Sport Pilot Talk

vacantstance · Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Posts: 22 Location: stafford, Va

Okay, so as I understand it, dual hours towards a Sport Pilot certificate can be taken in any single engine aircraft up until your solo work, which requires an LSA aircraft. So my new plan is to taking flying lessons locally, not necessarily in an LSA, accumulate dual training hours and then train the remaining hours in an approved LSA to complete my certificate.

This approach can be a challenge and probably take longer hours just to get acclimated to the LSA but I can at least be learning to fly until my weight loss or my location improves my chances of enrolling in a Sport Pilot program.

I've been researching the Just Air "Highlander", an LSA which is trailer-able and has an impressive 700lb useful load. I'd love to build this plane in their builder assist program.

My question to you is, is there a GA aircraft I can train in while my Highlander plans come together that is similar in operation?

ArionAv8or · Joined: 20 Mar 2010 Posts: 271

If I were you I would probably pick a 172 for a high wing and a Warrior for low. A 150 would be closer with respect to weight and handling but the 172 will be better for performance similarities. Both of these aircraft are also a dime a dozen so finding one at your local school should not be an issue. Bryan can probably tell you the best option when comparing handling characteristics. Just my .02 cents.

vacantstance · Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Posts: 22 Location: stafford, Va

ArionAv8or wrote: If I were you I would probably pick a 172 for a high wing and a Warrior for low. A 150 would be closer with respect to weight and handling but the 172 will be better for performance similarities. Both of these aircraft are also a dime a dozen so finding one at your local school should not be an issue. Bryan can probably tell you the best option when comparing handling characteristics. Just my .02 cents.

Yeah, I was thinking the 172 because of it's sort of "universal" ability to develop flying skills. The Highlander is like a six month pursuit and all of my flying time can count toward a PPL if I so choose to pursue one.