Van Stumpner, Federal Aviation Administration
Van Stumpner has just put the finishing touches on an on-line course that will allow existing Amateur Built Aircraft Designated Airworthiness Representatives (DARs) to pick up the additional function code to do the same kind of inspections for Light Sport Aircraft (LSA). He tells us about how that course should help make LSA DARs more available. While we have him with us, we'll also ask how those wanting to become a DAR can do that. Click to download FAA Order 8130-33 (PDF) with the DAR Application Form. Designee Information and Links, FAA Sport Pilot Branch (8/8/06)

Dan Johnson, Light Aircraft Manufacturing Association
Dan Johnson joins us this time to talk about the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association. LAMA has put together an auditing program that will allow aircraft producers to have an outside set of eyes to verify that they are doing things according to ASTM standards. Dan explains what all that means to LSA owners. ByDanJohnson.com, LAMA (8/8/06)

Dr. John Hastings, Chairman, EAA Aeromedical Advisory Council
Recently a story was published in Texas where the operations director of the Mesquite City Airport told the Dallas Morning News regarding sport pilots, "If they don't have to get a medical, or if there are ones who do this because they can't pass the medical, then they probably shouldn't be flying." While the newspaper seemed satisfied with her medical opinion, we talk with Dr. Hastings, who probably knows just a little more about the medical issues regarding sport aviation. Learn some things that didn't make the headlines. Experimental Aircraft Association (7/11/06)

Paul Hamilton, Adventure Productions
The new test questions are now part of the FAA Knowledge Test for Sport Pilots. Where there once was one test, now there are seven. Paul Hamilton tells us how to get the additional questions (and their answers) to prepare for the knowledge tests. Adventure Productions (7/11/06)

Amy Wiley, Wiley Wales Powerchutes LLC
Amy Wiley recently completed the Light-Sport Aircraft Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR) Course in Oklahoma City. Since then, she has followed through on the process and become a DAR. We congratulate her on becoming the first woman in the Sport Pilot DAR program and talk with her about her impressions of the program. Wiley Wales Powerchutes LLC (7/11/06)

Van Stumpner, Federal Aviation Administration
There is a lot of confusion about Experimental Light Sport Aircraft certificates. Van Stumpner joins us from the Light Sport Aviation Branch to talk about the three options in FAR §21.191 under which someone can get an E-LSA certificate for their aircraft and how those options compare with each other. We also get an update on the latest DAR graduating class. Light Sport Aviation Branch (Part 1) (6/27/06)

Van Stumpner, Federal Aviation Administration
There is a lot of confusion about Experimental Light Sport Aircraft certificates. Van Stumpner joins us from the Light Sport Aviation Branch to talk about the three options in FAR §21.191 under which someone can get an E-LSA certificate for their aircraft and how those options compare with each other. We also get an update on the latest DAR graduating class. Light Sport Aviation Branch (Part 2) (6/27/06)

Dale Hooper, United States Ultralight Association, Inc.
Jeff Goin, United States Powered Paragliding Association
USUA and USPPA have entered into an agreement that will provide the PPG pilot the advantage of the resources of the oldest powered ultralight organization in the US, and provide the USUA member the opportunity to participate in a truly unique and exciting form of ultralighting. Dale and Jeff tell us all about it. United States Ultralight Association United States Powered Paragliding Association (6/27/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim talks about the recent announcement from Rotax that their two-stroke 582 Engine has met ASTM standards. He talks about how this can impact the affordability of light sport aircraft. Dan also has news about the upcoming LSA mall to be part of the Northwest Regional Fly-In and more. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF. (6/27/06)

Doug Maas Six Chuter, Inc.
Doug Maas just got back from the very first Designated Pilot Examiner course in 2006. He talks about his impressions of the course. He also gives us an update on the S-LSA project being worked on by Six Chuter. He talks about flying the prototype for the new side-by-side powered parachute. Six Chuter, Inc. (6/20/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim Sweeney talks with us about the hard reality of transition times to Sport Pilot. Ultralight Pilots have until January 31st, 2007 to grandfather into Sport Pilots. While some people want to believe that date will be pushed out, all signals from the FAA are that they won't be. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF. (6/20/06)

