PPL training counts toward LSA? LSA hours toward PPL?

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NickC70

Well-Known Member
Hi. I have about seven hours toward my PPL, and I'm thinking about switching over to Light Sport training. I want a PPL eventually but I'm not planning a career in aviation, the LSA school is only 1/3rd as far from my house as the PPL, and I don't need to fly at night or get instruments just yet. For these reasons, a LS license does have some appeal.

My question is, can I use my seven PPL hours in a 152 toward a LS license? Once I earn a LS license, how much of those hours will count toward my PPL?

Thanks...
 
It all counts. We do it semi regularly when students who don't think they can get a medical end up doing so. It's all aeronautical experience in a powered airplane. If you've already started PPL training, just finish it. Even if it's not a professional goal, you'll enjoy the benefits of flying at night and renting a skyhawk. You can always rent an LSA on the cheap for your weekend warrior needs with a PPL. Besides, skyhawk rentals are far more accessible than LSAs.
 
PFGiardino said:
It all counts. We do it semi regularly when students who don't think they can get a medical end up doing so. It's all aeronautical experience in a powered airplane. If you've already started PPL training, just finish it. Even if it's not a professional goal, you'll enjoy the benefits of flying at night and renting a skyhawk. You can always rent an LSA on the cheap for your weekend warrior needs with a PPL. Besides, skyhawk rentals are far more accessible than LSAs.
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Thanks for the response. I would indeed enjoy the benefits. I just don't think I'm eligible for a medical certificate, and I don't think I can do a PPL solo without one, and I'm coming up on the Solo... Once I'm ready to solo, I'd like to switch to a LSA somewhere and finish that license, so I can rent planes until I figure out my medical...
 
There is a small catch - your sport pilot training with a CFI who is only a sport pilot CFI (not a full-fledged CFI-A) does not count toward the "training" requirements (as opposed to general flight experience requirements) for the private. But if your training is with a CFI-A, AFAIK, no problem in its application.
 
Thanks for the response. So if I'm in a LSA and a CFI-A give me 20 hours dual and I do 20 hours solo (all in a LSA), then I can just take a PPL test and checkride later and I'm good to go?

It sounds like the only money "wasted" going the LSA before PPLroute would be having to take two written tests and two checkrides.

Can I take a PPL checkride in an LSA?

MidlifeFlyer said:
There is a small catch - your sport pilot training with a CFI who is only a sport pilot CFI (not a full-fledged CFI-A) does not count toward the "training" requirements (as opposed to general flight experience requirements) for the private. But if your training is with a CFI-A, AFAIK, no problem in its application.
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NickC70 said:
Thanks for the response. So if I'm in a LSA and a CFI-A give me 20 hours dual and I do 20 hours solo (all in a LSA), then I can just take a PPL test and checkride later and I'm good to go?
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Yes, but you would need at least a 3rd class medical to get the private certificate.
 
What kind of LSA will you be flying? It'll probably be a bit of a learning curve to transition from the spam can to something like a CT/Remos, etc., so I'd make that switch as soon as possible-plus you'll save ground travel time, which will make you want to fly more.
As KS says, you can fly an LSA as either a private or sport pilot. (To clarify, LSA refers to the airplane, Sport/Private pilot refers to the type of pilot certificate)
You may also want to add your location in your profile so we can stalk you and force you to come out for beer and hangar flying :)
 
XLR99 said:
As KS says, you can fly an LSA as either a private or sport pilot.
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Well technically, you can fly them as a recreational pilot, commercial pilot or ATP too. Either way, LSA's are a lot of fun to fly. Usually new, decently priced, and fun to just buzz around on the weekends in.
 
KSCessnaDriver said:
Well technically, you can fly them as a recreational pilot, commercial pilot or ATP too. Either way, LSA's are a lot of fun to fly. Usually new, decently priced, and fun to just buzz around on the weekends in.
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Very true, I was just reinforcing for him that he could switch over to flying the LSA now and have the option to do either cert with the same airplane.
 
If you aren't sure if you will pass your medical, then you don't want to attempt it. You can become a sport pilot without a medical, but if you fail the medical you can't.
 
OcalaAviation said:
If you aren't sure if you will pass your medical, then you don't want to attempt it. You can become a sport pilot without a medical, but if you fail the medical you can't.
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So where's the logic in this? If a person knows they can't pass a 3rd class then shouldn't they be self grounding for the LSA? Or do we all think the "ignorance is bliss" arguement will last forever?
 
The logic is that some people don't want the hassle of special issuance. People who CAN pass a third, and therefore aren't self grounding, but would be grounded for the time it takes to get SI, or if they don't want to do it. I don't see it as a good argument, since learning to fly takes effort and time anyway.
 
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