Sport Pilot/Light Sport Aircraft Program Overview

By ANN Correspondent John Ballantyne

FAA Manager of the Light Sport Aviation Branch, Martin Weaver, provided a comprehensive and graphic explanation of the Sport Pilot and Light Sport Aircraft regulation that went into effect on September 1, 2004. He covered the implementation plan FAA has initiated to certificate airman and aircraft under the provisions of this new regulation.

With each presentation FAA is increasing the understandability-quotient of this complex, perhaps inventive, set of regulations. Prior seminars have had the audiences brain-paralyzed within about 10 minutes. This is not really the fault of FAA seminar presenters, but of  the huge complexity from creating new aircraft types (weight-shift-control and powered parachute), new aircraft certification programs including two repair ratings to match, plus new airman certificate programs for pilot, instructor and examiners. See what I mean, you probably blanked out from that brief written description. Imagine what a couple of hours filled with details could do. Come on, insomniacs.

Seriously, FAA is streamlining the presentation well, especially for those with more than a casual interest. Within one hour Weaver had covered all relevant areas in significant detail including audience questions.

"We are now ready to turn the Sport Pilot Examiner application process on," Weaver (below) said. For example the new Light-Sport Standardization Board - Designated Pilot Examiner Candidate Application, FAA Form 8710-12, is now on the Light Sport Aviation Branch (AFS-610) web site afs600.faa.gov."

FAA goal is to have the first Light Sport Standardization Board during the first week of December if the new Light Sport Standardization Charter is signed by the Director of Flight Standards (AFS-1) before December. FAA is also planning on conducting the first Sport Pilot Examiner Initial Course in January 2005.

Weaver also reports that, "The Sport Pilot Examiner Handbook, FAA Order 8710.7, will be available on the AFS-610 web site within a week. This order has been signed by AFS-1 on October 18th. This establishes the Sport Pilot Examiner program and gives guidance to Aviation Safety Inspectors and Sport Pilot Examiners in conducting practical tests at the sport pilot level."

The entire Power Point presentation is available from FAA. You can view it yourself by going to afs600.faa.gov. Click on Sport Pilot/Light Sport Aircraft Program Overview.

FMI: http://afs600.faa.gov