Using flight simulation as a stepping stone and affordable means to learning to fly and becoming a Sport Pilot:
I would appreciate feedback from you on this business idea – good, bad or otherwise! This feedback request is targeted at those on this forum who are current recreational-focused GA pilots, non-current GA pilots (who desire to get back-in-the-saddle again), aviation enthusiasts (who would like to fulfill their dream of flying on a recreational light sport flying level), and powersports enthusiasts (who have not yet ventured into the world of flying but are highly intrigued) – those who frequent this forum for information and hope, driven out of pure passion for aviation and flight. What do you think about the following approach or idea? Would you actually adopt and pay for this more affordable means of flight training in order to start fulfilling your dream of flying rather than sitting on the sidelines?
Note – what I am NOT addressing here is the professional pilot track or a GA transportation-focus. This business idea is all about recreational light sport flying and helping people fulfill their dream of flying today! Period! The idea utilizes very affordable static flight simulation (and potential, future add-on motion flight simulation) as the means to getting the broader market of non-current pilots, aviation enthusiasts, powersports enthusiasts, as well as the not-yet flying public hooked on flying and enjoying the unique freedom and exhilaration experienced through recreational light sport flying – reminiscent of the barnstorming and back country flying days of yesteryears. This business idea is all about making recreational light sport flying affordable, achievable, safe and fun for everyone! In other words, its’ simple two-step process takes the prospective pilot along the path from virtual environment to real environment and makes the dream of flying affordable and achievable.
The flight simulation component acts as the primary stepping stone – a truly affordable and safe means for folks to test the water (or should I say “virtual” air) and start basic flight training (including re-currency training) as a Sport Pilot in a virtual environment. The objective here is to train folks through utilizing an industry-proven training program and curriculum (i.e., Sporty’s Learn to Fly program) in a virtual environment (i.e., MS Flight Sim X or x-Plane). Note – it is fully understood that simulator training will not meet any FAA requirements towards a Sport Pilot certificate under the Virtual Sport Pilot Learn-to-Fly Program offered through this business (btw, we will also offer an ELSA Learn-to-Build Program, too). However, virtual training may significantly decrease the time-to-train in the real environment once a decision is made to pursue a certificate. Obviously, virtual training does not replace the unique touch and feel learned through the real environment. However, virtual training should optimize the learning of all fundamentals needed to smoothly transition to real environment training. Sporty’s flight training curriculum will enable all the essential training in a virtual environment to optimize learning, retention, and test preparation.
The real environment component acts as the secondary stepping stone – a truly affordable and optional means for folks to truly fulfill their dream of flying and become certified Sport Pilots. This will be accomplished by forming a Recreational Light Sport Flying Club at a nearby, local recreational-friendly towered or non-towered airport. All virtual pilots who complete the Virtual Sport Pilot Learn-to-Fly Program will have the option to pursue the Sport Pilot certificate through a CFI-SP member within the flying club, as well as become active members of the club themselves. The club will intentionally utilize an affordable and safe light sport airplane type model (Special Light Sport Aircraft) to facilitate its mission and achieve same-aircraft economies. The club will start-off with acquiring two of these “same-type” light sport airplanes with additional “same-type” airplanes ideally coming through the ELSA Learn-to-Build Program, adding to the club fleet of aircraft. One airplane currently under consideration is the SkyReach BushCat. This is a great SLSA candidate with bush pilot-like performance specs, a greater crosswind component compared to many SLSA, etc.
In summary, the business idea comprises both the Virtual Sport Pilot Learn-to-Fly Program and the Recreational Light Sport Flying Club. Both business components are intended to be extremely affordable for the broader market so folks can start fulfilling their dream of flying today!
See my earlier questions in this forum topic. Your comments and suggestions are requested?
Thank You in Advance,
Wayne Szabo
Get Hooked On Flying, LLC
(Also a Realtor at Keller Williams Realty Mission Viejo, CA)
Using flight sim as an affordable means to learn to fly...
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