Where Is The Rule At Now, And Where Is It Heading?

The Experimental Aircraft Association noted Friday the sport pilot/light-sport aircraft community took perhaps its biggest strides forward over the past 12 months, as it marked the third anniversary of the introduction of the new aircraft and pilot categories.

After more than a decade of direct involvement and leadership in making the rule a reality, EAA has spent the past three years helping create the necessary infrastructure and marketplace essential for the success of what's commonly known as the "sport pilot rule." This burgeoning recreational aircraft community is showing increased growth... and an access point for those who wish to participate in recreational aviation.

"The past 12 months gave us a glimpse of the growth and innovation possible within the light-sport aircraft category," said Earl Lawrence, EAA's vice president of industry and regulatory affairs, who also chairs the ASTM International committee that created the consensus standards for light-sport aircraft.

EAA's annual review regarding sport pilot/light-sport aircraft comes as interest in this new area of flying is reaching new levels. This growth validates EAA's vision for sport pilot and light-sport aircraft.

The organization notes this new flying segment is more than a way to keep current pilots flying; it is the cornerstone of expanding the pilot community and bringing new people into aviation.

"The recent announcements by Cessna and Cirrus of their intent to enter the light-sport aircraft market, along with outstanding products already available from other companies, provides further momentum to this segment of aviation," Lawrence said. "There is no doubt that drawing new people into aviation is essential. Sport pilot is the most practical entry way to aviation as a safe, affordable, fun and fulfilling pursuit."

Among the milestones reached in the third year of the sport pilot/light-sport aircraft rule:

• More than 50 new, affordable, ready-to-fly aircraft are now available for purchase by sport pilots, for one-quarter to one-half of the cost of traditional new, factory-built airplanes;
• More than 2,100 Sport Pilot certificates have been issued as of June 1, 2007 (up from 400 in August 2006);
• More than 230 Sport Pilot instructors are now certificated (up from 100 in 2006);
• More than 4,000 light-sport aircraft are on the FAA register (not counting type-certificated and amateur-built aircraft that are also eligible to be flown by sport pilots) -- up from 500 in 2006;
• More than 240 designated pilot examiners authorized to give sport pilot flight tests (checkrides) - growth of 20 percent in the past year;
• Nearly 3,700 successful applicants in the sport pilot airman knowledge (written) test (an increase of 2,300 in the last 10 months);
• Approximately 6,200 EAA ultralight transition kits distributed in three years;
• FAA approval that allows the use of retractable landing gear in amphibious aircraft that meet the light-sport aircraft standards.

EAA happily adds that growth seen over the past year easily outpaces the cumulative totals from the first two years of the sport pilot/light-sport aircraft rule. In addition, a growing number of flight schools are adding light-sport aircraft to their training fleet as the sport pilot community becomes more widely accepted as a key entry component to personal flight.

But even with this substantial progress, other very-real challenges remain to the creation of a full, vibrant sport-pilot community can take shape. Some of those issues are similar to those from a year ago, including:

• Maintenance: Continued efforts to develop maintenance courses and make them more widely available.
• Education: There remains some confusion regarding insurance, airport access and potential transition deadlines. EAA's efforts in this area will intensify, especially as the January 31, 2008 transition deadline for currently exempted two-place ultralights approaches.
• Outreach: EAA Sport Pilot Tour reached thousands of aviation enthusiasts in major metropolitan markets during 2006, with as many as half of those attending currently not involved in aviation. Light-sport aircraft manufacturers are also becoming more visible at local and regional aviation events. These combined outreach efforts, whether led by EAA, FAA or the industry, are essential to connect with potential sport pilots who are now outside of aviation.

Overall, though, EAA says the prognosis for Sport Pilot remains very good.

"In just three years, sport pilot/light-sport aircraft has become a part of the recreational aviation communit," the group states. "As the segment expands, new challenges will always emerge. While a few areas are behind the rapid progress seen in areas such as new aircraft development and pilot interest, the marketplace is beginning to find the areas of need and address them.

"The feared complexities of an entirely new rule and marketplace have been greatly eased in the past year," EAA adds. "This new entry point for aviation must help carry the momentum for increased pilot starts. The sport pilot/light-sport aircraft rule, however, has created new aircraft, new pilots and an increased interest in aviation as safe, affordable and fun outdoor recreation that offers satisfaction like no other pursuit. The continued success of this rule is dependent on advancement as a total package in all areas. EAA will continue its work to build on the dramatic successes made in just three years."

FMI: www.eaa.org, www.sportpilot.org