Sport Pilot Applicant - Getting Started
This is where to start as a Sport Pilot and learn to fly in Light Sport Aircraft (LSA).
A little research up front will make getting started in your flying career much easier.
Step 1. Choose the type of Aircraft to Fly with consideration to cost, ease of flying, athletic ability, portability, storage, location, aircraft speeds, and your previous aviation experience. (If you have already selected your aircraft type, go to next step.)
Modern light sport aircraft now provide the greatest variety of aircraft in the world. The most important decision you start out with is determining what type of flying fits your lifestyle and what type of aircraft will do it for you.
Evaluating your situation with factors of cost, ease of flying, athletic ability, engine verses no engine, portability, storage, location, aircraft speeds, and previous aviation experience. A place to start your research is at our web sites:
- All About Fixed Wing Light Sport Aircraft
- All About Weight Shift Trikes
- All About Powered Parachutes
A great tool specifically made to help you evaluate your situation and choose the best aircraft for you is the DVD program Sport Pilot, Choosing the Light-Sport Aircraft for You.
Step 2. Take some discovery flights to evaluate aircraft and instructors. Climbing into an unfamiliar Light Sport Aircraft with someone you do not know could prove hazardous to your health. So before you go up for that first exciting flight in any aircraft, pull out the checklist and ask these questions. Check out the Flight Instruction FAQs you should ask before you take your introductory flights.
The first question to ask is "Are you an FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) or are you an Ultralight Flight Instructor?"
For a list of questions to ask your instructor, click on one of the titles below.
