9 Comments

• #1 by Randy on December 2nd, 2009

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  I think a private pilot can enjoy some traveling (:
  References :

• #2 by Captain J on December 2nd, 2009

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  If you ever want to fly any distance away from your "home" airport or want to fly during the night, or even to another country, you must get a PPL.
  References :

• #3 by Jim Heffelfinger on December 2nd, 2009

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  Real world numbers
  PPL – cost 7 to 10 K
  SP – cost 3.5 to 5.5 K
  SP and LSA aircraft have limitations from PPL license BUT cover 85-90% of what most recreational pilots actually do.
  See this – http://www.eaa.org/sportpilot/ ,http://www.sportpilot.org/
  and this ….follow Brady Lane as he learns to fly Full video blog
  http://www.eaa.org/apps/blog/learntofly/Default.aspx
  May also consider Ultralights – there are more than most people know.
  Gyrocopter, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultralight_aviation
  or even this………… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2U-EJ7XIT8
  even gliders = http://www.ssa.org/sport/whatissoaring.asp
  Enjoy the research: it will required as a pilot – it’s more than half the fun of discovery.
  References :
  SP and aircraft homebuilder

  Captain L. There is no distance limitation for SP, That’s the Rec. Pilot program. See the SP limits in the above links.
  This is a SP flying an ELSA – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5EpKHcYvuQ
  That’s XC as in cross continent x 4 so far. Yes, on a 2 cycle engine.

  Rocketsc… Can fly in all but class B airspace ( why would you want to fly there?) and Up to 120 knots. Just add easy endorcements.

• #4 by rocketscience on December 2nd, 2009

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  I would recommend private pilot, but here are some pro’s and con’s.

  Private – Pros
  -Can carry as many passengers as the plane can hold
  -If current, can fly at night
  -Allowed to fly in most airspace
  -Can fly faster than sport pilot

  Private – Cons
  -More expensive

  Sport – Pros
  -Cheaper and easier to get the rating
  -Could be a good way to test your real interest

  Sport – Cons
  -Limited to light sport aircraft
  -Can only carry 1 passenger
  -Limited to 87 knots CAS for V_H (max speed at level flight)
  -Can only fly during the day
  -Need additional training to operate in controlled airspace or at controlled airport

  All of this can be found in FAR Part 61. All the FARs are searchable on the FAA website.

  —

  Cherokeeflyer, maybe you can elaborate, but according to FAR Part 61.315 "(c) You may not act as pilot in command of a light-sport aircraft: (14) If the aircraft has a VH that exceeds 87 knots CAS, unless you have met the requirements of §61.327."
  References :
  FAR/AIM (Federal Aviation Regulations/Airman Information Manual)

• #5 by JetDoc on December 2nd, 2009

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  The nice thing about the Sport Pilot program is that you can expand it into a Private Pilot certificate with a bit of additional training and flight time. It is designed as a logical first step into aviation, and you don’t need a medical certificate to fly LSA aircraft.

  If I were starting over, I’d get a Sport Pilot certificate first, then decide if I really wanted to go on to Private Pilot and further certifications
  References :
  I a a private pilot and certified aircraft mechanic (A&P)

• #6 by eferrell01 on December 2nd, 2009

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  It really depends on what you want to do with flying. If you want to try to make a living at some point flying the Private pilot certificate is the one to go for. If you want to just fly for fun, the sport pilot is all you need.
  There are limitations on all types of certificates, but with endorsements, you can get around most of them. For example the aforementioned airspace limitation, if you receive training and are signed off you can operate in controlled airspace like the PP holders. ((Note: you can’t go to positive control airspace(above 18000 feet) as LSA will not fly that high)).
  61.327 says you can fly an LSA with a CAS of greater than 87 knots with training and endorsement.
  The recreational pilot certificate is another option. You can fly regular certificated aircraft, but there are more limitations on where you can go.
  Requirements for all certificates can be found here:

  http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=351391de8d9b157664a52a5fcbeee285&rgn=div5&view=text&node=14:2.0.1.1.2&idno=14
  References :

• #7 by arryl26 on December 2nd, 2009

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  It really depends where you are flying. If you are surrounded like big airports, the don’t even bother with the SP. You are limited in where and how far and fast you can fly. With the hours required for both certificates, you are better off getting you private. You can fly in almost all airspace and you can fly anywhere in the US without distance limitations from your home airport.

  I had the same question when I started flying and realized with a little more money and a little more work, the payoff is much better. Plus, flying out of Van Nuys, CA, I was surrounded by Burbank class C and LAX class B and to have to go around the airspace was just costing more time which meant more money.

  Get your private pilot, you’ll be glad you did.
  References :
  Private Pilot

• #8 by aviophage on December 2nd, 2009

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  If you can afford it and you are sure you can pass the medical, get the Private. The sport pilot will let you get behind the cotnrols for less and if you have medical problems. Just be honest.
  References :
  old pilot

• #9 by planecrazzzy on December 2nd, 2009

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  Less money to do "Sport"…

  You can upgrade later…
  .
  Gotta Fly…
  Mike & "Jaz" in MN
  References :
  Private Pilot