- ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL. I have students ranging in age from 15 to over 60. Unlike more structured flight schools, with multiple instructors, I design my flight lessons to the individual. Being the primary instructor here it is easier for me to work with the individual as opposed to just treating students like an assembly line. Our students quickly become part of our family, They know each other and applaud their progress and have empathy for their struggles from time to time. If you are interested in learning how to fly and do not want to be just another student passing through give us a call at 484-300-8993 Ask for Dave.
- How long has Light Sport Adventure been in business?
Light Sport Adventure has operated out of the Tampa Executive Airport since 2015. The school has always been a family owned, family run business which was established for the purpose of training pilots to a level exceeding the standard, and this continues to be our highest priority. - Why should I take lessons at Light Sport Adventure?
We want what you want – for you to enjoy the flying experience and become a safe, conscientious pilot. Our business has grown by the most effective advertising method available – word of mouth. Flight training is our only business, so we have to do it well or we won’t be around long. I believe flying is fun. If you don’t land with a smile on your face we have done something wrong. - How long will it take me to get my certificate?
It is important to realize that the FAA requires a minimum of 20 hours for the Sport Pilot Certificate. These are the absolute minimums. While a handful of students may complete the course within this time frame, many will find themselves accumulating 30-40 hours of flight time before acquiring their certificate. The total time is dependent on several variables. A higher frequency of training will generally enable you to obtain your certificate sooner, and with the least expense. We recommend a minimum of one lesson per week, however it will be to your advantage to fly 2-3 times per week, thereby retaining more information between flight lessons, and requiring less review time per session. Other variables would include weather, age, natural aptitude, finances, and commitment to home study. Completion of the course can take anywhere from 3 months to 2 years. - When can lessons be scheduled?
Excluding national holidays, Light Sport Adventure is officially open 6 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We are closed on Sundays. However, we will schedule lessons whenever it is convenient for you: Day or Night, Summer or Winter. - How are flight lessons structured?
Generally you will schedule a two or two and a half hour flight lesson with your instructor. This provides adequate time for a pre-flight briefing, the flight lesson itself, and a post-flight critique without having to rush from one student to the next. The lessons are structured around your abilities and schedule, but we do follow a general syllabus, which provides a logical sequence for the training. Light Sport Adventure has a fixed fee policy per lesson for all ground training. Students are encouraged to ask questions without being “on the clock”. Aircraft rental is calculated by engine time on the Hobbs meter by the hour. - What about weight? The Light Sport rules limit the maximum take off weight (MTOW) to 1320 lbs. That means the airplane, fuel, passengers and equipment must stay under that limit. For this reason, students weighing more than 200 lbs. will not be accepted.
- What about a medical?
If your most recently held FAA airman medical certificate was never suspended or revoked, you may use your current and valid U.S. driver's license to exercise sport pilot privileges; however, you must hold the required, valid FAA airman medical certificate if you wish to exercise private pilot (or higher) privileges. - How do I pay for my flight training?
There are several payment options available. Some customers elect to pay at the completion of each lesson. Cash, check, VISA, and MasterCard are accepted. You should budget about $4000 for a Sport Pilot Certificate - What is the ground school and is it required?
Light Sport Adventure does not offer a Ground School. The purpose of the ground school is to prepare the student for the required Pilot Written Exam. We have found that this information is available from many courses offered online. - What happens during bad weather?
On days when the weather is not good enough for flying (low visibility, low ceilings, high winds, or thunderstorms), we cancel. - When can I start carrying passengers?
Carrying passengers without an instructor present is prohibited until you have a pilot certificate. - What do I have to do to maintain my certificate once I become a pilot?
In accordance with FAA regulations, you must have obtained a certificate or completed a flight review within the preceding 24 calendar months to be able to exercise the privileges of your pilot certificate. Also, if you wish to carry passengers, you must be able to show that you have done 3 takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 days. As part of our insurance policy, we require that you stay current in our aircraft by flying once every 30 days. Your pilot certificate never expires, but you may be required to do additional training periodically to keep your skills at an acceptable level. - What will I be able to do once I get my certificate?
You will be qualified to fly most single-engine land sport aircraft in decent weather conditions. An instructor may have to give you some additional ground and flight training in aircraft that you wish to fly that differs from your training aircraft so that you will have sufficient operational knowledge. You will be able to share expenses with passengers, but cannot charge for your services. You may travel to almost any civil airport in the U.S. and around the world. - What is the difference between a Part 61 and Part 141 school? Light Sport Adventure is a Part 61 school, which means that we develop our curriculum and our students must meet the previously mentioned time minimums established by the FAA. A Part 141 school has direct FAA involvement in their course structure. Students may have fewer requirements and have the potential to complete the training in fewer hours. In the end, it really does not matter which format you follow because the standards that the pilot has to be able to fly to are the same. (see syllabus)