Sport Pilot Instruction

[Bob Eilers]

I have been researching the new sport pilot rule to determine if there is anything to prvent training sport pilots in a non-sport pilot aircaft - such as a tail dragger cessna 150. Seems to me a good idea to train in a sturdy tail whel trainer and then transition into the owners sport aircraft. Thus far, I have not found anything to prevent training sport pilots in non-sport pilot aircraft. Any opinions out there?

[LOWELL]

It sounds like a good way to start off on. To learn in a nose wheel, then
go to a tailwheel takes more time to wake up their FEET. I learned in a
7BCM from an old Instructor. He told me I would never have a problem
flying other aircraft, and I have'nt. Tailwheel pilots just have more on the
ball!

[Mastercfi]

Yes you can give SOME training in a non-sport pilot airplane. The sport pilot student can NOT solo the certified AC if he does not meet the requirements for private pilot like having a valid class 3 medical or better. Remeber that in the sport pilot category no medical certificate other than a valid drivers license and self certification is required.

[flyingfool]

I also believe the checkride for the certificate also must be done in the LSA aircraft.

On the flip side. While at Oshkosh this year. I found out that if when training in a LSA like a Chief or champ that as long as all the criteria are met for the private pilot certificate, all the time counts.

The reason I asked is that I am a CFI and I'd like to train my daughter(s) in my recently purchased Chief. And for the cross countries etc as long as I send her on the cross country's that meet Part 91 for a Private pilot, all that time counts. But if you only send them to the minimum of the LSA requirements, the LSA pilot will have to re-log the time that meets the private pilot.

So if any person is planning to start out with an LSA but may intend to also at some point get their private pilot or higher rating, you should consider training in the LSA and meeting the requirements for solo and cross countries etc. then to move up to a private pilot all the additional flyig time you will need to log as a minimum is the 3 hours night, 3 hours hood, controlled airspace and the I think 6 hours in prep for the checkride within the specified # of days. So as a complete minimum all you would need is to log 6 hours of flight time, and pass the knowledge exam.

So bottom line, I will train my daughters in the Chief meeting all private pilot requirements that I can, and have them get their LSA certificate. Then they can transition to a Private Pilot with minimal rental cost. As they only need to take a portion of the checkride for the instrument work in a properly equiped plane. All the ground reference and flight manuvers can still be done in the chief!

[SFC Hiatt]

I plan to step from sport pilot to private within the next couple months. I have some friends with a charter service that just purchase another 172 rental. Also, having a private ticket will open more biplane opportunities.

[flyingfool]

I personally like the acrosport II. Not to big like a starduster but also not too small. But looking at the Chief in my hangar I'm not sure I can fit both in.

A buddy baby great lakes made into a single holer on the other hand doesn't take up much space & I think may still qualify as an LSA Hummm.....

[BILL SEE]

Bill See, CFII, MEII, AP/IA
Everyone is correct that you can start in LSA for Private Pilot.
When we flight train, everyone has to start in a Good Ole Aeronca. Thats like learning to drive a stick shift car before going to an automatic!
After that we move to a Cessna 172 at $90 an hour Wet plus $20 for an instructor.
Its the only way to start building those QUALITY stick and rudder skills!
BILL SEE
www.ohiolightsport.com

[Champ Dreamer]

Is there any such thing as a LSA instructor certificate? If so, does anyone know the requirements?

Thanks,
BRian Walker
N1197E '46 7 AC

[toms]

Yeah, there is a Sport Pilot Instructor Certificate. I was interested in it myself but, it has a drawback. According to EAA the Feds will only credit the hours recieved from a SPI toward the Light Sport rating. If the student moves on toward a Private, etc. NONE of the instruction given by an SPI can be used toward the higher rating. They are still trying to convince the FAA that it doesn't make sense but, thats the government for you.
The requirements as I remember them are:
Private Certificate or higher
150 hours TT
Pass the 2 CFI writtens
Pass a Practical Test
No Commercial is required as they say flight training is not a commercial activity and the SPI may give BFR's and tailwheel endorsements to higher rated pilots provided that it is done in an LSA.
I'm hoping that EAA talks some sense into the FAA otherwise it doesn't seem like a wise investment for the would be pilot to use an SPI over a CFI.

Tom Seevers
Delaware, OH

[toms]

Brian,
This link does a good job explaining the requirements and corrects some of the faults in my memory. Still as far I know the one drawback has not been corrected. http://sport-pilot-training.com/sport-p ... ivileges/a

[Champ Dreamer]

Tom,

Thanks so much for the info. I visited that site, and it looks like the Med requirements are the same for the instructor as for the student. Due to an incident 5 years ago, I am reluctent to obtain a medical, even though I am in excellent health, and feel like I'd have no problem getting one. I just don't want to go thru all the hassle involved. I think I will persue the rating when the Champ is done.

Brian Walker
NC1197E '46 7 A/C-D/C