Random Food For Thought

[SFC Hiatt]

We all just have to work harder to get the word out that flying as a Sport Pilot can be made affordable. Just this weekend I had lunch with a guy in his 30's who told me there was no way he could afford to fly. I asked him if he had any hobbies? He said RC airplanes and not just beginner run of the mill RC airplanes, he builds quarter scale. He thought just like most other potential new pilots that an LSA cost over $100,000 therefore it wasn't feasible.

I hear all the negatives about hangers and insurance and upkeep however, the same people who are using these excuses have the new boats, jet-skis and motorcycles.

I guess all I'm trying to say is that if someone "truly" wanted to fly they would find a way to fly. I had to sell the boat and motorcycle however, now that I have nearly 400 hours since getting my Sport Pilot license in March 2006 I'm sorry I wanted so long to sell the boat and motorcycle and buy an Aeronca.

[aeroncafan]

Trust me, I'm an aviation "evangelist"! I'm also one of the "younger generations"....at least I think I am . I'm "only" 36 and have been flying on my own nickle since I was 21, partly thanks to the wisdom and encouragement from my beautiful wife Christy. She knew my passion and didn't want to listen to me for the next 60 years or so saying "would've, could've, should've"! So, as soon as I had my first "career" job after graduating from college, she sent me to the airport and told me not to come home until my first lesson was logged! Man, talk about a honey do list.

We've had to make a lot of priortization decisions over the years, especially after our 2 beautiful girls came along. But, we've managed to keep flying through the years. We downsized to 2 seaters (currently have the most fun one of them all, a Champ!) in order to buy the mini-van, but we're still flying! And, spreading the word that it is doable, even for your average middle class family of 4 (in Atlanta).

AOPA has a good idea with Project Mentor. We should all strive to "replace" ourselves as a pilot. I currently have a 12 year old young man in my neighborhood and a young lady at my church the same age that are crazier about flying than me! Between my neighbor who is the CFI and me, we intend to make sure they both get there wings one way or the other as soon as they're eligible!

[SFC Hiatt]

I promise N85849 and I will do our part spreading the word at OSHKOSH this year.

[Dennis]

You guys are right. Many people think they can't afford flying......and some may not be able to afford it. But generally speaking, people tend to "afford" what they enjoy doing. I think it is important to get people hooked on flying and let them know how cheap flying can be in our little planes, if your willing to work at it. How many times have you heard a response from a non flyer: "You can buy a plane for $20,000! That's cheaper than a new truck!"

Get people into LS FIRST, then maybe they will elect to move to the next level. Like I said, get them hooked on flying. Quite frankly, there are flyers and potential flyers who will do nothing more than buzz their farm or fly around their local rural airport their entire flying life. That's OK. The LS is ideal for them. But there will be others who elect to move up to PP and maybe more. Regardless of the rating, the more people in general aviation, the better for all of us........more parts sold, more CFI time, more fuel sold and more mechanics needed. Economies of scale would be nice for all of us.

Ok, enough rambling for now.

Dennis

[aeroncafan]

Regarding my post about the flight school claiming the CFI's weren't certified for LSA instruction...Any of you subscribe to the EAA's online newsletter and catch the Q&A today?

Q & A:
Question of the Week
My local flight school where I wish to get my BFR has told me that since I don't have a medical they have to append my endorsement with "but is restricted to flying in the Light Sport classification" (or something similar). Where does it say this in the regs? Can't I get my rec pilot BFR without a physical?

Answer:
There is absolutely NO requirement to give a special endorsement for a flight review in any circumstance. It is the pilot in command's responsibility to fly within his/her own privileges and limitations. Ask your flight school this question:

"If a commercial pilot came in for a flight review holding only a 3rd class FAA medical certificate, would you state in his flight review endorsement that he is limited to only private pilot privileges?"

The answer of course is NO, because that pilot could go get a 2nd class medical the next day and fly as a commercial pilot. The limitation on the flight review endorsement would be improper. The same can be said of your own situation. You hold a recreational pilot certificate, and if you were to go get a 3rd class medical the week after your flight review you could revert to rec pilot privileges at that time. A limitation in your flight review endorsement would not be proper. Your instructor should give you a standard flight review endorsement without additional limitations.

Seems to be a lot of flight schools and instructors making up the rules as they go along concerning LSA! Very scary! Wonder what else they make up along the way?

