LSA is cool

[indy007]

Originally posted by Chairboy
Cessna's big plan to compete is to make a new version of the C-177 Cardinal, essentially, except with composites, if the rumors I heard are true.

The composite Cessna 152 you mentioned?  It's been done a few times lately in the last couple years, but all by people other than Cessna.    Go figure!

Exactly, which is why it's stupid for Cessna to not jump on it. It's one of the best known names in aviation. I'm willing to bet more people in the US have heard of Cessna than Beech, Piper, Lancair, Extra, Sukhoi, etc... quite possibly combined. Especially with Cessnas being the most common training platform.. just makes too much sense for them to not do it. Brand loyalty works

[Scatcat]

Originally posted by Chairboy
They do!  Imagine, being able to carry your friends around with you while you train, pretty neat, eh?

But that's not the real benefit.  The real benefit for existing pilots is that anyone who is worried that some little medical thing (the kind that doesn't affect your ability to fly safely but might be trouble during an FAA medical) can just let their medical lapse and stick to flying LSA as a Sport Pilot, using just their drivers license as a medical.

You're still responsible for determining if you're capable of safely operating a plane, and YOU get to make the decision now, not some doctor six months ago.

Be advised that if you have ever been DQ'd by the FAA Medical folks then you are not qualified to fly sport.

[Chairboy]

Originally posted by Scatcat
Be advised that if you have ever been DQ'd by the FAA Medical folks then you are not qualified to fly sport.

Exactly, which is why many older PPL holders are choosing to just let their medicals expire peacefully in their sleep instead of risking a failure.

I think the Sport Pilot certificate will provide a direct incentive for borderline pilots to reduce their risk profile to others.  It's an unusually forgiving concept from an org like the FAA.

[Maverick]

Originally posted by indy007
Exactly, which is why it's stupid for Cessna to not jump on it. It's one of the best known names in aviation. I'm willing to bet more people in the US have heard of Cessna than Beech, Piper, Lancair, Extra, Sukhoi, etc... quite possibly combined. Especially with Cessnas being the most common training platform.. just makes too much sense for them to not do it. Brand loyalty works

Cessna will not spend the millions of $ it will take to get a new design (new to them anyhow) through FAA certification when the public is willing to pay Ferrari prices for a flying volkswagon air cooled beetle.

[Golfer]

Originally posted by Scatcat
Be advised that if you have ever been DQ'd by the FAA Medical folks then you are not qualified to fly sport.

By my read that rule is if your medical is currently disqualified then you are not eligible until your medical is reinstated.  If you are issued a medical certificate, special issuance or otherwise, you can let it expire and continue flying sport aircraft on your drivers license and pilot certificate.  Of course if you want to exercise anything greater than sport pilot privileges than you need an FAA issued medical.

It's not whether or not you were ever denied, but as long as you go out with a medical you're golden.