Chris Dancy, AOPA
Chris Dancy joins us from the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association to talk about AOPA's petition to let pilots that have lost their medicals be able to fly under recreational pilot privileges with a "driver's license medical". Chris gives us the background on this idea and what it will mean to pilots. Airplane Owners and Pilots Association (6/13/06)

Larry Clymer, FAA Light Sport Aviation Branch
Larry Clymer joins us to answer some Sport Pilot questions that have come in over the past weeks. We focus on pilots that want to use their private pilot certificates to fly under sport pilot. What pilots need to do to fly airplanes, or what they need to do to operate weight shift control or powered parachutes. We also talk about when make and model endorsements are needed and how to get them. Light Sport Aviation Branch (6/6/06)

Randy Hansen, EAA
It seems that gasoline is on everyone's mind nowadays and it really should be on a lot of pilots' minds. Because while most people are worried about the price of fuel, pilots that use autofuel for their aircraft have bigger concerns. Pilots need to know the issues surrounding the reformulation of fuel, mainly the addition of Ethanol to gasoline. Randy Hansen has been studying the issue and talks to us about it. EAA.org. (5/30/06)

Larry Culver, FAA AFS-630
The Sport Pilot Knowledge Test, the computerized multiple choice test that pilots take as an important part of becoming Sport Pilots, has been changed. Where there once was one generic test, very soon there will be seven new tests that include questions from the different categories of aircraft such as weight shift control, airplane, and powered parachute. Larry Culver is one of the FAA people that created the tests and he tells us about the process. (5/16/06)

Shawn Okun, Float Planes And Amphibs
Last week we learned about Alexis Peltier's tangle with the FAA in Key West, Florida. Alexis is the Kenyan delegate to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale's Microlight Commission. Shortly after his story was told here on UltraFlight Radio, he got the call he was waiting for to get the process moving forward. (Many thanks to somebody.) Shawn Okun catches us up with Alexis' trip and tells us about the changes in itinerary for the year. Float Planes & Amphibs (5/16/06)

Dale Hooper, United States Ultralight Association
Dale Hooper joins us to give us the latest from the USUA. A committee has been formed specifically to address concerns from USUA clubs. Clubs have specific needs like insurance and airport access that need work. Also, USUA has just announced a BFI Program Rate Change. BFI fees are now priced at $75 per year. BFI ratings are still valuable to both the instructors and the flying community, but now this makes them a value, too. United States Ultralight Association (5/9/06)

Lee Parker
Lee Parker tells the unfolding story of Alexis Peltier's tangle with the FAA in Key West, Florida. Alexis is the Kenyan delegate to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale's Microlight Commission. He's attempting to fly from Chile to Kenya on a flight that is meant to draw the public's attention to migrating birds. Instead, it seems to have drawn the attention of every enforcement agency in the United States. Grounded in Florida and with a limited window of time to complete the journey, we're trying find someone in the US that can help Alexis to get on his way. (5/9/06)

Larry Clymer, Federal Aviation Administration Sport Pilot Branch
We visit with Larry Clymer about how sport pilots can get training from Ultralight Instructors. Yes, the BFIs and UFIs from the Ultralight organizations can provide the required aeronautical experience for students wanting to become sport pilots. We get the right details for both the students and for the instructors wanting to provide that training. Also, the next DPE course has been filled with applicants. We learn what is going on there. FAA Sport Pilot Branch. (5/2/06)

