Sport Pilot Rule?

[Wittenborn]

OK, here is an interesting question, that on the front, does not exactly relate to engineering, but dig a little, and it affects EVERYTHING we do!

Is the sport pilot rule a good move by the FAA?

I know there are a lot of pilots out there that love it because it puts them back in the seat again. But is this really good for aviation?

I've talked to several FAA employees, and some of it think it's the best idea ever, and others think that in the long run, it'll create more headaches than ever.

It seems to me that, while we are moving to the "highway in the sky" environment, we have just unleashed a plethora of uncontrolled airplanes into the system, with no way to police the system.

Anyone care to comment on this? In particular FAA folks...

Regards,
Grant
Aerospace Engineer

 

[Sparweb]

To some degree, the SP/LSA rule only catches the US up with what the rest of the world (Canada and Australia for example) is already doing. Each of these jurisdictions scale down the pilot's requirements as the size and complexity of the aircraft scale down. 1200 pounds is the limit in Canada, and I think it's similar in Australia. The FAA seems to have picked 1300 pounds (or is it 1232? Depends on what you read) just to thumb their noses at everyone else.
Many US companies are already poised to market and sell their experimental aircraft as LSA's, like Zenith, Mustang, and maybe Van's will, too. Canadian companies like Murphy, and Aussies like Jabiru, are steadily at work building ultralights and bigger experimental types in their respective countries, and are already selling their ultralights in the US under the "experimental" category, which isn't ideal given the need for a full private pilot licenses.
SP/LSA relieves that restriction. Flight training will become more economical, and students can start out in a wider variety of aircraft. Flying gets less expensive - that's a good thing, isn't it?


Steven Fahey, CET
"Simplicate, and add more lightness" - Bill Stout

 

[Stache]

I am a FAA Inspector and do not speak for all FAA personnel or would I like to. I make no representation as to the accuracy of, and cannot accept any legal responsibility for any errors, omissions, miss-statements or mistakes I may make in sharing information. Have to cover my bacon.

However, in my opinion the new sport pilot rule is like giving away the store. You mentioned you have spoken to several FAA types. If you speak to the Flight Standard District Office FSDO types you will hear an ear full over the new rule. But, Washington will bend over backwards to any special interest group like APOA and EAA who pushed the Sport Pilot rule thru.

Basically this new rule lets any ultralight put on extra fuel with a few minor changes and fly in everyone’s airspace. The airframe doesn’t have many guidelines (Standards) to follow or certification standards like Part 23 or CAR-3. There is no FAA over site from airworthiness Flight Standards because there is no Type Certificate to follow. It’s just like an experimental aircraft they will be issued a Special Airworthiness certificate with limitations. As of now we don’t have the new limitations to issue or how to train the new pilot to work on their make and model.

I think a bag of worms has been opened and the only winners will be the lawyers over tort claims. Then again how can you sue if you have no aircraft standards to follow.

Just one man’s opinion.

Stache

 

[royalra]

ASTM has the responsibility for developing and maintaining Light Sport Aircraft standards, as delegated and overseen by the FAA.

For example, the current certification standard for light sport aircraft (ASTM F2245) is patterned on and in most areas a verbatim copy of Part 23. Gyroplane, weight-shift and lighter-than-air and engine standards have also been developed, as well as corresponding standards for quality control and continuing safety.

New categories of airworthiness certificates have been established for light-sport-aircraft.

Maintenance and repair of light sport aircraft is similarly regulated, limited to repairman trained to FAA and manufacturer requirements on specific aircraft and to appropriately rated A&P's.

In my experience, the FAA is not overly catering to the requests of the alphabet groups. Rather, they are making a concerted effort to delegate responsibility to capable organizations in order to make the most of dwindling resources.

Russell Royal
DER - Structures
Aeromec Inc.

 

[Stache]

I read the new AC that will only require a pilot 8-hours of maintenance training to work on their make and model aircraft. The DRAFT AC say 4-hours class room training and 4-hours shop training. However, since these new repairmen did not or in some cases will build their own aircraft like home or kit built aircraft I believe there will be some trouble in maintenance. When I obtain my A&P it took two years of formal schooling and several more years working under the direct supervision of a season A&P before being turned loose fixing on my own.

Second, you are right about the new certificates, however both are Special Airworthiness Certificate that will come with limitations just like experimental aircraft. Part 43, which covers standard maintenance practices will not cover Sport Aircraft. So in one regard there is not standard to follow except the one us FAA Inspector put on the limitations just like experimental aircraft.

Having worked for the government for 29 years I believe the FAA caved in on Sport aircraft. It was rushed thru with no guidance provided to the very people who have to over see it. As an example contact your local FSDO and request a Sport Pilot certificate you will see what I mean.

I am sorry if I sound down on this subject, but with no clear guidance how is it supposed to work. I for one like structure in the aircraft world and being a mechanic type like to have things in black and white. Like is it airworthy Yes, or No. Is it broke Yes, or No. There should be no gray area in aviation when it comes to peoples lives. I heard to many pilots say don’t worry it flew in that way. Then I have to go and help pick them up in a body bag and try and explain to the family why it happened.

Again this is just one man’s opinion.

Stache