Entry level Training?-Sport Pilot & Rec. Pilot

[Chuck]

Could someone please clarify the statements made by EAA and FAA regarding "entry level" as it pertains to Sport Pilot andRecreational Pilot?
It appears that most people assume that hours of instruction obtained toward the Sport Pilot Certificate would be applicable to a Private Pilot Certificate if the individual wished to proceed to that higher Certificate.

I find this not to be the case. As an example, Recreational pilot training hours appear not to be applicable to Private Pilot. (one of the reasons for it's failure)

Within 61.102 and 61.103, there is no provision for the use of any hours of Rec. dual training (and, that would include the required Solo training as well)

Private pilot training is to be endorsed to the areas of operation as per 61.107.

Recreational Pilots are endorsed to the areas of operations in 61.98.

Sport Pilots 61.311

Although these areas of operations are similar, they ARE specific, by the FAR to the Certificate being sought.

In the case of transitioning Private Pilots ASEL to Private Pilot -Glider, there IS a specific outline of previous experience for a shortened training requirements. FAR 61.109 (f) (2)

No such language is within the Private Pilot requirements for transitioning Recreational and proposed Sport Pilots.

The Recreational (and hence Sport) Pilot standards are of a lesser requirement. As well, the Standards of those Certificates are noted as "Holder does not meet ICAO requirements". ICAO is the agreed upon international standards acceptable for reciprosity of Pilots and aircraft certificates.

So, Training that has been endorsed to Sport Pilot and Recreational Pilot Standards would not be appropriate to the Private Pilot Certificate, and would not be acceptable if presented to a Designated Examiner.

The Sport or Rec pilot must obtain all of the required dual and solo instructional times required of the Private Pilot Certificate. AND, be endorsed accordingly prior to application to take the knowledge and practical tests.

IF the CFI, makes a "Dual Endorsment" covering each specific FAR requirement(example -for solo, cross country and Knowledge/Practical tests) I would believe it to be within the requirements and acceptable to the Designated Examiner who will be looking for the appropriate endorsements for the Certificate sought.

(but, would the AIRCRAFT used for this training (dual) ALSO need to meet the requirements of the Certificate sought? (Sport Pilot = 1235 lbs gross wt.)

As for the Student Sport Pilot, obtaining instruction from a Sport Pilot CFI (not regular CF), This particular instructor may NOT endorse to the higher certificate level.
And, therefore it appears that none of that previous training would be applicable to the minimum standars required.
Is this your understanding?
Thanks,
Chuck

[Denny of Oakland]

Chuck,

We at the FAA FSDO's are just now receiving information about the Sport Pilot rules. The problem is the information is slow in coming and not very clear is some cases. September 1, was the kick off and all of us inspectors are scheduled next year to receive training on how it all works. As for now we are reading same regulations you are and trying to understand it.

Please bear with us until all the information is out. There will be at least two AC's that will speak to the new rule and both have not been released yet. I reviewed one in draft format last week and it will need some changes and updates.

Denny of Oakland