Sport Pilot Talk

KSCessnaDriver · Joined: 25 Jan 2009 Posts: 159 Location: KOJC

deltafox wrote: Interesting assessment of requirements. I'm not sure the potential market for these planes would be willing to exchange the BRS for the extra fuel. Those that do might well consider stepping up to GA rather than investing in the LSA.

On the contrary, I think flight schools are going to run into issues with larger students (and also larger flight instructors), in regards to weight. I've flown LSA's with the BRS system, and honestly, I've never had any intention to use the system. There are very few situations which require the use of the BRS. I've heard of people who pull the chute for engine failures in various airplane. There is no reason to pull for an engine failure.

One of the other issues I've got with BRS, is a somewhat false sense of security. I've seen people who are willing to do things in a BRS equipped airplane they wouldn't otherwise do. Some pilots are viewing the system as another thing they can use, in order to do dumber things. Now, this isn't always LSA pilots, but I've seen it more with the Cirrus's and the like.

Regardless, if I ever buy an LSA or start a sport pilot school (which I would dearly love to do), I'd want to find a plane without the BRS.

drseti · Joined: 28 Nov 2009 Posts: 1387 Location: Lock Haven PA

deltafox wrote: I'm not sure the potential market for these planes would be willing to exchange the BRS for the extra fuel.

We'll never know unless the market gives buyers a choice. When Cessna and Piper decide that their planes are offered only with a BRS, the only choice for customers who prefer not to have one is to buy from another vendor.

drseti · Joined: 28 Nov 2009 Posts: 1387 Location: Lock Haven PA

KSCessnaDriver wrote: I think flight schools are going to run into issues with larger students (and also larger flight instructors), in regards to weight.

Or how about: larger designated pilot examiners? Although I only weigh 160, and limit myself to students weighing 250 or below, one of the local examiners weighs 300 pounds! No way is he going to give checkrides in my SportStar.

Quote:
Regardless, if I ever buy an LSA or start a sport pilot school (which I would dearly love to do), I'd want to find a plane without the BRS.

That was one of my constraints, and part of the reason I didn't go with the PiperSport (although I flew the CzAW SportCruiser, and loved it).

drseti · Joined: 28 Nov 2009 Posts: 1387 Location: Lock Haven PA

deltafox wrote: I'm not sure the potential market for these planes would be willing to exchange the BRS for the extra fuel. Those that do might well consider stepping up to GA rather than investing in the LSA.

Depends on how you define "potential market." Let's see, now... let my medical lapse, fly LSA, and forego the 'chute in favor of an extra 1.5 hours in the tanks (a valid, though different, safety decision), or go back to a heavier plane with a 'chute, apply for a Special Issuance 3rd Class Medical, and risk being denied and losing all my flying privileges. Hmmm, tough choice!

CharlieTango · Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2010 12:01 pm Post subject:

my 06 CTSW has a 600lb useful load and holds 6-7 hours of fuel and thats with the brs. 8)

drseti · Joined: 28 Nov 2009 Posts: 1387 Location: Lock Haven PA

CharlieTango wrote: my 06 CTSW has a 600lb useful load and holds 6-7 hours of fuel and thats with the brs. 8)

Yes, the Flight Design has a much better than average useful load. Part of that is because of its composite construction (much lighter than all-metal planes for the same strength). And part of it is that they chose modern, lightweight avionics. All in all, the CT is a good hauler.

Most LSAs have more like 550 pounds useful load. Assuming 30 gals of fuel (that's six hours at cruise, no reserve), and given two 170-pound "FAA standard" adults, that leaves you 30 pounds for baggage. Add a BRS and you lose all your baggage allowance, plus part of your fuel. (But, of course, few adults in the US meet the FAA mandated 170 pound standard...)

owenstrawn · Joined: 02 Jul 2006 Posts: 22

The base model Skycatcher does not have a chute. The BRS is optional.

drseti · Joined: 28 Nov 2009 Posts: 1387 Location: Lock Haven PA

owenstrawn wrote: The base model Skycatcher does not have a chute. The BRS is optional.

Glad to hear that. I've always believed the consumer should have choices. Unfortunately, it appears this is not the case with the PiperSport.