Sport Pilot Talk

skunker · Guest

Hello everyone,

As a 27 year old guy with not much employment history or savings, I am looking for ways to get started flying NOW. I have this goal to get my wings before I'm 30, the sooner the better, especially since I'm single and have the time. If i don't do it now, I never will!

Anyways, I was originally looking at getting a PPL and going for a 90hp supercub which seem to be in the low 40k range on trade-a-plane. However, recently I came upon the Zlin Savage J3 cub look-alike and see that the prices are around 60k for a brand new airplane with a 100hp engine. There is not much information or reviews abotu this plane online...I think there are only like 12 flying in the States (it's a Czech product inspired by the J3 and improved upon).

I have the chance for employment with the National Park service in Yellowstone area and was thinking about the recreational flying potential in that area. Does anyone have any experice with flying in that area? Also, is it possibel to do cross country with a 100hp LSA without radio endorsement? I have hearing loss so I don't have much confidence in my use of radios, whcih is one of the reasons why I'm attracted to Sport Pilot.

I guess what I want to know is whether it's worth going all the way for a PPL? I would spend about the same for a PPL and get a Scub compared to going with one of the newer LSA J3 look-alikes. Nothing is set in stone, but I really do want a taildragger AND something faster than a car with the potential for some lite bush flying.

scottj · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 9:49 pm Post subject: Working for hire as a Sport Pilot

Skunker:

Yes, you should get your Sport Pilot license, and then go on to Private, Instrument, and Commericial, and Instructor, and ... learning never stops. Sport Pilots are the first step.

One of the rules of Sport Pilots is that they cannot fly for hire. So if your goal is to be a Professional Pilot, you will need the additional licenses to get a job.

Good luck!
Scott

westwindsportstar · Guest Joined: 20 Aug 2006 Posts: 32

Beautiful place to fly, I used to fly sailplanes over the Tetons from the Idaho side in Driggs. Where exactly will you be working?
I have looked at the Savage as well and at one time it had the option of getting the 914 turbo Rotax in it which would be great for that part of the country. If you were to get a cub for that elevation I would want one wiht something bigger than the standard 65hp engine.

DKarnage · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 11:20 pm Post subject:

Skunker, have you checked out barnstormers.com? They're my favorite classifieds that I've found so far.

DKarnage · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 11:23 pm Post subject:

scottj wrote:

One of the rules of Sport Pilots is that they cannot fly for hire.

The exception I believe is if you're a CFI-SP.

scottj · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 11:21 am Post subject: Paid Flying

Yes, my mistake. I misread his post and thought he was wanting a flying job and not just flying for fun and getting a new job on the side.

A CFI-SP can give paid flight instruction. But I think the rules § 61.315 on no other commercial activities (hauling people, or cargo, or compensation) will still apply even if you are a Sport Instructor.

DKarnage · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 12:24 pm Post subject:

Yeah only flight instruction

SP_Laser · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 2:13 pm Post subject:

I've heard of CFIs giving "introductory flights" with special emphasis in how to give a tour of whatever.

"Push the stick left...good, now right...great. Ok you have the basics of flying."

"Now, if you were to give a tour of Napa Valley, you would point out that vinyard over there first started in 1939 with the special red grapes....."

"Then you would make sure to let your passenger know that, the winery north of that, is famous for.....here let me demonstrate a wide slow turn around this national monument....."

artp · Guest Joined: 03 May 2007 Posts: 144 Location: Odenton, Md

SP_Laser wrote: I've heard of CFIs giving "introductory flights" with special emphasis in how to give a tour of whatever.

The first time a disgruntled passenger reports you to the FAA you have inspectors all over you and you can kiss you certificate goodbye.

Jim Stewart · Guest Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 43

Quote: Also, is it possibel to do cross country with a 100hp LSA without radio endorsement? I have hearing loss so I don't have much confidence in my use of radios, whcih is one of the reasons why I'm attracted to Sport Pilot.

No such thing as a radio endorsement. There's an endorsement for towered airports. You're going to have to deal with the radio issue some way. FAA regulations require self-announcements at untowered airports with airplanes equiped with a radio.

That said, you can fly all over the country without ever landing at a controlled field if you like.

Cub flyer · Guest Joined: 10 Sep 2006 Posts: 294

Give me a call. 570-836-4800. Charlie.

We can setup some kind of fast program to get you the SP rating and possibly private.

Emphasis on no radio navigation, Off airport tail wheel operations and
high/ hot / mountain operations.

I used to fly for K2 in Talkeetna around Denali and can get you on the right track for what kind of flying you will be doing.

Mountains in PA are not high but with 65 hp on tap they don't need to be.

We'll be on skis if the weather ever cooperates here.

Jump in and start flying.

skunker · Guest

That's good info Cub, tell me more. I may be interested too:)

Edit: Oops, I see your name was Charlie. i thought you were talking to someone named Charlie, lol.

Thanks for the info, i'll contact you soon.
-Nick