Eulalie Langford
Eulalie Langford is the former state representative from Idaho that helped take up the cause of a rancher that wanted to use his powered parachute for predator control. It turned out that the effort took more than passing a state law to allow aerial hunting. Environmentalists turned in the "aerial gunner" to the FAA, who initially shut down the practice despite the state law. Now there is an agreement worked out that involves (of all things) the new Sport Pilot regulations. Listen in for a great story. (4/25/06)

Dale Hooper, United States Ultralight Association
Dale Hooper talks about recent USUA activity at Sun 'n Fun. For the first time ever, USUA had both their Board Meeting and their General Membership Meeting in Florida. We catch up with Dale's week in the Sun. United States Ultralight Association (Part 1) (4/18/06)

Dale Hooper, United States Ultralight Association
Dale Hooper talks about recent USUA activity at Sun 'n Fun. For the first time ever, USUA had both their Board Meeting and their General Membership Meeting in Florida. We catch up with Dale's week in the Sun. United States Ultralight Association (Part 2) (4/18/06)

Greg Gremminger, Popular Rotorcraft Association
Greg Gremminger just got back from the Board of Directors meeting for the Popular Rotor craft Association. Lots of news came from that PRA meeting and Greg updates us on what is going on with the association. Popular Rotorcraft Association (4/4/06)

Edsel Ford, FAA Light Sport Aviation Branch
Van Stumpner, FAA Light Sport Aviation Branch
Edsel Ford and Van Stumpner join us to talk about aircraft markings and placarding. Sport Pilot is requiring aircraft owners to find ways to put N-numbers on their aircraft. Edsel and Van talk about how to do it; even on aircraft like powered parachutes and trikes. We also learn about placarding requirements for the mystery switches that a lot of pilots install and don't mark. Learn some of the things it takes to get your aircraft ready for an airworthiness inspection. Light Sport Aviation Branch (3/21/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
There have been some questions about Mode C veils, Light Sport Aircraft and encoding transponders. What do you do as an N-numbered aircraft flying in the Mode C veil? Luckily we have Jim Sweeney available to sort out what you need to do to keep yourself straight. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF. (Part 1) (3/21/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
There have been some questions about Mode C veils, Light Sport Aircraft and encoding transponders. What do you do as an N-numbered aircraft flying in the Mode C veil? Luckily we have Jim Sweeney available to sort out what you need to do to keep yourself straight. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF. (Part 2) (3/21/06)

Earl Lawrence, EAA Vice-President of Government and Industry Relations
It is spring and legislatures across the land are once again trying to mandate that all gasoline sold in their states contain Ethanol. We talk about two specific proposals, one in Washington State and the other in Missouri. These proposals put a burden not just on ultralight and experimental aircraft owners, but also on owners of vintage cars, motorboats, and other recreational vehicles. We talk about what pilots in the effected states can do. Experimental Aircraft Association (3/14/06)

Dale Hooper, United States Ultralight Association
A listener wrote in to ask how much extra weight was allowed on an ultralight aircraft for a ballistic recovery system. Dale Hooper gives us that number and the different possible interpretations of that number by people in the industry. He also announces the Volunteer Of The Year, Club Of The Year, Industry Award, and Communication Award winners for 2005. United States Ultralight Association (2/28/06)

Larry Clymer, FAA Light Sport Aviation Branch
Congratulations to Larry Clymer, who was just named the new Branch Manager for the Light Sport Aviation Branch. He takes time out from getting settled into his new role to talk about what he sees as the focus of the branch over the next year. Light Sport Aviation Branch (2/14/06)

Dale Hooper, United States Ultralight Association
Dale Hooper tells us about what is going on in the world of microlight competition. He has the results of the 2005 National Points Championships and news of how USUA is going to be approaching competition in the next year or so. United States Ultralight Association (2/14/06)

Tom Gunnarson, Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association
We talk with Tom Gunnarson, the new president of LAMA. Tom has helped manufacturers get their aircraft through the S-LSA process. Tom talks about the process and how manufacturers are working through it. Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (2/7/06)

