FAA Selects First Sport Pilot Examiners

Compiled by ANN Correspondent, John Ballantyne

According to Martin Weaver, FAA Manager - Light Sport Aviation Branch, FAA has selected the first eight candidates for Designated Pilot Examiners (DPE) Sport Pilot. These individuals have been invited by FAA to attend the Sport Pilot Examiner Initial Course, Class #1, to be held January 17 to 22 in Sebring , Florida.

• William D. Bardin, Sacramento, CA, Light Sport Airplanes
• John H. Beaman, Portland, OR, Weight Shift Control
• Roy C. Beiswenger, Greenville, IL, Powered Parachute
• Robert W. Bleadon, Selam, OR, Light Sport Airplanes
• Brian Carpenter, Corning, CA, Light Sport Airplanes
• Eric W. Johnson, Chandler, AZ, Weight Shift Control
• Lawrence L. Littlefield, Boynton Beach, FL, Powered Parachute
• George B. Methvin, Jr., Marietta, GA, Light Sport Airplanes

FAA also reports that new Sport Pilot Practical Test standards are now located on the afs600.faa.gov web site under the Airman Testing Standards (AFS-630) page. They are titled:

• FAA-S-8081-29, Sport Pilot Practical Test Standards for Airplane, Gyroplane, Glider, and Flight Instructor
• FAA-S-8081-30, Sport Pilot Practical Test Standards for Airship, Balloon, and Flight Instructor
• FAA-S-8081-31, Sport Pilot Practical Test Standards for Weight Shift Control, Powered Parachute, and Flight Instructor

The Private Pilot Weight Shift Control and Powered Parachute PTS is in final coordination. FAA is hoping to have it available to the public by the end of January.

The link for the airman knowledge tests for sport pilot will be eliminated from the AFS-610 directory. The proper directory is under the Airman Testing Standards (AFS-630) page. The knowledge test questions can be found under the Airman Knowledge Test Questions. There are two banks. One for Flight Instructor/Examiner, and the other for Sport Pilot.

FMI: www.afs600.faa.gov/AFS610.htm