Recreation is the force behind Sport Pilot, but becoming an educated pilot is as important as ever. Learning to fly as a sport pilot can accomplish both. These three simple, yet important attributes describe my personal approach to the Sport Pilot training concept.

SAFETY

Obviously, safety is of paramount concern in aviation. Flying is not 100% safe, as is no activity that requires any type of motion, whether it be driving, boating, snow skiing, etc. However, with proper training and some common sense, much of the risk can be managed.

It is not uncommon it today's world for people to become highly dependent on technological aids, and aviation is no exception. An incredible amount of useful gadgets such as GPS, autopilots, "synthetic vision" touch screens and such has in many ways made many facets of aviation "easier", and no doubt safer. But it has been found that too much reliance on such aids produces harmful results and can actually make for less safe pilots. With myself as your instructor, you will learn to navigate with GPS, but only after you've learned the fundamentals of pilotage and dead reckoning. Yes, you'll learn the use of the basic flight instruments, but you'll also learn to fly the plane by sight, feel and sound, or by what people like to call "seat of the pants" flying.

Also, it has become common for manufacturers of certified aircraft to make their aircraft easier to maneuver, the idea being that it not only provides a "safer" airplane, but also makes it easier for the pilot to divert his attention to operating the many systems found on more complex aircraft; fuel systems, navigation systems, retractable gear and so on. This has also made such airplanes more manageable on extended trips, especially those that require contact with air traffic control or flight by reference to instruments only (IFR). As a whole, this concept works and, when coupled with proper training, has made for safer traveling within that segment of aviation.

However, many feel, including myself, that too much attention to the aforementioned concept has "dumbed down" primary flight training in general. Too much effort is spent teaching "system management" at the expense of concentrating on the basics. For example, it is understood that it is very important for young students in grade school to learn, very clearly, the basics of math and grammar before they can move on to more complex subjects. Much of the same is true in aviation. Primary flight training should not be minimized. In other words, in the long run, it may not matter how well you can manage an instrument approach if you can't handle the crosswind at touchdown.

And that is precisely where Sport Pilot training comes in, in my opinion. As most light sport eligible aircraft are lighter than your average trainer, such as the popular Cessna 172, you have no choice but to learn how to handle crosswinds, for example. Also, the average sport pilot will come to understand quite early that ALL the flight controls are needed for proper movement about the axis, including the rudder pedals, which is not always emphasized with some heavier trainers.

Many light sport type aircraft are more suited for real "back-country" flying, operating off of short turf strips and such. Where others simulate soft and short field landings, we get to do the real thing!

RESPONSIBILITY

There is a underlying idea in the aviation world (not always spoken and only occasionally written about) that your average sport pilot (or ultra light pilot, for that matter) with less training, is a less responsible pilot. Is it true? It doesn’t have to be.

To me, responsibility as an aviator means and respecting the rules we live with and the rights of others. Once your wheels leave the ground, you may feel like a "lone eagle", but the truth is that your privileges have to be shared with others. And the better job you do of sharing the skies, the safer and freer the skies can be. No matter what sort of flying we do, it's all done within the rules and guidelines established by the FAA. You can't get around it. If you live in the USA, you are expected to abide by the same basic rules as everyone else, ultralight driver or 747 Captain. Learning to abide by these rules not only can help you be a responsible pilot, but makes the experience safer for your passengers and everyone in the air with you. I will teach you how to not only aviate, but to do it in such a way that makes the sport more respectable.

So does the fewer training hours make for a less responsible pilot? The practical test standards for Sport Pilot, as well as the written test questions, are basically the same as those for the Private Pilot certificate, minus a few areas that basically represent the difference in privileges between the two certificates. Obviously, therefore, the FAA doesn't think so. Going back to the safety issue, primary training is everything.

When you learn to fly with me, I will do my utmost to give you "real world" instruction on how to live as a Sport Pilot in a mostly commercial and military aviation world. Traffic avoidance and proper airport operations are crucial. Radio communications are not legally required in most of our operations, but are still emphasized. In the traffic pattern, you'll learn not only the approved methods, but also where to expect to see other types of aircraft and why their approach to the pattern may be different. You learn when ATC assistance is handy, and also when it's vital. Restricted and controlled airspace, as well as Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) will be explained.

FUN!!

