Accelerated Sport Pilot Training

In general terms, a light sport aircraft is one that weighs more than 254 pounds but less than 1,320 pounds and cannot go faster than 120 miles per hour.  It cannot have a seating capacity for any more than one pilot and one passenger, and cannot stall at a speed faster than 45 miles per hour.

 What are Ultralights?

Ultralights weigh less than 254 pounds and cannot carry passengers (only a pilot).  You do not need a license to fly an ultralight; however proper training is critically important in order to be safe.

 Private Pilot vs. Sport Pilot:  ...What's the difference?

With a few minor restrictions, a sport pilot may pilot any light sport aircraft that he or she is certified to fly and carry one passenger during daylight hours to or from almost anywhere in the U.S.  He or she may do this without any FAA issued medical certificate.

A private pilot may do the same, but is not restricted to one passenger, is not restricted to light sport aircraft, and can also fly at night.  The private pilot needs at least a FAA third class medical to act as pilot in command of an aircraft that's bigger or faster than the light sport aircraft category.

There are a few other minor differences, but these are the main things that separate the two licenses.  If you'd still like more information on the private pilot license, you can find it in our recreational and private pilot training pages.  

Airplane (Fixed Wing) (Three Axis Control)

Three axis control describes the way most common airplanes operate.  It simply means that there is a separate control system for each of the three axis that the aircraft rotates around.  These controls are typically the ailerons, elevators and rudder.  A fourth control is engine speed, and because of the fact that there are more controls, these aircraft are slightly more maneuverable than the other types of light sport aircraft when it comes to the ability to fly in a bit more adverse conditions.  Not that they're all weather aircraft, but a three axis will usually handle a little more wind than the other types of light sport aircraft.  The amount of wind it will take is related to its' speed and weight, with the heavier and faster aircraft being more capable.

These are also great cross-country machines, and include a long list of airplanes that have been seen flying for years, such as various models or Piper including the famous Piper Cub, certain models of Aeronca, Ercoupe, Taylorcraft, Interstate, and Luscombe airplanes.  In addition to these traditional aircraft, there are also many new models being produced either by manufacturers, or home-builders that provide for all different ranges of comfort, speed, and versatility.  Some have enclosed cabins complete with leather seats, heaters and a full set of flight instruments, while others are more basic and open giving the pilot a full, unobstructed view of the surroundings.  Many can be converted to take off from water or land.  If you are one who likes to have an enclosed cockpit with doors and windows, then this is probably the choice for you.

Training times vary with each student, with the majority being ready for solo flight in about 13 to 25 hours.  The minimum flight time for a sport pilot license is 20 hours.

We are pleased to offer sport pilot training for airplanes.  For information on this course please click on the link below. 

[Course Info& Pricing]

[Back to Top] [Trikes] [Powered Parachutes]

Powered Weight Shift Control (Trikes)

Powered weight shift control aircraft (Trikes) have a similar control system to modern hang gliders.  The pilot controls pitch and direction by moving a bar that is positioned horizontally in front, while controlling altitude with the engine speed.  Moving the bar causes the pilot's weight to "shift" in relation to the wing, causing the aircraft to turn or pitch accordingly.  This method of flight control is desirable due to its' inexpensive and simplistic design, free of pulleys or moving parts, and virtually maintenance free.  

These aircraft are an absolute thrill to fly, and relatively easy for most folks to learn.  They are not quite the no-brains flying machines that the powered parachutes are, but the sport plane appeal makes the little bit of extra effort well worth it.  These aircraft are available with a wide variety of wings and engines, which are the primary factors in determining the performance with respect to speed and weight carrying capacity. Their speeds can range from around 35 MPH at the low end, to nearly 100 MPH at the high end, with most wings performing well in the 45 to 70 MPH range at cruise.  Because of their higher speed, they are a great cross-country aircraft, and offer a bit of a sporty feel similar to what one might enjoy from that of a convertible, a motorcycle, or an ATV. But here you're flying... that adds a whole new dimension to the thrill! Like the powered parachute, they offer a clear, unobstructed  view in nearly every direction; making excellent aerial photography or observation platforms.

These are not all-weather vehicles; they can generally handle a bit more wind than the powered parachute, but become uncomfortable in winds of 10 -15 MPH and up.  They are not quite as convenient to transport as the powered parachute, although not overly cumbersome.  Depending on the model, they take around an hour or so to dis-assemble for trailering, and about the same to set back up again for flight.  Most pilots find it more convenient to leave them set up rather than take them down each time.  They typically use a couple of hundred feet more runway than the powered parachute, but are still excellent short field aircraft.

Training times vary but usually range from 12 to 25 hours of flight time, with a minimum of 20 hours required for a sport pilot license.

We are not currently scheduling sport pilot courses for weight shift control aircraft, but we do plan to add this course soon, so please check back later if this is the course you'd like.

[Back to Top] [Fixed Wing] [Powered Parachutes] 

"More fun than you've ever had in your back yard..."

These are without question the simplest of all aircraft to learn to fly. They have two basic flight controls: engine power for altitude (up and down movement), and foot operated steering for motion to the left or right.  They fly at a relatively constant speed that can vary slightly depending on the size of the parachute and the total weight of the vehicle, but usually ranges somewhere between 28 and 35 MPH.   Because of this, they are not as well suited as some of the other types of aircraft for cross-country trips of much length.  They are to be flown only in calm wind, (5 to 7 mph or less, depending on the skill of the pilot) and are least capable of handling higher winds of any of the light sport aircraft.   Due to their slow speed and simplistic operation, however, they provide for a most peaceful & relaxing flight.  

Many folks find enjoyment in floating just over the treetops or cornfields in calm, smooth air that is often found in the early morning and late evening hours of the day.  They are generally able to handle more weight than the other types of light sport aircraft because of the large surface area of the wing (the parachute), and the light wing loading that this provides.  They make excellent observation platforms for crops or cattle, and can safely take off and land within just a few hundred feet.  Because of this, many folks have a back yard that is plenty big enough for a powered parachute, and due to their quick and easy set-up and take-down, they can be conveniently stored in most any garage or yard shed and flown from home, or trailered to a nearby airstrip.  This is truly a back yard aircraft, and a great way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon barbeque with friends or neighbors.  Most folks can learn to fly safely in three hours of training or less!  The minimum flight time required for a sport pilot license in these aircraft is 12 hours. 

We are not currently scheduling sport pilot courses for powered parachutes.  However, if you are already a powered parachute pilot and would like to take the sport pilot proficiency flight test for your sport pilot license in powered parachutes, we can provide that for you.  Please contact us for more information.

[Back to Top] [Fixed Wing] [Trikes]

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We provide accelerated pilot training and sport pilot training courses for residents of Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia & Washington D.C., Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusets, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming as well as  citizens of Canada, Puerto Rico, and other countries.  To inquire about the closest training location to your area, please contact us by telephone or e-mail with your request.