Why flight schools hate sport pilot certificate?

[DaleB]

Originally Posted by Nihon_Ni

A point to remember is that a disqualifying medical condition for a 3rd class medical will also disqualify you to fly with a Sport Rating. (See 60.23.c.2.iv. Not know or have reason to know of any medical condition that would make that person unable to operate a light-sport aircraft in a safe manner.)

I'm sorry, but that is simply not true. I don't understand how this has been discussed and debunked so many times, and anyone can still think it's true. I have, and know of several other pilots who have, a medical condition that would prevent me from getting a third class medical certificate. My doctors -- more than one of them -- agree that there is no reason I could not safely fly. In fact, I'm in better shape and at much lower risk now than I was when I did have a medical certificate.

Yes, there are absolutely some conditions that would prevent you from getting a medical certificate and disqualify you from flying. There are also plenty that don't.

My advice to the OP would be, if you can pass a third class medical exam now, do so and get your Private Pilot certificate. It never expires, and also covers you for LSA flying if at some point you decide not to renew your medical -- for whatever reason. For one thing, rental LSAs are very hard to find in many areas (impossible anywhere near me, for example) and often expensive when you do find them.

[Waterobert]

My plan is to build RV-12 or RV-3B. For RV-3 I need PPL and it will take me much longer to build it. With RV-12 build will be faster and I should be able to enjoy flying a lot longer since I don't have to have medical every two years. If I was in my thirties I wouldn't even look at RV-12. I would be into faster and cooler plane.

[Mel]

Originally Posted by DaleB

I'm sorry, but that is simply not true. I don't understand how this has been discussed and debunked so many times, and anyone can still think it's true. I have, and know of several other pilots who have, a medical condition that would prevent me from getting a third class medical certificate. My doctors -- more than one of them -- agree that there is no reason I could not safely fly. In fact, I'm in better shape and at much lower risk now than I was when I did have a medical certificate.

I think the confusion here is that, If you have failed your last FAA medical exam, then you are not eligible for sport pilot privileges. If you fail an FAA medical, you must receive a medical certificate by special issuance to restore pilot privileges. After that you may let it expire and still be good to go as a sport pilot.

[Ironflight]

Originally Posted by Waterobert

My plan is to build RV-12 or RV-3B. For RV-3 I need PPL and it will take me much longer to build it. With RV-12 build will be faster and I should be able to enjoy flying a lot longer since I don't have to have medical every two years. If I was in my thirties I wouldn't even look at RV-12. I would be into faster and cooler plane.

While either an RV-12 or a -3B is a great choice, when someone tells me that they want one or the other, I usually suggest that they go back and clearly define their mission - because the two airplanes are quite differnt - in how they are built, how they fly, and what they can do. Both are loads of fun of course, but the RV-12 is a lot slower, non-erobatic, and can carry a passenger. Teh -3 is the most delightful airplane I have ever flown, very aerobatic, fast, and a good traveling machine....for one!

You will spend a LOT of time building a -3....much more than a -12....and will develop a much larger skill set in the process. You REALLY have to want to BUILD to do one.

Good luck!

[Waterobert]

Originally Posted by Ironflight

While either an RV-12 or a -3B is a great choice, when someone tells me that they want one or the other, I usually suggest that they go back and clearly define their mission - because the two airplanes are quite differnt - in how they are built, how they fly, and what they can do. Both are loads of fun of course, but the RV-12 is a lot slower, non-erobatic, and can carry a passenger. Teh -3 is the most delightful airplane I have ever flown, very aerobatic, fast, and a good traveling machine....for one!

You will spend a LOT of time building a -3....much more than a -12....and will develop a much larger skill set in the process. You REALLY have to want to BUILD to do one.

Good luck!

Thank you. You are right that I have to clearly define my mission. For the new pilot, RV 12 would be a great start from building and flying point of view. RV-3 is like a sport car, you really want it but can you handle it? I want to build RV -3, because it will be difficult , I am worried that by the time I am done building it I will be to old to fly it ,LOL. I have about a year to think about it.

[esco]

In addition to re-evaluating your end state (the mission for the aircraft, as Paul stated), you might consider looking for an instructor that better understands you and your concerns.

On a related note, an AOPA article from 2013 indicated the Flabob Aero Club had both a Tecnam and a J-3.

The airport cafe, if you haven't been there, is the definition of "on airport" restaurant;
between EAA Chapter 1 and the Wathen Center, there are many flying and community events, training, and social opportunities.

I don't have a dog in the fight; I just like the Mt. Rubidoux approach.

Good luck!

[Waterobert]

Originally Posted by esco

In addition to re-evaluating your end state (the mission for the aircraft, as Paul stated), you might consider looking for an instructor that better understands you and your concerns.

On a related note, an AOPA article from 2013 indicated the Flabob Aero Club had both a Tecnam and a J-3.

The airport cafe, if you haven't been there, is the definition of "on airport" restaurant;
between EAA Chapter 1 and the Wathen Center, there are many flying and community events, training, and social opportunities.

I don't have a dog in the fight; I just like the Mt. Rubidoux approach.

Good luck!

Thank you ! Flabob Aero Club looks like a very interesting option.

[Rand]

I definitely think your making the right call on getting a new cfi though. This is to big of a deal. To happy of an occasion to have ruined by a cfi with a bad attitude.

[Spirko]

+1 re: new CFI. Even if you end up going for PPL, I think the Sport Pilot question is a good one to help weed out bad instructors.

btw, Flabob airport is having their yearly fly-in this coming weekend (6/6/15,) you might be able to speak with a couple instructors and find the right one, http://www.flabobflyingcircus.com or just look at cool old planes and meet some other pilots on a Saturday.

[neonbjb]

Can't say that you can justify the instructor's response in your case, but it does make sense in others. I can imagine a lot of students coming into flight schools thinking they are going to get their sport pilots license as the "cheap way into flying". It probably gets old to instructors seeing students thinking they are going to be getting their licenses at 20 hours which is almost always not a reasonable goal, nor is it really safe..