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6 Answers

Sport, Recreational, Private

Asked by: 1781 views Light Sport Aircraft, Student Pilot

CFI,

I'm a Light Sport student, just did my solo in August (what a memory!), and I'm wondering which license I should actually pursue.  Who is using the different types of license?  Why are pilots either LSA, Rec, Private?  How do "I" know which one to pursue?

Background for me, I'm 48yrs old, found my dad's logbook in his memory box and thought "what does it take to fly"?  Long/Short found a flight school and now I'm about 50hr into this journey (sadly most of my friends don't even know it's possible to fly). 

I DON'T think my wife will be interested in flying (often), and for my kids I truly think I need MANY more hours to feel comfortable dealing with all the situations that may arise before I put them in the plane.

So I guess my question is, What is the pro/con of each license?  (please use Paul's long winded answer)  :)

FlopDog

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6 Answers



  1. Gary Moore on Nov 14, 2021

    great points!

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  2. Mark Kolber on Nov 14, 2021

    The answer is found in what your goals are. Read the limitations of your sport certificate compared with a private certificate. Does it make a difference in what you want to do?

    The only substantial difference between sport and recreational I’d the types of airplanes you can fly. Other than that, the recreational is probably more limiting than sport. I wouldn’t even consider it in your situation.

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  3. stillkicking on Dec 05, 2021

    I’d like to try and answer this question, if I may.

    I became a Recreational Pilot this past September. I’m one of only 105 in the entire country, as of last December. There will probably be even less after the first of next year.

    Differences & similarities between Rec and Sport:

    -Both limited to daytime VFR flying, only

    -Both limited to one passenger, only

    -Both require an additional endorsement to fly into towered airspace

    -Sport includes training for cross country, Rec offers it as an additional endorsement

    -Sport has gross plane weight limitation of 1320lbs, Rec has no weight limitation. Rather you can fly any single engine plane up to 180hp and up to four seat capacity…. like a Cessna 172 for instance.

    -Rec requires a 3rd class medical, Sport requires a drivers license

    IMHO if you can pass the medical, Rec is the way to go.

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  4. PedroThePilot on Dec 11, 2021

    Just reflecting…

    Having a Rec Pilot Certificate also allows you to log PIC time during any further dual training you do while pursuing a PPL. Not sure whether you can log PIC during night time dual. For folks eventually wanting to pursue even higher rating, that might be a consideration.

    Quite often there are very few Sport Pilot eligible LSA aircraft available at flight schools. As was pointed out earlier, a Rec Certificate opens access to far more aircraft.

    For some folks who may not be in a hurry, or face limited finances, the REC Certificate may serve as a nice easy stepping stone for an eventual PPL.

    Many of the Rec limitations can be removed with additional training and an endorsement.

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  5. stillkicking on Dec 13, 2021

    The point about limited sport aircraft is well taken. Many flight schools do not want to spend over $100K for a sport plane so they often use an older Cub since it fits under the weight limitations. Now you have to contend with learning a tail dragger, too.

    As to the costs, I found that to be hard to pin down. All this talk about doing it in 30 hours is BS as far as I’m concerned. There may be some that can but I’d not want to fly with them.

    I had over 150 hours by the time I took my check ride for Recreational. A lot of that had to do with the five CFI’s I went through. With the exception of the last one, they were completely lacking in what was required for Rec and just wanted the $$. None of the three flight schools I contacted would teach Rec. None had any idea what was involved and had no interest in finding out.

    For the record, Rec training is exactly the same as Private Pilot minus the night flying and the hood work. All the maneuvers you need to perform for PP you have to perform for Rec. You will need to do a cross country (albeit with less prep than Private) as well as diversions, engine out, etc.

    For anyone starting out… find a flight school that knows Rec well and has taught it before and have them explain what the course entails. Don’t bother with freelancers.

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  6. Skycatcher06 on Jan 20, 2022

    I am not sure how to choose one if you are eligible for all. I have a heart condition and the only one I could get was a sporty pilot license. I fly a skycatcher and I love flying it. I don’t mind the restrictions bc it’s my only way to fly. If you have all the options then do as you see fit. But know even if you end up doing something you didn’t want at first flying is flying enjoy it and love it!

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