I really don't consider the aircraft that meet the "sport aircraft"
limitations real airplanes. They are toys. No real useful capability, much
like a powered parachute.

C. Smith

I would like it raised also as it would enable not only for safer airplanes
to emerge and more engine types, but also include a number of certified
aircraft, e.g., Citabria, C-150, etc. to qualify. It would be nice if EAA
would begin working this issue...I think you would see more "sport category
flying" if this occurred.

T.C. Hall
Colorado Springs, Colorado

T.C. Hall & C. Smith

I can only speak to my flight training experience in a Cessna 172, I took
training from an instructor that was a crop duster in Montana for a full
time job.  Now what I did with that plane vs. what he showed me can be done
with that aircraft was two different things completely!

I sorta think that the weight/features of LSA class planes makes them less
safe, and we all grew up running 3 ton cars 75 mph down country roads, speed
does not phase most of us.  The approach to final is a practiced art, LSA
plane pilots would not differ from my experience in the Cessna 172, with 10
hours of practice, off you go Soloing.

Now that same Cessna 172 in the hands of my instructor was like flying in
two different aircraft, but I had the full availability to grow in my skills
in the same aircraft, making me a safer flyer, and having full access to all
features of a full featured airframe vs. having to acquire new skills in
moving to a new aircraft to progress in my license category aka skills.

Limiting my use of that Cessna 172 would be about what "rules" apply to my
License Category in the Sport Pilot class.  What happens when you progress
beyond the Sport Pilot License is lots of LSA class aircraft sitting idle,
not good for the goals to strengthen aviation infrastructure around the
nation.  In fact that large number of unused LSA aircraft would dampen
growth of aviation in general.

So how does one get the EAA motivated to push for the real issue of limited
flight as per what the Sport Pilot Rules dictated in appropriate aircraft as
per the features that are in line with the actual goals (i.e. single engine,
unpressurized cabin, maximum speed, etc.) that make it safe for trainee
pilots?

GFCurtis Jr.