Jeff Dougherty wrote:
On Sep 12, 12:40 am, James Sleeman wrote:
On Sep 12, 1:17 pm, Jeff Dougherty
wrote:



to rent than the next one over. If the community could successfully
lobby for a cheap, VFR plane that could lower the cost of renting
and serve as a "gateway" into flying, I believe that would do a
great deal towards attracting new pilots.

It's called a US-Legal ultralight. Or LSA like an X-Air H or RANS S6
for a little more $ and comfort.

You sound like the kind of person who would really get a kick out of
flying even first generation ultralghts, it really is getting right
back to basics, stick, rudder, and not a whole lot else to get
between you and the art of flying.

I think I would, actually. When I fly, it will likely be under light-
sport rules since all I anticipate really wanting to do is drill some
plane-shaped holes in the sky and take in the view.

My concern is for the next generation of rental aircraft. The cheap
LSA and ultralights that you cited all seem to be flying under the
experimental rules, which I believe don't allow an aircraft to be
rented or used for any commercial purpose including instruction for
hire. (If I've misread the FARs, please correct me as IANAP) There
doesn't seem to be anything coming along to replace the Cessna 150 on
the flight school and rental lineup, and that's what worries me.

-JTD

You are half right. the S-LSA aircraft can be rented indeed Cessna
themselves have just started taking orders on the 162 Skycatcher.

Also, for at least a while the E-LSA (the ******* children of Experimental
and S-LSA) can be rented.

Check out sportpilot.org for more info.