Sport Pilot

 Home Page.  For more information email us at info@precisionwindsports.com.
 

Home
Sport Pilot Synopsis
Become a Sport Pilot
Become a SP CFI
Rule Comparisons
S-LSA Info

Training Rates
DAR Rates
FAQs

Email Newsletter icon, E-mail Newsletter icon, Email List icon, E-mail List icon Sign up for our Email Newsletter

Our sport is in the midst of a huge change to pilot and aircraft certification and registration called Sport Pilot / Light Sport Aircraft (SP/LSA).  The SP/LSA rule became official on September 1, 2004.  By Jan 2008 all two place ultralights and their pilots must complete the transition to SP/LSA. By Jan 2010 the waiver to use ELSA aircraft for training will expire -- all trainers will have to be SLSAs.  On April 19, 2005 Precision Windsports' primary trainer, Terri Sipantzi, completed his transition to Sport Pilot Certified Flight Instructor.  In July 06 he became a Sport Pilot Examiner.  Precision Windsports is fully qualified to help you become a Sport Pilot and/or certify your aircraft.

We at Precision Windsports feel that the Sport Pilot / Light Sport Aircraft rule will go a long way toward invigorating sport aviation in the following ways:

  • Formal recognition of ultralights (light sport aircraft) by the general aviation industry as a valid aviation activity

  • Full access to all public airports

  • Access to financing and insurance (this happened at the 2008 Sun 'N Fun airshow)

  • Safer aircraft via common certification standards

  • Expanded pilot privileges (pilots will now be able to carry a passenger whereas only instructors can do so today)

  • Relaxation of the aviation medical requirements allowing more people to fly (a valid driver's license qualifies as your medical providing you haven't had an aviation medical revoked in the past)

What does this mean for you?  The biggest thing you have to consider is the type of flying you want to do, and the aircraft you want to buy to support that type of flying.  If you do not ever intend to carry a passenger or teach others to fly you will be able to continue flying under the old rules (referred to as Part 103) as long as you buy a Part 103 compliant aircraft (single seat, less than 254 lbs, 5 gals or less fuel capacity).  However, if you think you are going to want to take a friend or family member with you then you need to be sure that you buy a trike that will be Light Sport Aircraft certifiable.

Because AirBorne trikes are already certified to a higher standard in Australia (a country whose certification the US recognizes) and internationally, you can be sure that you will be able to register your trike as a Light Sport Aircraft.  AirBornes are built to aircraft standards using certified aircraft parts and materials.  They are stress tested to +6/-3 Gs (most general aviation aircraft are only tested to +3/-1.5 Gs). In addition AirBorne conducts the necessary testing, under third party supervision, and keeps the required documentation to prove their trikes are flight worthy -- pretty important given the precious cargo you'll be carrying.  Many non-certified aircraft manufacturers claim their aircraft are Sport Pilot ready, but right now you have to take their word for it.  Are you willing to take that risk?

For more information on SP/LSA click on the links below:

 

FOR SERIOUS RECREATION

 

Send mail to terri@precisionwindsports.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 05/19/08