Sage-Tips

Can a sport pilot get an instrument rating?

Sport pilot allows you to medically qualify simply by using a current and valid US driver’s license. The minimum required medical certification required for exercising the privileges of ratings on a private pilot certificate (including an instrument rating) is either a 3rd class medical or BasicMed.

Can you fly IFR in an experimental aircraft?

IFR flight in experimental aircraft is acceptable, provided the aircraft has passed its flight test period, meets the equipment requirements of 14 CFR 91.205 and has the appropriate statements in the operating limitations.

Can you do IFR training in an LSA?

Instrument Training in LSA’s LSA’s, like the IFR-equipped Sling NGT, can be used for all Instrument training and for the Instrument checkride. The only reason they cannot be flown in actual IMC is that the ASTM Standards that LSA’s are designed to do not at this time have a standard for equipment for flight into IMC.

Can you fly cross country with a sport pilot license?

Yes, a plain “Sport Pilot” license in USA allows daytime cross-country flight, but the pilot is not allowed to land at airports with control towers nor enter class A, B, C, or D airspace unless the pilot has received and logged additional training from a licensed instructor.

Are vans aircraft IFR certified?

Van’s Aircraft has published the RV-12iS IFR avionics package order form and is accepting orders. This package is available for the RV-12iS aircraft when equipped with the Rotax 912 iS engine.

Can you fly a light sport aircraft with a private pilot license?

You should know that any current private pilot may fly a light-sport aircraft (LSA) they are qualified for without a FAA medical but using their drivers license as medical eligibility. To be a “current pilot” you need a biennial flight review (flight review every 2 years) same as all pilots need to be current.

Can you fly IFR in an LSA?

Can you fly IFR in an LSA? “You are not allowed to fly IFR in a Light-Sport Aircraft” is a common dismissal from many in aviation. Is it factual to say that filing and flying by reference only to instruments in a LSA is excluded by regulation?

Is it worth it to fly IFR?

Plenty of recreational or sport pilots may not care about flying IFR. If you fly strictly for fun in visual conditions weather, good for you! Have at it and enjoy! Yet, if you want an affordable new aircraft with desirable features and if you like the versatility of IFR, it is possible.

Which aircraft are approved for IFR flight?

Evektor followed the MAX model with the Harmony, and at least one place on their website suggests it too is available in an IFR equipped version. There is at least one LSA that is approved for IFR flight: The Zodiac 650 (available as a kit, or a factory-built Special Light Sport Aircraft).

Can you fly IFR in clouds?

You cannot — and more importantly should not — go fly into clouds simply because you have wonderful equipment on board from companies like Dynon, Garmin, or MGL Avionics. Plenty of recreational or sport pilots may not care about flying IFR. If you fly strictly for fun in visual conditions weather, good for you! Have at it and enjoy!