On Tue, 03 Jan 2006 21:21:46 -0600, Cal Vanize
wrote:


I've read Part 61. Its more than a little confusing. I understand the
limitations of a sport pilot flying under a "driver's license" medical.
That part is pretty clear. I currently hold an "old" commercial
license with an instrument rating and have quite a few hours. I don't
hold a current medical, but would probably qualify after an appeal
(there might be a couple of "disqualifying" conditions for which I am
being successfully treated). My health is otherwise very good.

Am I playing the lottery by thinking that I can get a medical?

If your previous medical merely expired, you can fly as a Sport Pilot without
having to renew it. If it had been revoked, you have to do the work to get at
least a third class back.

In the same way, if you try to get a medical *now*, and flunk, you can't fly as
a Sport Pilot until you earn the medical back. So if Sport gives you sufficient
privileges for the kind of flying you want to do, I wouldn't risk taking the
medical.

What are the limitations for flying a light sport airplane? Strictly
61.303 and 61.315 conditions only or are there other things I can do?
What about a 4-place fixed gear single engine (with or without cs prop)
airplane? Can I carry passengers?

Anyone with a pilot's license can fly a Light Sport Airplane. If the airplane
meets the basic performance requirements Light Sport, then those people with
Sport Pilot licenses can fly it as well.

While it's aimed at the Fly Baby driver, this article summarizes the situation:

http://www.bowersflybaby.com/tech/lsa.html

One cannot fly a four-seat aircraft under Sport Pilot, even if the other seats
are not occupied. You're limited to, "A maximum seating capacity of no more
than two persons, including the pilot."

See http://www.sportpilot.org/eligible_aircraft.html to check if a particular
type qualifies.

Ron Wanttaja