Comments on: Are light sport aircraft safe?

By: Max Trescott

Max Trescott — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:10:28 +0000

Last year, I test flew the Remos and CTLS. Last week I test flew the SkyCatcher and I flew the new PiperSport yesterday at the Piper factory. These are all impressive aircraft that are fun to fly, though many of them are sensitive in pitch making them a little more challenging to land. Look for my report on the PiperSport on my web site later this week.

By: Andy

Andy — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:16:56 +0000

In my area near Atlanta I’m sure that we could get more ‘young’ starting recreational pilots signing up for sport training if it were an option, but C172/C182 seem to be in great supply in the rental/training fleets. That may change when C162s start to become available but the CFIs that train on sport aircraft focus on people buying and not looking to rent. That seems to limit the market artificially.

By: Randy

Randy — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:00:44 +0000

I started flying and soloed in 1969 at age 16, got my private at 17, commercial and instrument at 18. I have no health issues that would prevent issuance of a medical.

I bought my Flight Design CTLS last Spring at age 55. I wanted a modern plane, with glass panel, Garmin 696, and all the goodies. I wanted a relatively fast cross-country plane that I could afford to buy and afford to fly.

At half the purchase price of a comparably equipped 172, and less than half the operating cost, the CTLS fits the bill for me perfectly.

As a bonus, I don’t have the hassle of getting periodic medicals. Yes, I’m limited to two people and I cannot fly IFR or night any more, but I can live with that.

Hopefully, I’ll be able to keep flying it long enough to become one of those 70-year olds in your stereotype.