Sport Pilot license

gtpilot

gtpilot

Well-Known Member
Ok, got a call asking about this the other day. Is there anyone out there actually teaching this license?

I know the first class of DPEs graduated this fall but no one seems to be interested in offering a Sport Pilot license. As a full CFI, teaching is a matter of getting 5 hours PIC in the make and model you teach and the license itself only requires 20 hours total time and a drivers license (no medical) to get as a student. With the aircraft limited to 1320 max weight and 120 kts max speed, there are still plenty of qualified aircraft (piper cubs, taylorcraft, etc.).

Would love to chat with anyone who has taught this or if anyone can point me to anyone actually doing it. Seems easy enough to set up!
 
I wish the option was around a few years ago... my grandfather, a retired airline pilot, lost his medical for about 14 years a year after his retirement (based on a quack doctor). He got it back a few years ago, but he always wanted to teach me to fly in his piper cub. A sports license might have made that possible.
 
I've been an ultralight flight instructor for some time and I am currently instructing several Sport Pilots in our Champ and Flightstar. I've been set up for teaching Sport Pilot for some time now, and I have been VERY busy since last summer finishing up EAA Ultralight Pilots and instructing new Sport Pilots. My first two official Sport Pilot students will be taking there check rides next week. I'll answer any questions you have if I can, and you are welcome to come to Heart of Georgia Regional Airport if you want to see what I'm doing first hand.
 
Greg -

I've been meaning to get a tailwheel endorsement anyway. If I can work out my schedule, I'll have to come down and pay you a visit.

The Sport Pilot license should be a booming business but too many flight school owners are short sighted and refuse to get anything started. Glad to know someone is providing opportunity for these folks!
 
Give EAA a little time to try to show the financial merits, and we might see some flight schools jump on it. Although I don't really see the Sport Pilot area as a flight training area. It's more for people that want to have fun flying instead of a career. Keep in mind that the rules haven't been around a year yet, so a lot of places might just now be hearing about it.
 
I was at a FSDO renewing my CFI this morning and they had about half a dozen different color brochures on various aspects of the new Sport Pilot thing. I didn't really read any of them, just wanted to let those interested know that they're out there. Might be worth picking up. Also, around here the FSDO is putting on a few Sport-pilot specific safety seminars. Might want to check on the possibility of those in your area as well.
 
I'm getting calls from all over the country. This afternoon I set up a training session with a fellow from Boston. I'm hoping the other schools don't catch on too quick so I can keep taking advantage of the rush!
grin.gif

Marc, I'd be happy to work with you on a tailwheel endorsement and I'll even give you a "Jetcareers Member Discount". Send me a note if you decide you want to do it.
 
Yeah, the biggist problems are having access to an LSA qualified aircraft and an examiner, but that will get better soon!
 
From the EAA newsletter:
[ QUOTE ]
Examiners Listed Online by Aircraft Category
The FAA’s Light-Sport Aviation Branch in Oklahoma City has posted the current sport pilot examiner list by aircraft category on its website, reports branch manager Marty Weaver. “We have been receiving letters from Flight Standards District Offices (FSDOs) around the country extending sport pilot examiner privileges to existing designated pilot examiners (DPEs),” he said. “There seems to be a growing interest by DPEs to get involved with the program.”

[/ QUOTE ]

Related EAA web page.
 
And in some related EAA news:
[ QUOTE ]
A popular series of beginner’s books recently added aviation to its repertoire as The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Sport Flying (Alpha) hit the bookshelves on February 1.

[/ QUOTE ]

Anyone else think this may not be the best idea....

grin.gif


New Sport Flying Guide Hits Shelves
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top