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FAA Approves Sport Pilot License

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the flying-buggies-at-any-rate dept.

steveha writes "The FAA has just approved regulations creating a new class of pilot's license. (FAA press release here). The Sport Pilot license allows you to fly Light-Sport planes. It is much, much easier to get than a normal pilot's license; for example, you don't need to get a medical exam, and the training requirements are minimal." Read this overview, as well as some more details below.

"Light-Sport airplanes will be limited in size and power: maximum weight 1,320 pounds, maximum two seats, maximum airspeed 120 knots, single non-turbine engine, fixed landing gear. If it's a Light-Sport, it should be one of the easiest planes to fly."

This has the potential to dramatically increase the number of people owning and flying planes. Not only is it easier for a person to become a Sport Pilot, it is easier and cheaper for a company to sell a Light-Sport airplane. (For years, people have been building "kit" airplanes just so they will fall under the looser "homebuilt" rules. Now, there will be no need to build a plane unless you actually want to do so.) Several airplane companies have promised to produce Light-Sport planes that will cost no more than a luxury car."

3 of 520 comments (clear)

  1. Oh good by Natchswing · · Score: 0, Flamebait
    It's nice to know that flying like a maniac has never been easier - now with minimal training! Sounds like this will be a big step forward for the terrorists. We'll put passengers through a rectal exam just to ride on a plane but if you want to do risky stunts in the air you just need to take this simple exam:

    • What is your name?
    • What is your quest?
    • What is the air speed velocity of your stunt plane?
  2. Re:Great for Terrorists... by pbranes · · Score: 0, Flamebait
    Let's just look at this with statistics.
    Iran hostages 1980
    Marine barracks 1983
    Berlin disco 1985
    Pan Am airplane 1988
    World Trade Center 1992
    Khobar Towers 1996
    US Embassy Bombings 1998
    attempted Millenium celebration bombing 1999
    USS Cole 2000
    World Trade Center 2001
    Pentagon 2001
    Bali nightclub bombing 2002
    Spanish train bombinbs 2004

    Unabomber about 10 people
    McVeigh about 200 people

    Gee does anyone see an overwhelming statistical odd that a terrorist will be muslim???

  3. Re:In related news... by ChrisKnight · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    We already have a 'Sport President'. He got in under the new reduced intelligence and experiece requirements; even though on his entrace exam of world threats he simply filled in Iraq in every blank space.

    -Chris

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