LightSport Aircraft

Whenever you see a plane passing over, do you wish you could be right up there with them?  Have you ever wondered what it would be like to feel the freedom of flight by controlling the airplane yourself?  Flying is not just for airline pilots, military officers and passengers going on a trip.  You can learn to fly the airplane yourself.

 More than 100,000 people take flying lessons every year.  The biggest reason why these people do it is because they think that flying is fun.  Another popular reason comes from business people who want to cover a larger territory.  Some people want to make it a faster and easier trip to visit family and friends. 

There are dozens of other reasons, but you will find that the majority of people who learn to fly simply enjoy it regardless of what the ultimate need or goal is.  There are only a few considerations to make in order to get started.

 

The first step is to find a local airport.  It is good to select one that is near your work, your home, or along your daily route.  I suggest selecting an airport that has a lower volume of traffic.  Many pilots will tell you that some airports have very few people around and you will find yourself standing at the desk waiting for someone to show up.  They may be working on an airplane, mowing the runway, or cleaning up around the hanger just to mention a few activities.  Airport security has become tighter over the past few years.  Chances are there is someone there who can help you if the door is unlocked.  That person may be the local aircraft mechanic, a local pilot, or even the instructor you are looking for.  It is safe to say that just about every airport has an instructor somewhere close by.  Your ultimate goal on this trip is to establish contact with that instructor, or at least get the name and phone number of the person who can get you started.

  Your first meeting with the instructor will likely go very well.  One thing you can be sure of is getting an opportunity to spend time becoming familiar with the airplane.  The instructor will want to know a little about you and your flying goals.  You will get an opportunity to get to know them too.  Most instructors have been around aircraft for a quite a number of years.  They realize people who want to get a pilot certificate may have little or no experience with aircraft.  New students often do not know how far they are going to go with lessons, so be up front.  In fact, many instructors would rather have a person who knows little and admits to it over having a student who thinks they know a lot about flying.  There is nothing to hide and no reason to be afraid.  The flying community is a tight knit group who know there are rules and regulations we must all follow in order to keep ourselves and other aviators safe. 

   

Before you and your instructor part company, there is a good chance you will get a ride.  What seat you are in depends upon your willingness and the instructor’s approach to teaching.   You may discuss the various types and kinds of study material available and decide upon what method works best for you.  You will need a pilot’s logbook to keep track of your flying time and for your instructor to sign off on specific requirements.  All of your efforts will be focused upon being safe, knowing the rules and regulations, passing the written exam and passing the practical tests.

 

Just remember, you do not need to make any life changing decisions to get started.  If you find flying to be enjoyable, make the heavy life decisions as you progress.    The lofty goals of becoming an airline transport pilot are not going to change the way you begin learning.  The first lesson is the same for an ATP as it is for the person who just wants to have a little fun on Sunday afternoons while they just fly around for the sheer joy of flying.

Tom Lyon works as an industrial maintenance manager, holds a Private Pilot Certificate and enjoys building Amphibious Light Sport Aircraft.  Visit his site at http://www.lightsport.ws  Permission to reprint this article is granted only with this resource box included. 

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Where can I get flying lessons?
A large majority of airports have at least one flight instructor available.  The smaller airports may not neccessarily have one on staff, but can put you in contact with one.   Another way to get started with flying lessons is by contacting the nearest FAA Flight Standards District Office.

Does my pilot training include a written test?
You will not need to pass a written test while flying with your instructor.  On the other hand, you will need to be familiar with some of the FAA’s rules before you fl solo.   Your flight instructor will also want  you to be familiar with the flight characteristics and operational limitations of the aircraft you will fly.   Therefore, you will be given materials to study and your instructor will be checking your knowledge before you solo.   If you pass, your instructor will endorse your student pilot’s certificate for solo flight, which indicates you are thought to be competent enough to make solo flights.

When do I have to get the endorsement?
Within 90 days of your first solo flight.

After I’ve soloed, can I fly cross-country alone?
Your instructor must first review your pre-flight planning and preparation for solo cross-country flight and determine that the flight can be made safely under known circumstances and conditions.  The instructor must also endorse your logbook (just like when you were endorsed for solo flight) before attempting any cross- country flight.   flight.

As a student pilot, can I carry passengers with me before getting my recreational or private pilot’s certificate?
No.

Must I have an FCC radiotelephone operator’s permit to operate an aircraft radio transmitter?
No.

What is the difference between a recreational pilot’s certificate and a private pilot’s certificate?
As a recreational pilot, you have to fly within 50 nautical miles of the airport where you learned to fly, you have to fly during the day, and you can’t fly in airspace where communications with air traffic control are required. A private pilot doesn’t have these limitations. It usually takes fewer lessons to get a recreational pilot’s certificate than a private pilot’s certificate.

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