Sport Pilot Class B C and D endorsement

[Greg Bockelman]

Part 61.325 explains what is required to operate out of Class B C and D airports. But what I can't specifically figure out is if a separate endorsement is required for EACH airspace. The way I read it, if the CFI does all the ground training associated with the various airspaces, and then does the dual flight into, say, a Class D airport, the endorsement also covers Class C and B.

Am I correct? Wrong? Anyone have anything definitive?

 

[HPNPilot1200]

The way I read it, if the CFI does all the ground training associated with the various airspaces, and then does the dual flight into, say, a Class D airport, the endorsement also covers Class C and B.

I agree. The reg does not specify that the instructor must train the student at each type of airspace (B, C, D) in which the student would like to fly in.

 

[N801BH]

This exact question came up in a seminar at OSH last year.. Both the presenter and others in the forum could not nail it down either... I am guessing Ron or Steven P will have the answer.....

 

[HPNPilot1200]

Here's a document from EAA/NAFI worth looking at. Appendix 3, endorsement #7 states:

Class B, C, Or D Airspace, at an Airport Located in Class B, C, Or D Airspace, or To, From, Through, or On an Airport Having an Operational Control Tower: §61.325

I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training of § 61.325. I have determined he/she is proficient to conduct operations in Class B, C, or D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, or to, from, through, or on an airport having an operational control tower.

 

[poadeleted20]

First, here's the regulation under discussion:

Sec. 61.325

How do I obtain privileges to operate a light-sport aircraft at an airport within, or in airspace within, Class B, C, and D airspace, or in other airspace with an airport having an operational control tower?

If you hold a sport pilot certificate and seek privileges to operate a light-sport aircraft in Class B, C, or D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, or to, from, through, or at an airport having an operational control tower, you must receive and log ground and flight training. The authorized instructor who provides this training must provide a logbook endorsement that certifies you are proficient in the following aeronautical knowledge areas and areas of operation:
(a) The use of radios, communications, navigation system/facilities, and radar services.
(b) Operations at airports with an operating control tower to include three takeoffs and landings to a full stop, with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern, at an airport with an operating control tower.
(c) Applicable flight rules of part 91 of this chapter for operations in Class B, C, and D airspace and air traffic control clearances.

Note the "an airport," not "the airport," and nothing there about training in any particular B/C/D space. Nor is there anything saying you have to actually fly in B/C/D airspace; the only specifically mandated flight training is at an airport with an operating control tower, which appears to leave room for someone a long way from B/C/D airspace to receive ground training (and maybe some work with a TRACON or Center for basic radar service familiarization) only to be signed off for those airspace types. And here's the limiting reg which a 61.325 endorsement gives release:

Sec. 61.315

What are the privileges and limits of my sport pilot certificate?
...
(c) You may not act as pilot in command of a light-sport aircraft:
...
(7) In Class B, C, and D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, and to, from, through, or at an airport having an operational control tower unless you have met the requirements specified in §61.325.

Nothing there about location-specific training, either.

That said, personally, I would not give a 61.325 endorsement valid for B, C or D airspace without having flown with the Sport Pilot in at least one B, C or D airspace, respectively. But from a regulatory standpoint, I see no reason to limit a 61.325 endorsement to the particular tower-controlled airport or B/C/D airspace in which the 61.325 training occurred.

 

[Greg Bockelman]

Well, since I am relatively close to a Class B, I will just do that and I will be assured the endorsement will cover the other two.

 

[poadeleted20]

:

Well, since I am relatively close to a Class B, I will just do that and I will be assured the endorsement will cover the other two.