[Captgrumps]

Donald--

One problem might be that LSA (Recreational PIlot Certificate) pilots are limited to distance and airspace classes . It is my understanding a LSA pilot can do anything he wants except fly at night and go over 50 miles from his airport legally. If a previously certified pilot let his medical lapse he has to fly under Recreational pilot rules or has a Recrational pilot lilcense. There are exceptions but the pilot needs to check out the FAR's and they do need Flight Instructor instruction and sign off. Did any LSA pilots exceeded the 50 mile rule without signoffs that went to Middletown? Of course not. If so any insurance was no good.

Doug

[WWhunter]

Grumps,

I may be wrong here (usually am) but I think the limitations you are refering to ONLY apply to the Rec Pilot. As far as I know there is no limitations on the distance one can fly under Sport Pilot. There are altitude limitations and airspace limits though.

Any thechnical gurus wan to chime in here?

Keith

[joea]

From the AOPA website:

What are the sport pilot privileges and limitations?

A sport pilot may:

* Share the operating expenses of a flight with a passenger, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenses, or aircraft rental fees. A sport pilot must pay at least half the operating expenses of the flight.
* A sport may not act as pilot in command of a light sport aircraft:
o That is carrying a passenger or property for compensation or hire.
o For compensation or hire.
o In furtherance of a business.
o While carrying more than one passenger.
o At night.
o In Class A airspace.
o In Class B, C, or D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, and to, from, through, or at an airport having an operational control tower unless you have received ground and flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor in accordance with 61.325 certifying you are authorized to exercise these privileges.
o Outside the United States, unless you have prior authorization from the country in which you seek to operate. A sport pilot certificate carries the limitation "Holder does not meet ICAO requirements."
o In a passenger-carrying airlift sponsored by a charitable organization.
o At an altitude of more than 10,000 feet msl.
o When the flight or surface visibility is less than 3 statute miles.
o Without visual reference to the surface.
o If the aircraft has a maximum forward speed in level flight that exceeds 87 knots CAS, unless having met the requirements of 61.327.
o Contrary to any operating limitation placed on the airworthiness certificate of the aircraft being flown.
o Contrary to any limitation or endorsement on your pilot certificate, airman medical certificate, U.S. driver's license, or any other limitation or logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor.
o Contrary to any restriction or limitation on the sport pilot's U.S. driver's license or any restriction or limitation imposed by judicial or administrative order when using a driver's license to satisfy the requirements of Part 61.
o While towing any object.
o As a pilot flight crewmember on any aircraft for which more than one pilot is required by the type certificate of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is conducted.

[MikeB]

I don't think flying under LS would change my flying at all. Don't fly at night, Champ less than 1320#, my weather minimums are higher than the stated, no business travel, etc. The only thing that would change is the requirement to take the flight physical every other year and I get a regular physical every year anyway. No medication or health probelms that I'm aware of. In fact I hold a ICC medical card for a CDL and commercial driver's license including passenger and school bus. My only concern is with my air craft insurance but from what I've heard that's not really a problem either. I'd like to see something in writing, though.

Mike

[aeroncafan]

Grumps,

I may be wrong here (usually am) but I think the limitations you are refering to ONLY apply to the Rec Pilot. As far as I know there is no limitations on the distance one can fly under Sport Pilot. There are altitude limitations and airspace limits though.

Any thechnical gurus wan to chime in here?

Keith

And, Rec Pilots are required to have a current 3rd class medical I believe. AOPA has been lobbying to remove that requirement so Private Pilots who don't want to take another physical can still fly their Cessnas and Pipers as Rec Pilots, albeit with the 50 mile radius restriction.

[aeroncafan]

I misnamed AOPA's mentoring program in an earlier post. It is AOPA Project Pilot, not Project Mentor.

[Jerry Eichenberger]

Many flight schools have poo-pooed LS in the past, and most are now getting the message.

Somehow, and I don't understand why, many CFIs even believe that a SP has the 50 mile restriction applicable to Rec. pilots.

The whole Rec. pilot idea was a bust from the beginning. Fewer than 1,000 Rec. certificates were ever issued.

But don't hold your breath for the elimination of the medical requirement for Rec. pilots - if they are allowed to fly without a medical, then the entire SP industry would dry up in a month, and Cessna and the other big companies getting into LSA airplanes won't support that.