Aircraft issued a special airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category: Operating limitations

This regulation sets operating rules for aircraft with special light-sport airworthiness certificates. You generally cannot fly these aircraft for compensation or hire, except for towing gliders/ultralights or providing flight training.

Maintenance must be performed by certificated repairmen with light-sport ratings, appropriately rated mechanics, or repair stations. The aircraft needs a condition inspection every 12 calendar months, and you must comply with all airworthiness directives. Repairs and alterations must meet FAA-accepted consensus standards, with major work requiring manufacturer authorization.

If you're towing or instructing for hire in an aircraft you provide, a 100-hour inspection is required.

You must operate according to the manufacturer's instructions and equipment list. Importantly, you must inform all passengers that this is a special light-sport aircraft that doesn't meet standard airworthiness requirements—essentially a passenger briefing requirement unique to this category.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*