Sport Pilot Talk

American expat in Israel, retired-disability firefighter paramedic, did a few hours as a CAP cadet and then a dribble of lessons as gifts from my wife.
Finally taking the time and treasure to certify.
Real job is an electrical and design engineering consultant, but I now work to fly.

Welcome, toolman!

When you get a moment, please give us a brief glimpse of what recreational flying is like in Israel. I would have thought it was so restrictive that there's no fun in it, but it sounds like that isn't true. Where are you allowed to fly? Is there a 'ultralight' or 'light sport' presence there? Do you fly principally off paved runways at airports or are there a collection of private property owners and private airstrips, as well? Thanks for sharing!

There is an ultralight category including what you would call ultralights and light sports but minimum cert is a PPL. I am not 100% familiar with the rules so this is what I have gathered.
Except for flight school training areas everything is with a flight plan, there are many closed areas and flight plans must be filed with at least 24hrs prior, the air force has 100% control of the air. There are not many private airfields though I have seen at least one not on my map while flying. All flights are controlled, and require a transponder.

What I would like is to get what is termed an ultralight here(light sport in US) as a personal commuter. I have to find out how the rules are easier than for a normal single engine.

Probably a beautiful area of the world to fly in...provided you don't stray too far East...

Thanks, toolman. Interesting mix of control + the freedom of flight. Seems like they've struck a reasonable balance given the circumstances.