Dale Hooper, United States Ultralight Association
Dale Hooper catches us up with some USUA news. He talks about his travels to Washington DC and the meetings there about the ADIZ that has restricted general aviation air traffic and all but prohibited ultralight traffic. Dale also talks about powered paraglider insurance and releases the name of this year's Moody Award winner. United States Ultralight Association (1/31/06)

Edsel Ford, FAA Light Sport Aviation Branch
Edsel Ford talks to us about how you can transition your heavy ultralight or ultralight trainer into an Experimental-Light Sport Aircraft (E-LSA) certification. He talks about common aircraft owner questions, who to see to get the certification done, and the things that need to be done before the appointment with a designated airworthiness representative (DAR) is made. Light Sport Aviation Branch (Part 1) (1/24/06)

Edsel Ford, FAA Light Sport Aviation Branch
Edsel Ford talks to us about how you can transition your heavy ultralight or ultralight trainer into an Experimental-Light Sport Aircraft (E-LSA) certification. He talks about common aircraft owner questions, who to see to get the certification done, and the things that need to be done before the appointment with a designated airworthiness representative (DAR) is made. Light Sport Aviation Branch (Part 1) (1/24/06)

Eric Tucker, Rotax Owners Association
Eric Tucker is in the US and conducting a Rotax maintenance class for Mike Stratman at California Power Systems. He visits with us before the class starts about some of the ASTM standards for Special Light Sport Aircraft (S-LSA). Eric is Vice-Chairman of the ASTM committee overseeing all of the S-LSA standards, so he sees a lot of what is going on. Rotax Owners Association (1/24/06)

Dan Johnson, ByDanJohnson.com
Dan Johnson joins us for the first time as the new Chairman of the Light Aircraft Manufacturing Association (LAMA) Board of Directors. He does a review of the Sebring Light Sport Aviation Expo and talks about the plans for the sport pilot tour in 2006. ByDanJohnson.com (1/17/06)

Dan Defelici, Sport Aircraft Works
Dan Defelici joins us to talk about a Notice for Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that will permit the Czech Aircraft Works to be issued a special airworthiness certificate in the light-sport category for the Mermaid aircraft. This is significant because the Mermaid aircraft is an amphibious aircraft equipped with landing gear that can be retracted and extended while in flight. This has been a problem with the Light Sport Aircraft rules because of the language pertaining to amphibs. This NPRM has a very short fuse since the comment period ends on January 24, 2006. This is a chance for the sport aviation community to come together to help change the rules for the better. Sport Aircraft Works (1/17/06)

Kevin Kochersberger, Ph.D., Rochester Institute of Technology
Dr. Kochersberger, a Rochester Institute of Technology professor, has put together the first course for powered parachute owners to become certified to perform their own annual inspections on Experimental Light Sport Aircraft. He talks about how the first class went and what powered parachute owners took home from the process. He also talks about his upcoming course for fixed-wing E-LSA owners. (1/10/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim Sweeney talks about the different types of aircraft certifications and how they all fit together. This really helps to show where Special Light Sport Aircraft and Experimental Light Sport Aircraft fit into the big picture. Check out the Special Airworthiness page we set up to help explain some of the details. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (Part 1) (1/10/06)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim Sweeney talks about the different types of aircraft certifications and how they all fit together. This really helps to show where Special Light Sport Aircraft and Experimental Light Sport Aircraft fit into the big picture. Check out the Special Airworthiness page we set up to help explain some of the details. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (Part 2) (1/10/06)

Larry Burke, Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association
Larry Burke, Founder and President of the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association, with the approval of the LAMA Board of Directors, has appointed two Board Directors, Dan Johnson as Board Chairman and Tom Gunnarson as President of LAMA. Larry joins us to talk about the purpose and history of LAMA and to give us an idea of what to look forward to in the future. Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association(1/3/06)

