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Primary Flight Training

 

L.A. Gyroplane Aviation offers gyroplane flight training for primary students, with no prior aviation experience. Below you will find a short summary of what to expect from your training and certificate once you receive it. Please use the current issue of the FAR/AIM publication for the actual text of all regulations.

Sport Pilot Certificate (Gyroplane)

All information pertaining to obtaining a sport pilot certificate are described in CFR 14, Part 61, Subpart J. To be eligible for a sport pilot certificate you must: 

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  • Be at least 17 years old;

  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English;

  • Pass a knowledge test on the applicable aeronautical knowledge areas listed in §61.309.

  • Pass a practical test on the applicable areas of operation listed in §§61.309 and 61.311. 

Aeronautical experience you must have:

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  • 20 hours of flight time, including 15 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor in a gyroplane and at least 5 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in §61.311, which must include at least:

    • ​2 hours of cross-country flight training,

    • 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport,

    • One solo cross-country flight of at least 50 nautical miles total distance, with a full-stop landing at a minimum of two points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 25 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations, and

    • 2 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor on those areas of operation specified in §61.311 in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test.

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On final approach with a student.._

​Some of the privileges and limits of your sport pilot certificate are:

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  • You may act as pilot in command of a light-sport aircraft, except as specified below.

  • You may share the operating expenses of a flight with a passenger.
     

  • You may NOT act as pilot in command of a light-sport aircraft:​

    • For compensation or hire, or in furtherance of a business.

    • While carrying more than one passenger.

    • At night.

    • In Class B, C, and D airspace, or at an airport having an operational control tower unless you have received specific training and endorsement from a CFI.

    • To demonstrate the aircraft in flight to a prospective buyer if you are an aircraft salesperson.

    • At an altitude of more than 10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher.

    • When the flight or surface visibility is less than 3 statute miles.

    • Without visual reference to the surface.

​​Once you get your sport pilot certificate and would like to fly in Class B, C, or D airspace, or at an airport having an operational control tower, you must receive and log ground and flight training. Your CFI must provide a logbook endorsement that certifies you are proficient in the following aeronautical knowledge areas and areas of operation:

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  • The use of radios, communications, navigation system/facilities, and radar services.

  • 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.

  • Applicable flight rules of CFR 14, part 91 for operations in Class B, C, and D airspace and air traffic control clearances.

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