If there was such a device as a "Smile-O-Meter", Sport Pilots would wear one out on a regular basis! In it's purest forms, aviation is just fun, plain and simple. And herein lies the secret to successfully becoming a sport or recreational pilot; do it for recreation and your own personal fulfillment first, and maybe "practicality" second.

Before I get into how much fun this can be, let me first explain my preceding comment about practicality. It becomes very tempting, mostly because of the time and money required, to justify the expense of flight training. Usually it's with the idea that you'll use your license to make extended trips often, or as an efficient mode of transportation to use in your line of work. Maybe you'll eventually earn a Private ticket and fly your entire family off to exotic locations. All of the above can happen, and has happened, for many people. And to be perfectly honest, the more money you have, the more likely you are to see these goals fulfilled. Fast, cross-country, family haulers are not only expensive to obtain, but also quite expensive to maintain. Those of average means many times find themselves with nice planes and exciting destinations, but not enough money or time to actually afford the trip. Before long, such a plane, because it's rarely flown and there are other family obligations, becomes more of a "money pit" than a useful transport. I've seen it happen too many times. I'm not try to squash any ideas or dreams; just simply tying to help you understand why a different approach may be needed.

So instead of focusing on such ideas, why not focus on how fulfilling and enjoyable it can be to become a pilot. Think of it this way: most people take dancing lessons, learn to play the piano, or take up hobbies such as motorcycle riding, not for any particular long range goal other than having fun and enjoying life! Why not approach flying that way? I think you'll find it a much more enjoyable experience if you do. And nothing says you can't also enjoy some practical use of your skill, eventually.

So what makes sport flying so fun? First of all, if you approach it with the right attitude, you'll learn that it's not only enjoyable, but actually does give you a new "perspective" on things. For the most part, our type of flying is of the "low and slow" variety. This dictates that we only fly when the weather is good; remember, this is for fun, not for adding pressure on ourselves (attempting to fly in bad weather or meet deadlines). This means we usually fly with incredible visibility and you'll literally see for miles and miles. Clouds take on a new status as you learn to navigate about them. Sunsets can be incredible. Have you ever seen two in one day? Rainstorms seen from afar become waterfalls with no cliff to fall from. Since we fly at lower, yet safe altitudes at a slower rate, you get to see the landscape from a perspective that nothing can simulate. You'll really get a "feel" for the terrain. Maybe you've driven for years about the same area,; to examine it from above will make it all seem brand new. As the seasons change, you'll notice things you never thought of before. As you descend to land, you'll occasionally smell the crops, such as peanuts, being harvested, or the sweet scent of freshly mowed hay. And because we sometimes fly with the doors off or the windows open, you'll actually feel a temperature "inversion layer", instead of just reading about one.

With this type of flying you'll also learn to appreciate smaller airports and landing strips than the typical General Aviation pilot. 2000 feet runways are much more than usually needed, and as you progress, you'll find that less than 1000 feet is usually sufficient. This opens up a whole new world of what many call "Backcountry" flying; popping in and out of private grass landing strips and visiting sleepy small town runways. As you progress, you'll find it satisfying to learn how to select safe, off airport landing sites; beaches, mowed fields, lonely stretches of roadway, and maybe even a friend's back yard if it's sufficient. Of course, all such activities have to be done in accordance with not only federal, but also local laws.

Secondly, the type of aircraft flown in this sport makes for an incredible amount of variety. Classic Cubs, "Ultralight" like experimentals, and even racy speedsters fit into this category. Lo-wing, high-wing, biplane, tandem wing, canard type, floatplane, seaplane, skiplane can all be found here. Remember, not only "type certificated" (Cubs and Champs) and factory built "Special Light Sport Aircraft" (Evektor, Remos, CT) are available, but also a bewildering array of experimental, or "homebuilt" aircraft fit the bill. The experimental and ultralight world is where I've gained most of my experience, and have found it the be the most "bang for the buck", without question. Who knows, you may even want to one day fly a machine built with your own two hands! It is possible!

CONCLUSION

After reading this, if nothing else, I hope you’ve come to understand my passion for safe, responsible, enjoyable aviating. As your instructor, I’ll do my best to share it with you. Even if your interests lie elsewhere in the aviation world, at least give sport flying a try. Remember, you can never learn too much.

PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
www.aopa.org , www.gleim.com , www.eaa.org