Paul Wells, United States Ultralight Association
USUA has formed a new committee, dedicated to the issues surrounding the ultralight and microlight competition environment in the U.S. While this type of group is not new to USUA, this new committee reflects a revitalization of the interest USUA is placing on competition in the coming years. Topics ranging from the national and international sanctioning of meets and events, to day to day scoring and maintenance issues associated with the USUA Competition program will be discussed by this group. These advisors to USUA will discuss, design and present competition programs and suggested changes to the USUA Board Of Directors. Paul Wells is the Chairman of the committee and he will tell us what is being discussed. United States Ultralight Association (12/13/05)

Michael Huffman, Sport Aviation Specialties
Michael Huffman has a newly accepted 16-hour training course for owners of experimental light-sport aircraft (E-LSAs) to prepare them for an FAA repairman certificate. He tells us how students can apply to their local FSDO office for issuance of the repairman certificate and how that will allow them to perform the annual condition inspection on their E-LSA following successful completion of the course. Sport Aviation Specialties (12/13/05)

Edsel Ford, FAA Light Sport Aviation Branch
Edsel Ford joins us to talk about how someone can become a Designated Airworthiness Representative and help transition two place ultralight trainers into Experimental Light Sport Aircraft (E-LSA). He offers us tips on how to apply and talks about how to make your application look good to the Selection Board. Light Sport Aviation Branch (12/6/05)

Tomas Backman - CIMA President
Congratulations to Tomas Backman, who was just re-elected as president of CIMA, the FAI Microlight Committee. Tomas joins us to review what was discussed, what was settled on, and what was scheduled at this year's CIMA meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland about a week ago. International Microlight Commission of FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) (11/22/05)

Mo Sheldon, Airparamo
When Mo Sheldon was with us last time, we talked about his powered paragliding operation that operates from the Phoenix Regional Airport. There are problems now with that relationship and Mo joins us to talk about what is going on. Airparamo (11/22/05)

Charlie Becker, Experimental Aircraft Association
Skystar Aircraft, manufacturer of the Kitfox kit aircraft, declared bankruptcy last month. That left some aircraft builders with unfulfilled, fully paid Rotax engine orders who discovered that they would be getting neither their engines nor their money back. EAA is helping coordinate an effort to take a little bit of the sting out of the situation. They are working to provide a preferred pricing discount program for Kitfox builders who paid for but did not receive their engines. Charlie Becker joins us to talk about what may be a one-time deal to get this very favorable pricing on Rotax engines for those that were hurt by the bankruptcy. Experimental Aircraft Association, Sport Plane LLC, http://kitfox.lazair.com/ (11/15/05)

Tad Hurst, Director of Region 3, United States Hang Gliding Association
Tad Hurst has been working on the issue of including powered harnesses in the USHGA. That means -for the most part- powered paragliders. Tad talks about the pros and cons of the issue from the members' and the Association's points of view. Also, Tad was at the memorial service for Alan Chuculate from San Diego. Alan, who touched a lot of people's lives, was killed on November 5th in a trike crash while landing in Mexico. Tad reports on the service and talks a little about Alan. United States Hang Gliding Association (Part 1) (11/15/05)

Tad Hurst, Director of Region 3, United States Hang Gliding Association
Tad Hurst has been working on the issue of including powered harnesses in the USHGA. That means -for the most part- powered paragliders. Tad talks about the pros and cons of the issue from the members' and the Association's points of view. Also, Tad was at the memorial service for Alan Chuculate from San Diego. Alan, who touched a lot of people's lives, was killed on November 5th in a trike crash while landing in Mexico. Tad reports on the service and talks a little about Alan. United States Hang Gliding Association (Part 2) (11/15/05)

Paul Hamilton, Adventure Productions
Paul Hamilton is back from the AOPA convention in Tampa, Florida. More than 8,500 people attended the show with some 1,200 airplanes flying in for the event. With more than 70 hours of seminars and 100 aircraft on display, there was a lot to do. Paul joins us to talk about the things he saw and the take that the GA world has for Sport Pilot. Adventure Productions (11/8/05)

