Light Sport Aircraft -- Yes or No?

[Halo]

I've always been interested in ultralight flying, and now I'm really interested in maybe getting a Sport Pilot Certificate and flying the neat little Allego light sport aircraft featured in LSA for the Next Generation in the May/June 2010 issue of PilotMag (pilotmag.com). 

1.  Do any of you fly ultralights, powered parachutes, or light sport aircraft? If so, how do you like it, and would you recommend it for newbies?

2.  Are any of you certified sport pilots? If so, any tips for getting the certificate?

3.  Any of you have any experience with the Allego light sport airplane?  Would you recommend this plane (to train in and rent, not buy) or would you recommend a different light sport aircraft?

4.  Any recommendations pro or con about pursuing a Sport Pilot Certificate?

Thanks in advance.   

[Ghosth]

The half hour I spent flying a side by side ultralight was as close to heaven as I'll get in this life.

Nothing between you and the air, (or the ground for that matter) Wind in the wires, look down between your legs and see ground floating by below.

I'd say if you can afford it, and the storage and other fees, jump on it.

[68Wooley]

Flown an Evektor SportStar LSA. Pretty nice  light controls, responsive handling and generally easy to fly.

I'm giving some serious thought to buying either a PiperSport or Gobosh LSA for light touring with the missus. Only issue is the gross weight limitations.

I'm still working through my PPL - don't know anyone going for a Sport Pilot Certificate.

[2Niner]

hello Halo;

     where are you located?  the reason i ask will depend on the availability of light sport training in your area.

     Light sport is relatively easy as compaired to a private ticket hrs wise.   light sport is a minimum of 20 hrs training. private pilot is 40 hrs minimum.  the average hrs for a private pilot ticket is 65 to 70 hrs. light sport should be around 45 to 50 hrs to complete. as far as how long is up to the weather, and your pocket book.  I would recommend if you decide to persue any of the above and if possible you should fly at least 2 to 3 hrs a week during training.   if you got the cash and the determination to keep your head in the academics aspect of training you could possibly cut those hrs substantially

     There are many light sport aircraft to choose from.  go to www.eaa.org and look around that website for a wealth of information on light sport. while there look for a eaa flying club in your area. and if one is in your area i would recommend you visit that chapter and speak with the members.

     As for me.  I own and fly a Quad city Challenger 2 Clip wing.  Its a kit plane.  Its not expensive to operate and easy to fly.  I belong to a flying club and most of the members have kit planes of both ultralights and light sport and 1 powered parachute aircraft.  if you would like to visit our website it is www.jerseyshoreultralights.or g

[Halo]

Thanks, 2Niner. Excellent site and info. I'm in Northern Virginia. Closest airfield with much ultralight activity seems to be Warrenton.

[2Niner]

hallo;

  cool, head to warrenton, VA and talk to the pilots.  be advised if you choose to fly part 103 ultralights you will not need a license.  but, I would highly recommend you don't try and fly the ultralight with out some sort of formal training in an aircraft of similar flight characteristics.

Also there are several private airports in the warrenton area.  please go to this website http://www.airnav.com/airports/ and just type in warrenton, VA and a list of of airports will come up just click on 1 at a time and read the information regarding that airport.  the owner name and phone number is listed.  just call the owner up and start asking questions.  also look at the bottom of the airport information page and look for aircraft based there check out the one that has alot of ultralights.

[Halo]

Excellent info, 2Niner, thanks much.