Sport Pilot Talk

Greetings everyone. I’m an instrument-rated private pilot who has decided to go sport pilot. I previously owned a Piper Warrior, but now I’m building an RV-12. My day job is executive editor of Kitplanes Magazine.

Mark

Welcome aboard, Mark. The RV-12 (like all Vans designs) is a fine aircraft. We have many RV owners on the forum who can advise you, but you should also be a Vans Air Force member if you want really good build advice.

Only one minor point: you are, and always will be, a Private Pilot. Deciding to fly an LSA doesn't take that away from you and somehow make you a Sport Pilot. So, instead of going sport pilot, what you're really doing is steping UP to LSA.

Welcome Mark, like you I’ve moved up to Light Sport. Having owned both singles and a twin, I have found my mission has changed and light sport fits the bill. I’m awaiting delivery of a Sling 2. I hadn’t seen the Sling and was actually looking to purchase the factory built RV-12. VAN’s has halted production of the factory -12, while tooling up for the iS, pushing it availability almost into next year. Lucky for me I found the Sling.

Kitplanes is a great resource. Hope to,see you here often.

Welcome to the forum. I started as a sport Pilot, and can say the RV12 is a nice plane at least from what I have seen.

Welcome, Mark! I’m just up the coast from you and am based out of Fullerton. I like the RV12 and look forward to reading your updates on the build and flight!

Welcome!

Welcome, Mark, from a long time Kitplanes subscriber.

Welcome Mark. Yes, you did step "up" to LSA.

I have a friend with a RV-12 that is E-AB and it's a great plane. Enjoy!

Thanks, everyone, for the warm welcome!

Mark

drseti wrote:So, instead of going sport pilot, what you're really doing is steping UP to LSA.

I like your thinking. That's a great way to describe it!

Mark

Sling 2 Pilot wrote:I’m awaiting delivery of a Sling 2.
Kitplanes is a great resource. Hope to,see you here often.

I think you'll really like the Sling 2. The Aircraft Factory's U.S. facility is about an hour's drive from my house, and they are really nice planes. I had a tough time deciding between the Sling 2 and RV-12. There were features in both I really liked.

I'm glad you enjoy Kitplanes. Marc Cook reviewed the Sling 2 in our January 2013 issue and was very impressed.

Mark

RTK wrote:Welcome, Mark! I’m just up the coast from you and am based out of Fullerton.

I grew up in Fullerton, learned to fly at Fullerton Airport, and kept my Warrior at Fullerton Airport. It's a great little airport!

Mark

Scooper wrote:Welcome, Mark, from a long time Kitplanes subscriber.

Thank you for being a subscriber, Stan. I appreciate it!

Mark

Congrats on the RV12. I hope to be getting a plane (w/in the next year) after I get my SP training. I am looking at the Sling2 and the RV12 as well as the Aerotrek. Just out of curiosity, what was the deciding factor to go with the RV12?

If you're going to build an airplane, that would be one of the best.