FAA OK's Sport License

Re: FAA OK\'s Sport License

I agree with Greg and flyover on this.

The Sport Aviation regs will do good things for aviation and I, for one, am all in favor.

And a big atta-boy goes to EAA on this one.
 
Re: FAA OK\'s Sport License

Folks, the more people who are pilots, the less likely it is that some NIMBY won't know someone who enjoys flying. And that means that we might actually get rid of some of these bunghole "Stop the Noise" groups. And there will be more people to talk about how little noise their airplanes make at public meetings.

It's good for us.
 
Re: FAA OK\'s Sport License

Actually at a very basic level this rule does away with "rule bending" as it now brings previously unmonitored and uncertificates aircraft and pilots (ultralights and "sport aircraft) under the FARs and requires (by 2008) all pilots operating, essentially, any kind of aircraft to hold and posses (while operating) a U.S. Airman Certificate and medical (or DL). It also requries that these aircraft are maintained by someone who holds a sport-light aircraft rating on the mechanic's certificate.

I'm reading through the rules now and the more I read the more I like.

I really think this is a good thing and with a little luck we might even see a "redux" of the golden age of flying (cubs, champs, etc.).

But it's up to us as flight instructors and "higher level" pilots to encourage proper adhereance to rules and regs and safety.


Dunno only time will tell ...
 
Re: FAA OK\'s Sport License

I had pretty much the same opinion of the "farmer Joe's" until I went to Sun N Fun and met the guys that were hardcore pushing for this. Most of them REALLY know their stuff, and I consider them less dangerous than the do-no-wrong-it'll-never-happen-to-me doctor with his Bonanza. The best part about this is the planes that will be coming out. We might actually be able to afford a new plane that is enjoyable without a third mortgage on the house.

The main thing I'm worried about: insurance. How are these planes gonna be handled in the realm of product liability insurance? That's the potential killer since it could skyrocket the price. Damn near killed Cessna and sent Piper down the tubes.
 
Re: FAA OK\'s Sport License

I believe Clinton (or under his terms it was poushed through) pushed through a law that limits liability for x years (which was one of the precursors to Cessna starting up the 172 line again).
 
Re: FAA OK\'s Sport License

General Aviation Revitilzation Act (GARA) of 1994. Limits liability to 18 years. So, the manufacturer is still considered strictly liable for 18 years after initial delivery, but after that they are free and clear. Also applies to parts installed in the aircraft after delivery such as vacuum pumps, etc.
 
Re: FAA OK\'s Sport License

You might want to edit that link, 602...Copy/paste works fine, but it'll give ya a 404 if you just click.
 
Re: FAA OK\'s Sport License

Many of the aircraft that qualify for Light Sport Airplane are already flying, and have been for years. EAA maintains a list of more than 300 aircraft models that are already certificated and flying at www.sportpilot.org

Two of the most popular American built designs are the Zodiac 601 & 701, built by Zenith Aircraft, www.zenithair.com Anyone that has flown an Alarus will recognize the 601 right away. The 701 has better short field capabilities than a Maule and it is being flown by missionaries in Africa and South America with great success. I have built both aircraft for customers, for less than $35,000 each.

Sport Pilot is nothing new. The rest of the world has been certificating microlights, and microlight pilots, for years now without problems. For any CFIs that are sitting around wondering where to find new students, this is going to be a great tool to get people started.

Insurance issues are a concern, and FAA has said that they don't care what happens with that. It's definitely going to become more expensive.
 
Re: FAA OK\'s Sport License

[ QUOTE ]
The 5 hours less training isnt going to make much difference in the judgement game IMO, but, I could very well be wrong. Ill check back in a few years to see which way it has gone.

[/ QUOTE ]

You hit the nail on the head. Teaching judgment is not done on hardly any level in aviation. It is considered a product of experience. So you end up with professional crews exercising poor judgment, as in American choosing to land in a raging thunderstorm at LIT, and it is laid off on "fatigue". This in spite of the fact that the captain kept looking at things like crosswind limits and visibility to "tell" him he shouldn't land.

Until we start teaching the elements of judgment in a more precise and specific way, we can't be too "judgmental" about any level of aviation. IMO
 
Re: FAA OK\'s Sport License

Any one know how old you have to be to get it? I can't get the like 602 gave us to work.
 
Re: FAA OK\'s Sport License

§61.305 What are the age and language requirements for a sport pilot certificate?
(a) To be eligible for a sport pilot certificate you must:
(1) Be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old if you are applying to operate a glider
or balloon).

I'm gonna guess you could still solo at 16, but there are only 5 hours of solo required. Doesn't look like they lowered any "age" requirements with this new rule. I'll try to read the whole thing on my next DFW-GEG leg.

The Sport Pilot rule is going to be great for general aviation and will bring more pilots into the ranks. The FAA will recognize LSA time as pilot time and it can be logged the same as time in a Cessna. There will be more CFI jobs as people buy, and learn to fly, these new, affordable, and FAA certified light aircraft.

I'm surprised that some of you don't think this is a good idea.
 
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