Paul Hamilton is one of the first persons to become a DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner) for sport pilots. As a full-time author and sport pilot expert, he writes books and produces DVD's for Aviation Supplies and Academics (ASA). Now Paul has graciously agreed to answer your questions here. Thanks Paul! For more information about Paul, please visit www.Paul-Hamilton.com and www.Sport-Pilot-Training.com.
Jim Stewart wrote: B) get checked out by my equally husky CFII neighbor at the field as I had never flown the airplane at gross weight before.
Flying a Taylorcraft with me at 250# - I was ALWAYS flying the thing at gross!! (Dropped several pounds since I started. Will drop more the closer the snow melt comes.
Sean
Early time Sport Pilot Student after 40 years of dreaming!!!! Now I need to find a plane I fit in!!!
Jim Stewart wrote: I had never flown the airplane at gross weight before.
Then you'll enjoy another current thread, Jim, where folks are advocating flying over gross!
The opinions posted are those of one CFI, and do not necessarily represent the FAA or its lawyers.
Prof H Paul Shuch
PhD CFII DPE LSRM-A/GL/WS/PPC iRMT
AvSport LLC, KLHV [email protected]
AvSport.org
facebook.com/SportFlying
SportPilotExaminer.US
jnmeade wrote:Who is advocating flying over gross?
Well, not you, but there are folks out there with the attitude that "this airframe will handle 1600 pounds, no problem. 1320 is just an arbitrary number."
And what is overgross?.
In an LSA Airplane, it's that arbitrary number!
The opinions posted are those of one CFI, and do not necessarily represent the FAA or its lawyers.
Prof H Paul Shuch
PhD CFII DPE LSRM-A/GL/WS/PPC iRMT
AvSport LLC, KLHV [email protected]
AvSport.org
facebook.com/SportFlying
SportPilotExaminer.US
(Dropped several pounds since I started. Will drop more the closer the snow melt comes. 
