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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