Sport Pilot Talk

I've been thinking about taking the LSA Repairman Course & the Rotax courses up to "maintenance" so I could work on my own aircraft later on, but I've also thought about working on other people's Rotax engines on the side as well. I've read that Rotax-certified mechanics can be hard to come by in some parts of the country. Would any of you care to share some stories, trials, tribulations, lessons learned, etc. on the matter? Feel free to PM me or to post in this thread if you'd like.

Right now I'm currently in a pretty populated area (Southern California) that has a lot of repair centers, but I might take another job next year that might move me to the midwest, east or possibly Hawaii. I'm not sure if that would make a difference if I stayed here (seeing as people might not need the help). Last question, is there a way to see how many LSA aircraft are in a geographical area?

(I'm gone. Everything deleted! Can't stand the ignorant data spread here).

I'm curious also.

$3,895 from Rainbow Aviation.

http://www.rainbowaviation.com/course_information.htm

FastEddieB wrote:$3,895 from Rainbow Aviation.

http://www.rainbowaviation.com/course_information.htm

And I guess really that is just the cost of admission. There are also food, travel, and lodging expenses for a month long course.

What about the ROTAX courses?

MrMorden wrote: There are also food, travel, and lodging expenses for a month long course.

It's really only three weeks. Rainbow has good lodging options, ranging from a $55/night Holiday Inn Express corporate rate to renting a trailer on the field from one of the local EAA members.

What about the ROTAX courses?

Service Level is included in the Rainbow LSRM course. Maintenance Level is a weekend course, offered periodically at CA Power Systems, Lockwood, Southern MS Light Sport, and Leading Edge (possibly elsewhere as well).

(I'm gone. Everything deleted! Can't stand the ignorant data spread here).

bottleworks wrote:Would anyone be interested if the 120 hour course was hosted in North Carolina? I understand they're willing to travel if there is enough interest. I believe I can arrange for facilities.

Someone pointed this opportunity out to me and I've considered it in the future:-

http://community.brcc.edu/aviation/inde ... ght-sport/

I presume in the New Year they'll have the 2015 class schedule.

This might be an alternative to going to Rainbow. It's near Roanoke VA and they list nearby hotels and the cost seems reasonable.

FWIW I spoke with a guy who did the course at Lockwood and though he completed it he doesn't feel comfortable enough to work on his own airplane. I guess some guys in the class get to do more of the hands on and the others get to watch?

The class gets you out of grade school level for knowledge. You will then need Rotax schooling and then start getting some experience before you start to feel comfortable. The the ones that become good at it, it takes years with on going learning and working on as many aircraft/engines as you can.

bottleworks wrote:Would anyone be interested if the 120 hour course was hosted in North Carolina? I understand they're willing to travel if there is enough interest. I believe I can arrange for facilities.

That is a lot closer than California. I would consider that.

(I'm gone. Everything deleted! Can't stand the ignorant data spread here).

(I'm gone. Everything deleted! Can't stand the ignorant data spread here).

FastEddieB wrote:$3,895 from Rainbow Aviation.

http://www.rainbowaviation.com/course_information.htm

I saved the cost of the class and more in the first year. I replaced my nose wheel strut, installed an auto pilot and did an annual including new brakes and paid for parts only.

bitten192 wrote:

FastEddieB wrote:$3,895 from Rainbow Aviation.

http://www.rainbowaviation.com/course_information.htm

I saved the cost of the class and more in the first year. I replaced my nose wheel strut, installed an auto pilot and did an annual including new brakes and paid for parts only.

Really good point!!

I also have become a better, safer and more conservative pilot now that I know my mechanic better (me). I know the things that can go wrong with my airplane and fly more conservatively now. I always fly IFR (I follow roads) even over the mountains , which we have lots of in the Northwest.

eb