Earl Lawrence, EAA Vice-President of Government and Industry Relations
The ASTM Light Sport Aircraft Committee meetings in Sebring, Florida finished up a week ago. Earl Lawrence, Chairman of the Committee, gives us a rundown of individual subcommittee accomplishments this year. He also talks about some of the important work being done in the "cross-cutting" committee. Experimental Aircraft Association (Part 1) (11/8/05)

Earl Lawrence, EAA Vice-President of Government and Industry Relations
The ASTM Light Sport Aircraft Committee meetings in Sebring, Florida finished up a week ago. Earl Lawrence, Chairman of the Committee, gives us a rundown of individual subcommittee accomplishments this year. He also talks about some of the important work being done in the "cross-cutting" committee. Experimental Aircraft Association (Part 2) (11/8/05)

Jon Thornburgh, Sport Pilot Designated Pilot Examiner
Jon Thornburgh became a DPE this summer and has been busy doing check rides for transitioning pilots. He takes some time to talk to us about how to prepare for the check ride, what to bring, what to expect, and what you should be able to show and do. This is great information for those preparing to make the transition to sport pilot. www.jonthornburgh.com (Part 1) (11/1/05)

Jon Thornburgh, Sport Pilot Designated Pilot Examiner
Jon Thornburgh became a DPE this summer and has been busy doing check rides for transitioning pilots. He takes some time to talk to us about how to prepare for the check ride, what to bring, what to expect, and what you should be able to show and do. This is great information for those preparing to make the transition to sport pilot. www.jonthornburgh.com (Part 2) (11/1/05)

Paul Hamilton, Adventure Productions
Last time Paul was on, we began talking about the steps that it takes to get an ultralight trainer transitioned over to Experimental-Light Sport Aircraft (E-LSA). We got through a lot of the preliminaries, but still need to cover some of the details. Paul has put together a web page that gives a lot of detail with examples of the forms that need to be filled out. Paul joins us to walk us through the process. How to Register and N Number your Non Qualifying Ultralight or Fat Ultralight as a Light Sport Aircraft. Adventure Productions (Part 1) (10/18/05)

Paul Hamilton, Adventure Productions
Last time Paul was on, we began talking about the steps that it takes to get an ultralight trainer transitioned over to Experimental-Light Sport Aircraft (E-LSA). We got through a lot of the preliminaries, but still need to cover some of the details. Paul has put together a web page that gives a lot of detail with examples of the forms that need to be filled out. Paul joins us to walk us through the process. How to Register and N Number your Non Qualifying Ultralight or Fat Ultralight as a Light Sport Aircraft. Adventure Productions (Part 2) (10/18/05)

Martin Weaver, FAA Branch Manager, Sport Pilot
Marty Weaver joins us one last time as the head of the FAA Sport Pilot Branch. With his retirement scheduled for the end of October, he shares his thoughts on the accomplishments, challenges, and future of the Sport Pilot program. (Part 1) (10/11/05)

Martin Weaver, FAA Branch Manager, Sport Pilot
Marty Weaver joins us one last time as the head of the FAA Sport Pilot Branch. With his retirement scheduled for the end of October, he shares his thoughts on the accomplishments, challenges, and future of the Sport Pilot program. (Part 2) (10/11/05)

Paul Hamilton, Adventure Productions
A lot of people are curious about how someone gets their 2-seat trainer through the N-numbering process for Sport Pilot. A few times we have promised to bring Paul Hamilton on to talk specifically about that. And each time we have not had the time to get to it. Well, this time that's what we are going to do. Paul got his trike through the process a couple of months ago. He tells us how he did it and gives us some hints to how we can work with the local FSDO office, too. Adventure Productions (Part 1) (10/4/05)

