sport pilot schools vs. traditional flight schools w/ SP

[N918KT]

So we all know that sport pilot schools will most likely emphasize sport pilot training, with doing PPL a second priority (ie. as an optional add-on). But a few weeks ago, I walked into a traditional flight school with sport pilot near my college inquiring about their sport pilot curriculum, and the CFI I met told me to go for my PPL instead, unless I had a problem with my medical. I asked more about their sport pilot program, including a question on how many sport pilot students are in the program, which he said 0. They do have an LSA, which is a Tecnam Eaglet, but most people who rent their LSA are PPLs exercising sport pilot privileges. If that school has a sport pilot program, why not do they promote their program?

My question for you guys is can traditional flight schools with sport pilot programs promote and recruit sport pilot students just as much as sport pilot schools? Or are there some traditional flight schools out there that have sport pilot but do not promote or try to recruit students into their sport pilot curriculum?

[FlyingForFun]

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[CTLSi]

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[drseti]

There's no such thing as a 'sport pilot school'

While this is true, there are a few schools that either specialize in the Sport Pilot rating, or use it as a viable portal of entry (that is, as a stepping-stone to higher ratings). One such school that makes very good use of the SP curriculum to train Private Pilots is Cheapsapeake Light Sport. Another is (ahem) AvSport of Lock Haven.

The traditional flight schools typically eschew SP, and claim that it costs less to go straight for the PP. but this has not been my experience. Over the last couple of months, I had two of my Sport Pilot graduates complete their PP ratings (see their graduation party photo here:
http://avsport.org/photos/events/party13_09a.jpg). Both had built hours and experience (and had fun in the process) by flying for a while as Sport Pilots, and then doing PP add-on training. One needed only six more hours of dual to be ready for his second checkride! (The slower of the two needed more like ten. ). Not only did they end up spending a lot less than the typical PP applicant, but they had a lot more fun, and got to fly with their spouses that much sooner. So, I don't see why so many flight schools are so anti-SP!

[N918KT]

There's no such thing as a 'sport pilot school'

While this is true, there are a few schools that either specialize in the Sport Pilot rating, or use it as a viable portal of entry (that is, as a stepping-stone to higher ratings). One such school that makes very good use of the SP curriculum to train Private Pilots is Cheapsapeake Light Sport. Another is (ahem) AvSport of Lock Haven.

The traditional flight schools typically eschew SP, and claim that it costs less to go straight for the PP. but this has not been my experience. Over the last couple of months, I had two of my Sport Pilot graduates complete their PP ratings (see their graduation party photo here:
http://avsport.org/photos/events/party13_09a.jpg). Both had built hours and experience (and had fun in the process) by flying for a while as Sport Pilots, and then doing PP add-on training. One needed only six more hours of dual to be ready for his second checkride! (The slower of the two needed more like ten. ). Not only did they end up spending a lot less than the typical PP applicant, but they had a lot more fun, and got to fly with their spouses that much sooner. So, I don't see why so many flight schools are so anti-SP!

I know! Over the summer after a flight lesson with Art we were having lunch at a diner one time and IIRC, I told him that I believe that Light Sport is a growing segment of aviation, and that I wanted that industry to grow. I just hope one day Sport Pilot and LSAs will become mainstream as PPLs and traditional GA aircraft.

[CTLSi]

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[FlyingForFun]

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[drseti]

That's like saying the auto industry will be overtaken by 2-seat sports cars.

Hey, I drive one of those:


Part of the appeal is that it is niche. If everybody drove one, I'd probably have to find something else.

[FlyingForFun]

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[drseti]

I personally prefer the Z3 to the Z4.

[FlyingForFun]

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[CTLSi]

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[CharlieTango]

...The winners all share carbon fiber...

If I was in the market I would buy a new lightening, its not carbon fiber but I bet its a winner.

[FlyingForFun]

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[drseti]

The winners all share carbon fiber

You keep saying that, and I am all for carbon fiber technology, but the sales figures don't seem to support your contention. Of the top ten selling SLSA models listed on bydanjohnson.com, four are indeed composite, four are metal, and two are fabric. And, those four composite aircraft rank #1, 7, 8, and 10. A good start, but hardly dominant.