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StraightnLevel
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That makes sense. Is there any extra effort or time required to go from SPL to PPL that would make it take more time or cost more than going straight to PPL?
I did it that way. My reason was that I wanted to learn tailwheel first, and that aircraft happened to fit light sport category. I considered getting my private in that airplane, already had a class 3, but I'd have to learn another aircraft anyway, as it wasn't equipped for either night flight or instrument training. So someone at the airport suggested I get light sport first. That seemed reasonable and quick, so that's what I did.What reasons are there to get a Sport Pilot cert as an intermediate step on the way to PPL? What would make it a good or bad idea?
If there is any nagging tickle in your mind that you might not pass the 3rd class or you’ve had some youthful indiscretions in the past, it can all keep you from flying (be sure to read and think about all the questions on the FAA electronic form). A lot of pilots are being snagged for lying on that form (DUIs—ever, drug use—ever, getting a disability payment from any source—ever, taken an antidepressant—ever).
Not necessarily. I got my PP 46 years ago and have flown and owned nothing but light 1 or 2 seaters since then. My current plane is only slightly too heavy to be LSA.You’re eventually going to want to move up to bigger, faster planes - MOSAIC nothwithstanding
be advised that "FAA" and "timely manner" go together like "honest" and "politician."Now, if MOSAIC doesn't come to pass in a timely manner,.....
The FAA is still committed to MOSAIC being completed by the end of this year.I get what you're saying, but:
MOSAIC appears to open the door to flying with my wife or one kid, as well as using a plane that is much more capable, i.e., pretty much anything with a VS1 at or below 54 KCAS (still not clear on which existing models this covers....). Their stated enactment target is within a year, right? The two complaints I see being voiced to the FAA involve the medical for night flying (why not just a vision test?) and the VS1 limit (which would be argued no matter where they elected to set it), and a change to either would work in my favor.
Now, if MOSAIC doesn't come to pass in a timely manner, then I think you are correct. If it does, though, it looks like Sport Pilot would be a really good option - at least for a couple of years while I build time,
And it comes with all the privileges of sport pilot and more.
The advantage to Rec is not being as limited on airplane choice,.....
I suppose. That's basically the training you'd need to do to get the required solo XC endorsement required for sport pilot so it's not really extra compared to the sport ticket.No, it doesn’t. You can’t fly XC with a Rec ticket without additional training and endorsement. Also, I don’t think you can fly to the Bahamas with a Rec license, but you can with Sport. Plus Rec will require a medical.
Almost no one does Rec, and for good reason. Might as well do Private as Rec.
If you go SP -> PPL, make sure you do your XC, etc. to PPL standards (SP are shorter) so you don't have to redo them.Something to consider:
Many schools that offer SP training also have an accelerated program that makes it possible to finish in ~2 weeks. This assumes that you're a good, quick student and that the weather cooperates. Even if you're not able to finish in the 2 weeks, you'll be pretty close and able to knock it off quickly afterward. Some people take a couple weeks of vacation and travel to somewhere with favorable weather (FL, AZ, etc.) to get their tickets.
So, you could get your SP ticket quickly, then buy and fly an LSA, use it to have fun with your family, take some short trips, gain valuable experience, and also use the LSA to complete your Private ticket at whatever pace works for you. Buy a used LSA and you'll recover your purchase price when you're ready to get something bigger and faster.
Now, then, regarding:
be advised that "FAA" and "timely manner" go together like "honest" and "politician."
Sport Pilot is great if you have a miniature wife who packs light.
The main reason I went from Sport to Private was that LSAs didn’t have enough useful load for my wife + luggage for two. If MOSAIC had been in place I could have stayed with Sport.
It’s certainly feasible to travel with an LSA, though, and many do, but it requires packing similar to a motorcycle trip. Minimalist, very light.
When I first met my gf, I did remark that it was awesome that she only weighed less than 16 gallons of gas. If luggage is involved, we'd have to fly commercial, though, or I'd need to get a type rating in something.Sport Pilot is great if you have a miniature wife who packs light.
Sport Pilot is great if you have a miniature wife..
...who packs light.