It is happening…
It really is beginning to come true.
The first promise of the LSA (Light Sport Aircraft) was that people could fly it without a medical. That hasn’t actually happened yet on a widespread basis, mostly, as I see it, because of the insurance problem. Seems nobody wants to insure a non-medical-bearing pilot.
But the second promise—that these aircraft would be used widely for trainers seems to be happening. That’s not a scientific poll, mind you, but I do see a few flight schools advertising that they have LSAs in the training fleet.
I hope that spreads. The LSA really does offer a large drop in the costs of learning to fly. No, they’re not giving them away, but the price offers a tremendous advantage over the other trainers available. Old timers still gripe because it doesn’t sell as cheaply as the old J-3 Cub, but that’s not the right comparison. It sells more cheaply than standard trainers available today and that’s the big point.
It also runs on a lot less fuel than other current trainers. At today’s fuel prices—and—worse yet—those to come, that looms large. Another thing—the LSAs may well increase the popularity of the small airport again. I’d love to see that.
One attitude we need to avoid is the old “that-ain’t-really-flying syndrome.” The customer will probably take care of that. If enough of them choose the LSA route—and all indications are that they will—they will create a demand that flight schools will flock to satisfy. Just take a look around. During the last few years ultralights, paragliders, and homebuilts have grown and spread. Remember when you’d never heard of a Rotax engine?
Can LSAs be far behind?
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To ALL
From Ralph Hood
Okay, folks, I have checked and found Mr. Zuckerwar to be correct. As he suggested, I checked with Bob Mackry, Sr VP of Falcon Insurance Agency. I have found Mr Mackey to be a real pro and a man of his words. He responded to me with the following…
“Ralph,
Yes! Insurance is available for businesses who want to rent aircraft to
people (solo) who do not have a medical.”
Folks, if Bob said it, I believe it. You can contact Mr. Mackey at the link in Mr. Zuckerwar’s comment below.
Ralph Hood
Mr. Zuckerwar–
First, I surely do hope you’re right and I’m wrong, and I’m serious about that. I know and respect Bob Mackey, and I will contact the website today.
I know insurance is available. It is my understanging, however, that insurance for solo rental by a pilot with no medical is not yet available. I will check your website and report back.
Thanks,
Ralph Hood
First, To Reandy Sohn
Thanks for telling me about Mr. Booen. That’s Thunderbird in MSP?
Thanx,
Ralph Hood
Hi Ralph -
I’ll have to disagree with you on the insurance issue. There is no problem obtaining insurance for light-sport aircraft.
Insurance for flight schools is expensive - and understandably so.
You may ask any insurance related questions on our “Ask The Insurance Agent” forum. It is moderated by Bob Mackey with Falcon Insurance - providers of the EAA insurance plan. They have worked closely with the EAA during development of the sport pilot rule to ensure that insurance would be available.
http://www.SportPilotTalk.com
Sir Ralfus - re”really is beginning to come true……LSA……..seems to be happening. That’s not a scientific poll, mind you, but I do see a few flight schools advertising that they have LSAs in the training fleet”
So let’s see if THIS format works and doesn’t truncate my message, so-kay?
Last night on WCCO-AM’s “World of Aviation” program Al interviewed Sherm Booen, Sherm had just flown (at age circa 96) that LSA Italian aircraft that Thunderbird Aviation has placed into their training fleet! What you’d said is happening!
best, randy