Sport Pilot and Light Sport Aircraft

Before September 2004 virtually all trikes were flown as ultralights under Part 103 of the FAA regulations. 2 seat trikes were flown for training only, had to be registered with one of the ultralight organizations, and had to be flown by an instructor (or under the supervision of an instructor) who was also registered with one of the organizations. Since September 2004 the FAA has opened another path to the sky – pilots can now obtain an FAA Sport Pilot certificate for Weight-shift aircraft and trikes can be certified as Light Sport Aircraft.

A Sport Pilot certificate will ensure a higher standard of training for pilots and will allow pilots to carry a passenger without becoming instructors.

I am registered as a BFI (basic flight instructor) with the USUA, I have a training exemption from the FAA (through the USUA) that allows me to use my trike for training and to fly it under the requirements of FAR 103.

I am also an FAA Certified Flight Instructor with “Flight Instructor Sport” rating and an endorsement for weight shift land aircraft. This dual licensing allows me to provide all the instruction required for an FAA Sport Pilot certificate or for a USUA Ultralight Pilot registration. All training will be conducted under the terms of my USUA exemption.

My trikes are still registered as ultralights (for several practical reasons) so they can not be used to give checkrides. However, both of the west coast examiners have trikes that can be used for their practical tests.

Please feel free to contact me by Email or telephone for more details about this new option!

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Bill Czygan has compiled a comprehensive list of Sport Pilot requirements and references at his Sport Pilot Training site.