Recreational Certificate questions.

A150K

A150K

Well-Known Member
I have a Student who just soloed who was going for the Sport, but has since decided on the Recreational Certificate instead (makes sense to me too. He can easily get a medical and with some additional training after the checkride he'll be able to have the same privileges as a Sport pilot, but be able to fly/rent a wider range of airplanes.), but given the fact that almost nobody chooses this option there are a few things I can't find clear answers on:

-Is it true that the Private Written can be used towards the Recreational (I know there is also a Recreational written) and if it can be, can it be used if he decides to upgrade to a Private within 2 years or would he have to take it again?
-Regarding the 2 hours of "XC training" required by 61.99(a)(1)...The PTS and 61.97 (b)(4) only mention Pilotage,so I'm assuming that's all I have to do? No dead reckoning?
 
I have no answers to your questions, but congratulations on even entertaining the idea of Recreational Pilot training. It amazes me how many people know very little about the certificate when it is almost always a better choice than Sport Pilot. I wish your student the very best, he will be one of very few!
 
If your student can get a medical there's no reason to get a Recreational Certificate, he should go straight to Private............
 
jafra98 said:
If your student can get a medical there's no reason to get a Recreational Certificate, he should go straight to Private............
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Recreational still requires a medical-you're referring to the Sport. I'm figuring we can get him done in 40-45 hours vs. the 60-65 I figure for the Private, so there is apretty big cost difference.
 
Oh, I found the answers to my questions. The Private written can be used for the Recreational and also may be used to upgrade to a Private given it is still within its 24 calendar month life (FAA order 8900.2). And Pilotage is the only Nav task on the practical (alongside lost procedures and diverson). However, I still plan to do some ground with him on dead rec, so he can learn some of the fundementals and be able to do the Private written instead of the recreational.
 
A150K said:
Recreational still requires a medical-you're referring to the Sport. I'm figuring we can get him done in 40-45 hours vs. the 60-65 I figure for the Private, so there is apretty big cost difference.
Click to expand...

Well you will have to think about cost beyond training. If the guy decides he wants to get into XC flying, or flying around with more than one person, or anything bigger than a -172 or Archer, or go into busier airspace types, he'll need a CFI signoff on each flight. Recreational pilot cert is a band aid, not a long term solution.
 
The Cross Country Endorsement is a one time endorsement, not for each flight. (see AC61.65E). The other limitations also apply to Sport Pilot, except the aircraft size are even more limited.

The Recreational Pilot can do everything a Sport Pilot can, and more, while still having the advantage of reduced training costs. Further the Recreational Pilot can complete that training in a C-150, or similar which are cheaper and more common training aircraft.

Private Pilot does, of course, come with additional privileges.
 
Actually, the XC and airspace endorsements are one time endorsements. Much like the airspace endorsements for Sport pilots.
 
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