Do I need a Class 3 medical to train on a larger plane when going for a sport pilots license?

Hi all! Just getting started (hopefully) in aviation for recreation. I want to get a sport pilots license, and the person I talked to said I weigh a little too much to train on an SLA with an instructor onboard as well, but said I could definitely just train on a larger plane provided I'd still have all the caveats of a sport pilots license when I'm done, which is fine by me. That said, he was unsure if I'd need a class 3 medical to train on the larger planes. It's not required for the sport pilot license, but is for PPL. Does anyone know if I'd need the class 3 to train on the larger planes even though my intention is to only go for the sport pilot license?

 

You can get instruction in a larger than LSA without a medical, and that training can apply towards a sport pilot ticket. However, you need a medical to solo in a not-LSA aircraft. And, you have to solo to get your ticket. And, you will need some instruction in the aircraft you need to solo in. So, if you can't squeeze in to an LSA with an instructor, you have a problem.

If the medical is not an issue, there is not much point in not getting the private ticket.

 

This ^^^^^

I don't want to ask your weight but there are some LSA's that can carry a fair amount.

The Tecnam P92 Echo has a useful load over 600 lbs.

 

I actually faced the same situation when I pursued my PPL.

I was planning to go sport pilot, but the Champ available did not have enough useful load for me, the examiner and fuel.

My first suggestion, is schedule a consultation with an AME. If your CFI can suggest a good one that is a good place to start. DO NOT APPLY FOR A MEDICAL UNTIL AFTER CONSULTING WITH THE AME.

I was fortunate to meet an AME in my EAA chapter who convinced me that my medical worries were not as bad as I thought they were, so I obtained a Class 3.

An important thing to note: you only need to get a Class 3 once, unless you develop one of a specific list of ailments, to fly BasicMed. This allows instrument, night, multiengine and even helicopter flight without having to regularly go through the FAA Medical experience (you just need a class and a physical from your doctor).

I only mention that because Aviation Medical requirements are clear as mud, and it is very easy to erroneously come to the conclusion that you cannot qualify for one or apply for one only to find out how difficult it is to obtain after the fact.

If, you cannot (or are unwilling to) get a medical, look for flying clubs or flight schools with newer Light Sport Aircraft such as the RV-12, Remos G3/GX, or Sling 2. Many newer LSAs have more useful load than a Cessna 152, some will give a heavy 172 a run for its money.

If you are willing to say where you are, someone on the board may have suggestions for where to find an LSA that can work for you.

 

I'm about 280lbs, and was told that the combined student/instructor weight for their planes was 320lbs. They didn't give a specific model. As for the medical, I'm an extremely well managed, but also diagnosed, bi-polar, which I read as an automatic disqualifier for the medical, and reading some other threads, seems to be a "when hell freezes over" chance of getting an exception.

 

which plane is the school using for sport training?

 

It appears to be a 2014 CZECH Sport Cruiser. In in the Raleigh, NC area. Seems like the closest regional airport flying these types of planes is in Sanford, NC.

 

In that case, focus on finding a newer LSA.

An RV-12 advertises 545lb UL, and carries 20gal (120lbs) of fuel max, leaving 425lbs with full tanks, for short lessons reducing fuel may allow a 170lb instructor with you.

I mention the RV-12 because Vans keeps its own list of flight schools: http://www.flyrv12.com/flight-schools/

A Remos would be an even better fit with its advertised 615lb UL (and 20 gal tank), leaving 495lbs for you and the instructor, but I don't know of a convenient place to find flight schools or clubs with the GX.

The P92 Echo is a good option as mentioned in a previous post.

https://www.flysportusa.com/instructors.php has a list of instructors and in some cases the aircraft they fly. An internet search of the models near you can help you understand if they are an option (or just call).

Last option, would be to travel for training. In this case, I would suggest logging as many of the dual requirements locally in a larger plane, and then scheduling a week to "finish up" at an LSA school with a plane that can meet your needs. But, if you plan to do this, I would suggest contacting the school you intend to finish up with, and the school you are starting training with and try to get them talking before you start training.

 

if this is close to you, it may be an option:

Lucas Link
Leading Edge Aviation
Airport / FBO:
Address:
Rutherfordton, NC
Phone: 828-287-0800
Website:
E-mail: leaviation@gmail.com

Aircraft available: Dova Skylark, ComCo/Ikarus C42
Type of Instruction: Airplane land, Tailwheel

The Ikarus advertises over 500lbs useful load, with a light instructor it may work.

 

The Chinook Plus 2 has 600lbs useful load in some configurations:

James Peeler
Northbrook International
Airport / FBO:
Address:
Cherryville, NC
Phone: 704-435-4931
Website:
E-mail: peelerpilot@prodigy.net

Aircraft available: Chinook Plus 2
Type of Instruction: Airplane land

 

There really is not many flight schools across the country that train in light sport aircraft. I think you chances for locating a light sport aircraft with the useful load in your geographic area you is slim to none.

 

OK, i see why the school is using the 320-lb instructor/student limit. The Remos G3/GX would be a good choice in terms of useful load. In what part of the world are you located? Collectively we might be able to locate a suitable LSA for you. and just so you know any dual-instruction hours you have in a larger plane like a 152 or 172 will count towards your total hours needed.

 

Don't limit yourself to LSA. Also look at aircraft that are type certificated but meet the Sport Pilot limitations.

https://www.faa.gov/aircraft/gen_av/light_sport/media/ExistingModels.pdf

 

Note you can train in a more generic plane for light sport until you solo, basically.

 

I have no personal experience with Mr. Peeler but a good friend of mine went there and it didn't work out well. My friend changed over to a flight school in Beaufort SC using a P92. He is scheduled for his check ride next week ... weather permitting.

 

Just to clarify, none of my posts were personal suggestions, just search listings that may be worth following up on.

 

I wasn't directing anything at you personally and neither was I trying to lay anything on Mr. Peeler as others may have had a good results. I was just passing along a bit of a warning that I got from a friend.

 

Those Sport Cruisers/Piper Sports are actually pretty nice to fly, but they definitely need attention paid to weight.

 

I know James Peeler personally and he is a good guy. Though I have not flown at his school, I have been at his field and from what I have seen and heard he runs a good and safe operation. I have heard no complaints.

 

Hope that's the case. I won't go into any detail on the forum as it ain't my story to tell. I did meet him many years ago at a fly-in we had in the upstate. Been a long time ago ...

 

Good luck, gmoney999! I think MarkH's suggestion above would be a good route for you if you can make it work (i.e. train in a heavier airplane, then travel for a week's vacation to a school that can finish you up with a light sport airplane). Another option would be to buy your own light sport and learn in it.

 

You will also need a check ride and would be PIC for that and need to have a DPE in the plane.