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Old March 20th 06, 01:30 AM posted to rec.aviation.piloting
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Default Question about the Sport Pilot designation


"AJ" wrote in message
oups.com...
I just read a description of the limitations imposed on light sport
pilots, including the following: no flights into Class A airspace,
which is at or over 18,000' MSL; no flights into Class B, C, or D
airspace unless you receive training and a logbook endorsement; and no
flights above 10,000' MSL. It looks like taxiing is the only safe
bet.

If someone was to ask, "Well, what can the sport pilot do," what
would be the answer?


This sounds all too much like a troll, but I'll play.

Fly anywhere you want to, with relatively simple signoffs, as long as you
don't go really high, like most single engine piston pilots don't do,
anyway.

Fly in VFR conditions, like most single engine piston pilots prefer, anyway.

Fly smaller sized aircraft, with speeds limited to what many single engine
piston planes will never go faster than, anyway.

Fly around with a buddy, which around 50% or more pilots of single engine
piston airplanes don't exceed, anyway.

Fly in a new single engine piston aircraft, with many models costing from 50
to 85 thousand dollars. Try buying a new non-sport airplane for anywhere
near that cost.

Fly in the daytime only, which 75% or more single engine piston flights are,
anyway.

So, in a paraphrase of a very old Wendy's add, "Where's the beef?" You can
do most of what the majority of pilots of single engine piston airplanes do.
Less cost, newer equipment possible, less training.

If you don't like the limitations and can pass a medical, go for the full
ticket. Sport pilot is still a great thing for a great many people , who
due to a technicality, can not pass a medical, or don't want to spend the
money to pass a medical.
--
Jim in NC