As the seasons change and those of us who are anticipating the arrival of spring and warm weather begin dusting off our flying skills once again, a whole new flock of flyers will be taking to the air. With the sport pilot rule and a host of new light sport aircraft models to choose from, the sky will be dotted with heretofore unseen aircraft and new and older returning pilots.

Basically, the sport pilots will come from two different areas. There will be those who will be flying for the first time as pilots and those who have already earned their pilot’s license and are now coming back as sport pilots after having been away for awhile. In both cases, there will be more pilots in the air, and as a result general aviation will probably see a much needed increase in our ranks.

There has been some confusion about the details of individuals holding at least a Private Pilot license and their transition into the Sport Pilot category. In most cases sport pilots may use their state driver’s license to show and establish medical fitness. Any limitations stated on their driver’s license must be followed. Also, each pilot must determine before each flight that he or she is fit and able to operate the aircraft in a safe manner.

All pilots who’ve had their FAA medical certificate or most recent application denied, withdrawn, revoked, or suspended by the FAA are not allowed to operate with their driver’s license until they have cleared the denial from their airman record and have received at least a third class medical certificate.

Individuals holding a recreational pilot certificate or higher may exercise all the privileges of a sport pilot certificate if they abide by the limitations. Some of the limitations of a sport pilot certificate are: prohibition from Class A airspace, and also class B, C, or D without prior training and endorsement, No flights outside the U.S. without prior permission from the foreign aviation authority, no towing, no flights for compensation or hire, or furtherance of a business. No night flying or flights above 10,000 feet (MSL) are authorized. Also, a sport pilot wanting to operate a light sport aircraft must be current.

As a sport pilot you may: operate as the pilot in command of all sport pilot eligible aircraft, carry a passenger and share expenses, and fly daytime VFR with three miles visibility and visual contact with the ground. You may also fly cross country anywhere in the U.S. and rent special light-sport aircraft (S-LSA). For complete and detailed information check the sport pilot FARs, or contact EAA.

Sport Pilot Rules and the entire light sport aircraft industry have opened the doors to interested individuals who might not have already considered flying. And for those who have been away from flying for some time, it offers a second chance at getting back into the thrill, passion, joy, and adventure that is aviation.

Robert Holley, Contributing Editor
Member AOPA, EAA
rleeholley@hotmail.com

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