Sport Pilot Talk

mcjon77 · Joined: 20 Aug 2007 Posts: 27 Location: Chicago

Hi,

Can a CFIS (Sport Pilot Instructor) give instruction FOR FREE in their own experimental (ExAB not E-LSA) that qualifies as an LSA. For example, if I build a Just Aircraft Highlander Kitplane that meets the LSA weight, cruise, and stall requirements can I give my mother or cousin FREE lessons in it? Can they pitch in for gas?

Also, can a CFIS provide seaplane endorsements if he/she has a seaplane endorsement on their PPL?

Paul Hamilton · Joined: 21 May 2007 Posts: 63 Location: Reno/Tahoe Nevada

If you are a CFIS you cannot provide official flight instruction in your amateur built aircraft. This is no different than a non LSA. Only the owner/builder can have official instruction in their amateur built aircraft. But feel free to take your mom or any one else out and show them how to fly but it can not be logged as flight instruction for the instructor or passanger.

Can a passanger pitch in for gas?
Operating as a sport pilot the limitations of 61.315 state
(b) You may share the operating expenses of a flight with a passenger, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenses, or aircraft rental fees. You must pay at least half the operating expenses of the flight.
and
(c) You may not act as pilot in command of a light-sport aircraft:
(1) That is carrying a passenger or property for compensation or hire.
(2) For compensation or hire.
(3) In furtherance of a business.

91.319 for experimentals is pretty much the same.

second question
To do instruction as a CFIS ASES, the CFIS must have the both pilot catagory/clas ratings plus a CFIS rating for ASES. In other words, no, a CFIS with Private Pilot Sea rating and no CFIS airplane sea rating can not provide Sea instruction per 61.415 (a) (2).