Sport Pilot Talk

I'm currently rated as a Sport Pilot with ASEL and ASES. My Flight Review lapsed about 2 years ago, (last FR was ~4 years ago).

I am now considering getting my PPL-Glider next year. But in order to solo a Glider, I will need to have a valid Flight Review. (The solo endorsement for certified pilots does not cover this).

There aren't any LSAs for rent near me. I can't use a C152/172 for a normal Flight Review, according to AC 61-98D 4.2.1.1,

A pilot who holds only a sport pilot certificate may only take a flight review in a light-sport aircraft for which he or she holds an operational privilege

My next thought was to go for a WINGS phase. The question is can I do the Sport Pilot WINGS flight activities in a non-LSA?
Example of a Wings Flight Activity for a Sport Pilot.

It is my understanding that you can only get credit for WINGS flight activities in a category and class of aircraft for which you are rated. This is why, for example, student pilots cannot earn a Phase of WINGS.

I'm a little curious why a Sport Pilot would need a current Flight Review to get a Private Pilot certificate in a glider? What about new students who get a Private Pilot certificate in a glider? They don't need a Flight Review. Why doesn't the certification process for Private Pilot glider make your legal to fly gliders?

This Letter of Interpretation explains why a rated pilot needs a Flight Review pretty well.

But in short it comes down to:
Student Pilots are explicitly exempt from Flight Review regulations. 61.56(g)
And the endorsement a student pilot gets is different than the endorsement a rated pilot (Sport and higher) gets.

Even if Gliders transition didn't require Solo flights, for the check-ride itself you are expected to be PIC. Unless the DPE agrees to Act as PIC, but I hear that's rare.

drseti wrote:It is my understanding that you can only get credit for WINGS flight activities in a category and class of aircraft for which you are rated. This is why, for example, student pilots cannot earn a Phase of WINGS.

How does LSA weigh in when it comes to Category and Class? I have category and class for ASEL and ASES. Is ASEL-LSA a separate category/class than a traditional ASEL?

amster105 wrote: Is ASEL-LSA a separate category/class than a traditional ASEL?

Yes. A Sport Pilot with ASEL class rating can only fly an ASEL that meets the definition of an LSA. A PP-ASEL has no such restriction.

TimTaylor wrote:I'm a little curious why a Sport Pilot would need a current Flight Review to get a Private Pilot certificate in a glider? What about new students who get a Private Pilot certificate in a glider? They don't need a Flight Review. Why doesn't the certification process for Private Pilot glider make your legal to fly gliders?

For a rated pilot to solo in a different category it is different than being a student pilot. You must have a current flight review to act as PIC, and since he is not rated in a glider he can't do the flight review in the glider.

Amster105, There is a way around your problem depending on the glider you will be learning in. You can do a Sport Pilot Glider add on without having to solo. You train to proficiency with one instructor and do a proficiency ride with another. Once completed you can now do a flight review in the glider, and move on to finishing your private pilot rating. The problem may be finding a couple glider flight instructors willing to do it.

BTW, I am a CFI ASEL and Glider.

3Dreaming wrote: BTW, I am a CFI ASEL and Glider.

Which raises a completely different question, Tom. I am Commercial ASEL, CFI, CFII, with a Sport ASES add-on. Do you have any idea what it would take for me to add Sport ASES CFI privileges? (There's a SeaRey on my field I'd love to be able to instruct in.)

drseti wrote:

3Dreaming wrote: BTW, I am a CFI ASEL and Glider.

Which raises a completely different question, Tom. I am Commercial ASEL, CFI, CFII, with a Sport ASES add-on. Do you have any idea what it would take for me to add Sport ASES CFI privileges? (There's a SeaRey on my field I'd love to be able to instruct in.)

Training from one ASES CFI, and proficiency check by another ASES CFI.

3Dreaming wrote: Training from one ASES CFI, and proficiency check by another ASES CFI.

Thanks. Sounds simple enough. Now I've just got to find those 2 ASES CFIs.

drseti wrote:

3Dreaming wrote: Training from one ASES CFI, and proficiency check by another ASES CFI.

Thanks. Sounds simple enough. Now I've just got to find those 2 ASES CFIs.

And finding two willing instructors, then convince them that it is as simple as it sounds.

3Dreaming wrote:Amster105, There is a way around your problem depending on the glider you will be learning in. You can do a Sport Pilot Glider add on without having to solo. You train to proficiency with one instructor and do a proficiency ride with another. Once completed you can now do a flight review in the glider, and move on to finishing your private pilot rating. The problem may be finding a couple glider flight instructors willing to do it.

BTW, I am a CFI ASEL and Glider.

That's an interesting way to do it. Im pretty sure I will be able to arrange that!

Thanks for the idea!

amster105 wrote:

3Dreaming wrote:Amster105, There is a way around your problem depending on the glider you will be learning in. You can do a Sport Pilot Glider add on without having to solo. You train to proficiency with one instructor and do a proficiency ride with another. Once completed you can now do a flight review in the glider, and move on to finishing your private pilot rating. The problem may be finding a couple glider flight instructors willing to do it.

BTW, I am a CFI ASEL and Glider.

That's an interesting way to do it. Im pretty sure I will be able to arrange that!

Thanks for the idea!

If your insructors have any questions about the process I'd be happy to help.

drseti wrote:

3Dreaming wrote: Training from one ASES CFI, and proficiency check by another ASES CFI.

Thanks. Sounds simple enough. Now I've just got to find those 2 ASES CFIs.

Head back down to Jack Brown's. Do what you did last time, but in the front seat.