Progress continues on implementing the complex Sport Pilot rules, Blakey said. Last week, consensus standards were released for powered parachutes and gyroplanes, and so far, 44 Sport Pilot certificates have been issued. The rule is still a work in progress and “we’re prepared to make appropriate changes,” she said. Those changes may include finding a way to accommodate some production airplanes that are within a hair’s breadth of qualifying as Light Sport Aircraft, and working out a way to let Light-Sport amphibians switch from water to runway landing configuration in flight. But the fine-tuning is not likely to include changes to the contentious medical rules. “I don’t see that changing dramatically,” she said. Under the current rules, new Sport Pilots with a driver’s license can fly, but former pilots whose medicals were refused or revoked must still appeal to the FAA for permission to fly.
…And Sport Pilot Rule Changes
Key Takeaways:
- The implementation of Sport Pilot rules is progressing, with consensus standards released for powered parachutes and gyroplanes, and 44 Sport Pilot certificates issued thus far.
- The FAA is considering fine-tuning the rules to accommodate production airplanes close to LSA qualifications and allow in-flight configuration changes for Light-Sport amphibians.
- However, the contentious medical rules are not expected to change dramatically; new Sport Pilots can use a driver's license, but those with previously refused or revoked medicals still require FAA permission.
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