By ANN Correspondent John Ballantyne

Well, here it is again -- years end. Only one year ago FAA had just issued a final rule establishing sport pilot, but had little of the infrastructure to get it working.

There were virtually no instructors nor pilot examiners. There was no way to change fat-ultralights into light sport aircraft (for operation by sport pilots). There was not even an application form for new sport pilot applicants.

During 2005 FAA proceeded to really pump out the "rolling" implementation plan. The plan included the complete system for creating sport pilots, instructors and examiners plus conversion of ultralight vehicles into experimental light-sport aircraft and the emergence of special-light sport aircraft (factory-built, turn key ready to fly aircraft).

2005 Accomplishments

Early in the year FAA released the sport pilot application form (8710-11), and began to train and certificate sport pilot examiners. The new examiners wasted no time in beginning to examine and certificate new sport pilot instructors, most of whom were transitioning ultralight instructors. Alongside incoming new pilots was the ability to “Transition” existing FAA pilots from one aircraft category to another (i.e. airplane to powered parachute).

By mid-year FAA had authorized a few Designated Airworthiness Representatives (DAR) to issue experimental light-sport aircraft (E-LSA) airworthiness certificates thus beginning the transition of fat and two-seat ultralights “into the system.” By late summer FAA had also implemented the airworthiness standards for factory built, ready-to-fly special light-sport aircraft (S-LSA).

Martin Weaver, Manager, Light Sport Branch of FAA, retired during the fall. Temporarily accepting the Branch Manager position until FAA can appoint a permanent branch manager, is Larry Clymer who remains manager through the 2006 New Year celebrations.

2005 Statistics

On December 17, 2005 the number of Designated Pilot Examiners (DPE) who administer the practical tests (oral and flight) are as follows:
Airplane = 122
Glider = 15
Gyroplane = 4
Powered Parachute = 9
Weight shift control (Trikes) = 10

FAA Clymer was kind enough to provide the following FAA sport pilot/instructor/examiner statistics during an exclusive ANN interview.

FMI: http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/sport_pilot/

Refresher: Sport Pilot -- What and Why

Effective September 1, 2004-Sport Pilot and Light Sport Aircraft.

The FAA has created regulation for the certification, operation, maintenance, and manufacture of light-sport aircraft. Light-sport aircraft are often heavier and faster than ultralights and include airplanes, gliders, balloons, powered parachutes, weight-shift-control aircraft, and gyroplanes. This action was necessary to address advances in sport and recreational aviation technology, gaps in the existing regulations, and several petitions for rulemaking and for exemptions from existing regulations. The intended effect of this action is to provide for the manufacture of safe and economical aircraft and to allow operation of these aircraft by the public in a safe manner.

Included in the rule is the establishment of new airman certificates for Sport Pilot at levels of student, pilot, instructor and examiner. These pilots may operate light-sport aircraft which are simple, low-performance aircraft that are limited to 1,232 lbs. (560 kg) maximum weight, two occupants, a single non-turbine powered engine, stall speed of 39 knots, maximum airspeed of 115 knots, and fixed landing gear. Aircraft categories include airplanes, weight-shift-control aircraft (trikes), powered parachutes, gyroplanes, gliders, balloons and airships. Due to their complexity, helicopters and powered-lifts are not covered by the proposed rule.

The rule became effective on September 1, 2004 creating much celebration by individuals, companies and member associations. Release of the regulation began a series of FAA actions to implement Sport Pilot including specific guidance, policy, and infrastructure necessary for the public to conduct operations and seek certification under the new regulations.

FMI: See CFAR Parts 1, 61 & 91, 2005 Year-in-Review Comments?