Questions about being an CFIS

Paul Hamilton is one of the first persons to become a DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner) for sport pilots. As a full-time author and sport pilot expert, he writes books and produces DVD's for Aviation Supplies and Academics (ASA). Now Paul has graciously agreed to answer your questions here. Thanks Paul! For more information about Paul, please visit www.Paul-Hamilton.com and www.Sport-Pilot-Training.com.

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mcjon77
Posts: 33
Joined: Mon Aug 20, 2007 8:33 am
Location: Chicago

Questions about being an CFIS

Post by mcjon77 »

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?
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Paul Hamilton
Posts: 329
Joined: Mon May 21, 2007 2:42 pm
Location: Reno/Tahoe Nevada

Post by Paul Hamilton »

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).
Paul is a Sport Pilot CFI/DPE and the expert for ASA who writes the books and produces the DVD's for all pilots flying light sport aircraft.
See www.SportAviationCenter.com www.Sport-Pilot-Training.com and www.BeASportPilot.com to Paul's websites
frfly172
Posts: 72
Joined: Thu Jan 08, 2009 7:38 pm
Location: Mass &Fla

Post by frfly172 »

to be a cfis do you have to take check ride with FAA or can a designated examiner do it.
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FLA-CFI
Posts: 45
Joined: Mon Oct 27, 2008 6:49 pm

Post by FLA-CFI »

A DPE can do it.
Adam

CFI-SP, Light Sport Repairman - Maintenance, Rotax Cert.
Orlando, FL
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Paul Hamilton
Posts: 329
Joined: Mon May 21, 2007 2:42 pm
Location: Reno/Tahoe Nevada

Post by Paul Hamilton »

Paul is a Sport Pilot CFI/DPE and the expert for ASA who writes the books and produces the DVD's for all pilots flying light sport aircraft.
See www.SportAviationCenter.com www.Sport-Pilot-Training.com and www.BeASportPilot.com to Paul's websites
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