Newbie from So Cal - San Fernando Valley

[GreenSky]

I'm glad you posted that. I'm going for the PP certificate but I believe it may be wise to continue to train in the Sportscruiser. So then along the way I can get the SP license if I wish.

I spoke with my instructor (owner) who agreed that once I have a PP cert it only makes sense to fly a bigger plane like a 172. He also discussed purchase rather than renting. I might go in that direction but let me get to my solo. If I had a guess, I'd say 2-3 more hours.

Rick

[LeafAngel]

Rick, I had my first PPL training flight in a 172R this past weekend. It went great! No trouble transitioning to either yoke or heavier aircraft. It should just be a matter of getting the time in that I need. Good luck!

[GreenSky]

Like it or not, I am being "forced" into a 172. I can save about $35/hr over the cost of a sportcrusier but the main reason is I'm having a hip replacement in a few weeks.

I can barely get into the LSA now and it will take 2-3 months after the bionic hip to even think about getting back into the sportcruiser.

The 172 has a door! High wing means I don't have to stoop down for anything. My guess is that it will be safe for me to fly within weeks of the surgery.

So, it looks like I'm joining a flying club, rent the 172 at $97/hr tach time (works out to about $85/hr hobbs) and change instructors. Since my goal is PP anyway, may as well just do it.

I'll also be flying out of Van Nuys and avoid a 2 hour round trip to Santa Monica.

Rick

[GreenSky]

Passed my medical except no night flying due to red/green color issues. I have joined the flying club so can rent a 170 for $97 or a 170SP for $107 tach time.

Found a CFI that has been recommended by many including an FAA inspector.

Hip replacement is set for tomorrow and within 2-3 weeks I expect to continue my pursuit of a PP certificate.

Getting excited to get things moving once again.

Rick

[drseti]

can rent a 170 for $97 or a 170SP for $107 tach time.

Rick,
Do you maybe mean a 172 and 172 SP? The 170 is a taildragger, and I've never heard of a 170 SP.

[GreenSky]

can rent a 170 for $97 or a 170SP for $107 tach time.

Rick,
Do you maybe mean a 172 and 172 SP? The 170 is a taildragger, and I've never heard of a 170 SP.

Correct. Both are 172s.

Shows you how much of a newbie I am!

Rick

[drseti]

Shows you how much of a newbie I am!

Not so bad, Rick. You were only off by two.

At any rate, those are very good rental rates (assuming they are wet) , especially given that they are Tach, not Hobbs, based. Enjoy your flying!

[Jim Stewart]

Even though I own a CTSW, I have a pp license. Better instruction, night and 1 mile/clear of clouds make it worthwhile.

[drseti]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with a PP flying an LSA, Jim, as long as he or she receives proper transition training (which one should do in any new aircraft, as all are different). I agree with all the advantages you list, except "better instruction," which I maintain is available to SP candidates as well!

Bear in mind that the night and lower visibility privileges require you to keep your medical in force. Many's the PP or above who let the medical lapse. Those folks are still Private, Commercial, or Airline Transport Pilots, but are restricted to the same limitations that apply to Sport Pilots (with the exception of the airspace endorsements).

One advantage you left out is the ability to fly VFR on top. Those exercising Sport Pilot privileges are required to always have visual contact with the ground, which is a major limitation when flying XC. (OTOH, unless you are absolutely sure there's a hole to descend through at destination, VFR on top can be a trap.)

[dstclair]

Paul -- funny you should mention getting stuck VFR on top:
http://www.aopa.org/aircraft/articles/2 ... pinch.html

Non-current instrument rated commercial pilot got stuck on top with low fuel. ATC vectored him in without an ounce of fuel to spare.

[GreenSky]

Well, 2.5 years after my last post isn't too long, is it?

It took my quite awhile including start and stops, but on 11/8/13 I received my PPL. I'm so glad I went that route as it is so much more useful for me than the SPL. I am still in touch with the owner of the flight school where I started in a sportcruiser years ago.

I bought a 172N with a 60hr remanufactured motor and 2800 hours on the plane last April. Along with a friend (and CFI) who currently flies for SkyWest, we flew it from Flint Michigan to Van Nuys. 36 hours from engine start to landing, including 12 hour stop in Kansas for well needed sleep.

The 1st day was headwinds, IMC and thunderstorms. Averaged about 80kt ground speed. 2nd day was bumpy and although it took forever to climb to 10,500 to clear the Rockies, we averaged closer to 130. Nice to have an unexpected tail wind.

If anyone is in the So Cal area and would like to go for flight in "Dorothy" (she's not in Kansas anymore), please contact me. Always glad to have another pilot sitting on my right. (She's also for rent BTW).

Rick

[CTLSi]

......

[3Dreaming]

You can train for sport pilot in a four seater, but only if you have a 3rd class medical student pilot cert. And the rental for a Cessna 172 is also gonna be more, but there are more of them. But you may as well go for the private since there are only a few extra things you need to do.

Yes you can train for sport pilot in a 4 place aircraft, but you do not need a medical for training. You do need a medical to exercise the privileges (solo flight) of a pilot certificate as a required flight crew member in other than a light sport aircraft.

[CTLSi]

......

[GreenSky]

You can train for sport pilot in a four seater, but only if you have a 3rd class medical student pilot cert. And the rental for a Cessna 172 is also gonna be more, but there are more of them. But you may as well go for the private since there are only a few extra things you need to do.

Yes you can train for sport pilot in a 4 place aircraft, but you do not need a medical for training. You do need a medical to exercise the privileges (solo flight) of a pilot certificate as a required flight crew member in other than a light sport aircraft.

Didn't know that, you can be a student and fly in a 4-seater with a CFI on an SP student cert?

You can be a student without a cert if a CFI is sitting next to you.

Rick