Sport Pilot Talk

cavscout96 · Joined: 23 Apr 2007 Posts: 25 Location: Ft. Knox, Ky

I'm considering purchasing an LSA with a partner. He'll use it to do SP, and I intend to use it to continue work toward my PP.

I know PP requires night and unusual attitude / basic instrument.

My question is what specifically should I make sure the S_SLA is equipped with in order to do ALL of my PP training.

- AI ?
- Lights?
- Heading indicator? (or can I use the wet compass)?

the FAA PP test administration PDF doesn't really go into the detail I'm loking for.

Thanks in advance

Bill

rfane · Joined: 26 Apr 2006 Posts: 214 Location: Sunnyvale, CA

cavscout96 wrote: I know PP requires night and unusual attitude / basic instrument.

My question is what specifically should I make sure the S_SLA is equipped with in order to do ALL of my PP training.

- AI ?
- Lights?
- Heading indicator? (or can I use the wet compass)?

Bill,

The FAR's are a good place to start. FAR 91.205 and 91.209 specifically address equipment required for VFR and VFR Night.

Just as important are the Aircraft Operating Instructions / Limitations. For S-LSA, these are determined by the manufacturer of the aircraft, engine, etc. In order to fly an S-LSA at night, the manufacturer either must specifically state it is ok to do, or not prohibit doing so.

An example of this is the Flight Design AOI I received with my CT, did not specifically prohibit VFR Night. I had purchased the aircraft with a night lighting package as well. However, the manual I received for the Rotax engine stated VFR day only. This was actually changed in Revision 4 to allow Night VFR, if the aircraft was equipped with specific electrical system requirements, which mine has.

cavscout96 · Joined: 23 Apr 2007 Posts: 25 Location: Ft. Knox, Ky

Roger,

thanks!

I hadn't even considered POH and installed equipment limitations.

Just figured lights= night capable. etc.

sounds like I have much to consider.

rfane · Joined: 26 Apr 2006 Posts: 214 Location: Sunnyvale, CA

cavscout96 wrote: Roger,

thanks!

I hadn't even considered POH and installed equipment limitations.

Just figured lights= night capable. etc.

sounds like I have much to consider.

Bill,

Most of the market share leaders in S-LSA provide a night flight package as an option. You should be able to order one equipped as such, but the way the regs. are written, is the owner and Pilot In Command bear the responsibility for ensuring compliance to the regs., not the manufacturer. That means you need to do your homework to make sure the aircraft is legal, as you will be responsible if you own and fly the plane that doesn't meet the requirements.

A good place to start is by picking up a copy of the FAR / AIM (Federal Aviation Regulations / Aeronautical Information Manual). You can find it at your local pilot shop, and in most Barnes & Noble or Borders, in the Transportation section.

Helen · Joined: 23 Apr 2007 Posts: 114 Location: Maryland

ASTM standards go above and beyond 91.205 for night flight. Everything in 91.205 is required PLUS and attitude indicator of sorts, and also panel lighting for both flight and engine instruments. If you are using a Dynon as the attitude indicator, you'll also need the optional back up battery.

helen

Paul Hamilton · Joined: 21 May 2007 Posts: 340 Location: Reno/Tahoe Nevada

I would check the Pilots Operating Handbook POH or Aircraft Operating Instructions AOI (new acronym AOI to be confused with Angle of Incidence) for the aircraft.

This is the final say for what the aircraft can do.

Even if the manufactures or sales tells you it is night or IFR equipped.