteristics required for sport pilot operations. Its relatively low stall speeds and benign flight envelope made it popular with flight schools and private owners seeking an affordable, modern alternative to aging trainers. The type has seen continuous refinement over two decades, with variants including the SportStar MAX and later evolutions, though the core airframe remains recognizable. SkyMeter has tracked 143 flights across 50 airframes and 10 operators over routes, with NICHOLS AIR LLC the largest observed operator.