Privileges & Limitations
of the Sport Pilot Certificate

The Sport Pilot certificate has specified privileges and limitations, just as do all pilot certificates. Let’s talk about privileges first. First, let’s be clear about the privileges of an existing, current pilot. A current, certificated pilot with a medical certificate does not have any limitations beyond those specified for his/her existing certificate, when flying the Aldera.

As an S-LSA, the Aldera does not restrict a current Private Pilot (or higher certificate) from enjoying flying, just as he/she would in any contemporary Cessna or Piper. Some limitations do apply when operating the Aldera (or any S-LSA) as a Sport Pilot.

The following overall limitations pertain to a pilot exercising the privileges of a Sport Pilot in an Aldera. A person who holds a Private Pilot certificate or higher, but is flying without a medical certificate, is said to be “exercising the privileges of a Sport Pilot” and is therefore subject to the same limitations of a Sport Pilot. These limitations are:

• You may only fly a plane that meets the FAR 1 definition of a “Light Sport Aircraft” (LSA).
  
  
• You may not fly above 10,000 ft. MSL.
  
  
• You may not fly into Class B, C, or D airspace (tower controlled airports), unless (as a certificated Sport Pilot) you have specific training to do so and have an appropriate log book endorsement. A Private Pilot or higher exercising the privileges of a Sport Pilot without a medical certificate does not need a complex airspace endorsement.
  
  
• You may only fly during daylight hours, sunrise to sunset.
  
  
• You must have a minimum of 3 miles visibility, even in class G airspace (uncontrolled airspace), which normally lets you get lost in only 1 mile visibility.
  
  
• You must maintain visual contact with the ground at all times, especially when flying above clouds.

Sure, there are some limitations, but the real question is “what privileges do I have as a Sport Pilot?” Let’s take a look at the positive side. Here is the type of flying and fun you can have in the Aldera as a Sport Pilot:

• Own your own airplane with monthly payments equal to those of an upscale SUV.
  
  
• Learn to fly in your own Aldera.
  
  
• Use your Aldera to obtain more advanced pilot ratings in the future.
  
  
• Share recreational flying with friends and family.
  
  
• Fly cross country, actually beating most airline schedules in door to door transportation times over distances of less than 500 miles.
  
  
• Fly into complex airspace and utilize most major municipal airports.
  
  
• Triple the distance you can cover (as compared to driving) for weekend adventures.
  
  
• Perform much of the simple maintenance needed to keep your Aldera in top shape.
  
  
• Enjoy the “Gift of Flight.”

Continued

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