Assistance Locating a Local SPCFI and LSA

[MrLupin]

I'm working toward the Sport Pilot license in Las Vegas (just passed the written) and have been unable to find an LSA to train in. I'm currently learning in a low-wing regular GA aircraft with a CFI who won't be able to solo me because its not an LSA - or so I understand. The current plan is to get a number of hours in the non-LSA GA aircraft and then travel to Salt Lake where I was able to find one instructor and an LSA to rent to complete my training and take the checkride. I'd prefer to stay local but will travel if necessary.

In an earlier thread a poster seemed to be saying that an LSA was not necessary to get the SP license. My understanding was that to solo, which is required experience to get the SP license, I would have to fly an LSA. Can anyone here confirm this? Also, in the earlier thread the poster seemed to be indicating that a CFI could take me all the way to the checkride for the SP license - that I wouldn't need a SPCFI. Is that correct? And, most importantly, any help locating an LSA here in Vegas would be appreciated. Thanks!

[3Dreaming]

To get a sport pilot you need the minimum 15 hours of flight instruction and 5 hours solo, but you also need to be trained to the standards in the PTS. You can do all of this in the GA airplane (light sport is also GA) you are flying, but you would be required to get a third class physical for the solo time. The check ride for the sport pilot must be in a light sport aircraft. Your CFI can provide all of the training required for the rating. If you get a medical you can do all the required training at your home airport, then go to the place with the LSA. Then all that would be required is transition and prep for the check ride. You might be able to do that in a long weekend.
What do you plan to fly if there are no rentals where you are training?

[David]

Henderson had a few lsa airplanes about 3 -4 years ago. I rented a Remos for sight seeing

[MrLupin]

Thanks Dreaming. I'm looking to purchase an LSA with a few partners or perhaps with a club. Gotta get the license first.

David, unfortunately nobody at KHND has any - or at least the flight schools I know of no longer have them. I've contacted all of the schools I've been able to locate on the net. I'm hoping that somebody will know somebody that knows somebody..... who has one or has access to one to rent. I'll keep looking. Thanks.

[azsportcruiser]

I'm a dealer for the SportCruiser in AZ and NV and can say you might want to check Fusion Aviation, 723 S Casino Ctr Blvd. I believe they are in the leasing business, but could be wrong. The only other Sportcruiser in Las Vegas is privately owned. Sorry, it's not much help.

Dave

[MrLupin]

Dave, its a lead and I appreciate. Thank you!

[MrLupin]

Dave, everything I'm finding indicates they are out of business. You don't happen to have a phone number?

On another note, would you mind a telephone call to discuss the use of an LSA in a flight club? I'm interested in at least considering one for a club I'm currently organizing.

[langj]

I know it's an 8 hr drive but carson city nevada has two a high wing zenith ch750 and a low wing zenith ch 650. Paul Hamilton is their LSA instructor. However, they do require 10 hrs in type to solo now.

[hirschr]

You might try these guys:

PC AIRCRAFT, SAN MANUEL, AZ USA • Telephone: 520-664-4812

I took accelerated sport pilot training with them Feburary 17 - March 2, 2013. Ercoupes are a blast to fly, and they can generally arrange the check ride right on their field. They are currently running an ad in barnstormers.

[CTLSi]

......

[MrLupin]

Thanks all. No luck yet but I'll keep looking.

[MovingOn]

.......

[MrLupin]

MovingOn, thanks, those are all things I've considered. The relatively young thing is not as much as it used to be! After extensive consideration of the factors you've mentioned I've determined that for the time being the best path for me is the sport pilot with an eventual purchase/lease. The purchase/lease will hopefully be done with the weight of a flight club behind it. Things may change a little depending on the FAA proposed rule change due out in November although my current choice of aircraft will probably remain a newer LSA given the significantly lower operating costs (at least my perception is that the operating costs are significantly less).