"Larry Stimely" wrote

No argument, but what if I'm out somewhere on a weekend, it gets dark and
I can't get home?

Many of the new light sport aircraft have lights for night operation. Of
course, you would need a PP to fly past 30 minutes after sunset, but you can
still fly the equipped LSA.

Also, in California, there's always the issue of the mountains.

Yes, so you fly the passes. You can fly higher as necessary to get over and
though passes, if I remember correctly, and stay a thousand feet above
terrain. Many of the higher performance light sport planes have the
capability to fly pretty high, especially if equipped with the turbo Rotax
engine, as many are.

Maybe I don't need the increased flexibility of the Private ticket but I
suppose it only makes financial sense to find out.

I just may do that over the weekend.

Some do need the extra capability, but you can always get the light sport
pilot ticket, then upgrade later, if you find you need to.

I wouldn't want to talk you out of anything, but light sport flying is
better flying than no flying! g
--
Jim in NC