Searey Sport Flying 101

The Sport Flying revolution began in 2004, when the Federal Aviation Administration, (FAA), working closely with the Experimental Aircraft Association, (EAA), created what has been called, “The biggest change in aviation in 50 years.” They created an entirely new category of aircraft, Light Sport Aircraft (LSA), as well as a new category of pilot license, Sport Pilot, both aimed specifically at consumer recreational flying. Now, the dream of flight is more accessible and more affordable than ever before.

It’s flying pure and simple ~ with fewer complexities

In conjunction with the 2004 creation of Light Sport Aircraft category, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) created the Sport Pilot License (SPL). The SPL is a new type of pilot certificate designed to get you safely and easily trained for recreational flying in Light Sport Aircraft. By restricting recreational flying for sport pilots to daytime, good weather, and in uncongested airspace, much of the complexities of learning to fly have been removed.

As a result, the time and cost commitment to learn to fly are now half what they previously were. New pilots can be safely trained in a matter of weeks, versus months. Additionally, all hours logged sport flying can be applied toward higher pilot ratings, like the Private Pilot License. As a result, the new SPL is perfectly suited for beginner pilots, even as they aspire to eventually fly larger, more complex, transportation aircraft.