Paul Hamilton, Adventure Productions
A lot of people are curious about how someone gets their 2-seat trainer through the N-numbering process for Sport Pilot. A few times we have promised to bring Paul Hamilton on to talk specifically about that. And each time we have not had the time to get to it. Well, this time that's what we are going to do. Paul got his trike through the process a couple of months ago. He tells us how he did it and gives us some hints to how we can work with the local FSDO office, too. Adventure Productions (Part 2) (10/4/05)

Dale Hooper, United States Ultralight Association
Dale Hooper tells us what has been going on with the United States Ultralight Association. They've moved their headquarters to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. USUA is also going through elections for Regional Representatives and is offering web pages for USUA clubs. United States Ultralight Association (9/20/05)

Earl Lawrence, EAA Vice-President of Government and Industry Relations
Dan talks with Earl Johnson about the FAA services needed to sustain growth for the Sport Pilot and Light Sport Aircraft programs. Service providers are needed like instructors, DPEs, and DARs. Earl reviews the extensive survey that the EAA and FAA performed which assessed industry needs for the next 12-24 months. Experimental Aircraft Association (8/23/05)

Jim Sweeney, USUA and NAPPF Board Member
Jim Sweeney discusses the options to getting a pilot license and flying under the Sport Pilot rules. With the increased visibility that the FAA has now for the lighter side of sport aviation, it is important to know how to stay legal with ultralight aircraft if that is the way you want to go. SweeneyCorp, USUA, NAPPF (8/23/05)

Martin Weaver, FAA Branch Manager, Sport Pilot
Marty Weaver visits us for two segments. He talks about how the people within the FAA are warming to Sport Pilot as they learn more about the lighter side of aviation. He also answers a listener question about why the new Designated Pilot Examiners aren't spread out as optimally as possible. Finally, we talk about how Ultralight Flight Instructors can prepare students for sport pilot almost as easily as Certified Flight Instructors can. AFS 600, The Sport Pilot Branch (Part 1) (8/16/05)

Martin Weaver, FAA Branch Manager, Sport Pilot
Marty Weaver visits us for two segments. He talks about how the people within the FAA are warming to Sport Pilot as they learn more about the lighter side of aviation. He also answers a listener question about why the new Designated Pilot Examiners aren't spread out as optimally as possible. Finally, we talk about how Ultralight Flight Instructors can prepare students for sport pilot almost as easily as Certified Flight Instructors can. AFS 600, The Sport Pilot Branch (Part 2) (8/16/05)

Greg Gremminger, Magni Gyro
We talk with Greg Gremminger about the newly accepted ASTM standards for gyroplanes. We talk with him about what this means for manufacturers and pilots. Magni Gyro USA (8/9/05)

Paul Hamilton, Adventure Productions
Paul Hamilton is on his way home from AirVenture where he spent a lot of time in the Light Sport Aircraft area talking to pilots about their desire (and sometimes lack of desire) to convert to Sport Pilot. He also introduced his Sport Pilot Training Syllabus at the show. The training tools are becoming more available for people. Adventure Productions (8/2/05)

Dan Johnson, ByDanJohnson.com
Dan Johnson just finished a very busy week in Oshkosh, but he takes time to review with us some of the things that were accomplished at this year's show. The LSA area was a success and sales were up for everyone offering equipment that can be flown by sport pilots. Dan gives us the details. ByDanJohnson.com (Part 1) (8/2/05)

Dan Johnson, ByDanJohnson.com
Dan Johnson just finished a very busy week in Oshkosh, but he takes time to review with us some of the things that were accomplished at this year's show. The LSA area was a success and sales were up for everyone offering equipment that can be flown by sport pilots. Dan gives us the details. ByDanJohnson.com (Part 2) (8/2/05)

Martin Weaver, FAA Branch Manager, Sport Pilot
It has been awhile since Marty Weaver has been with us and there is a lot to catch up on. Sport Pilot has now been a rule for a year and Marty has been working hard to implement the rule by getting the Designated Pilot Examiners trained and in place. He tells us about how that part of the program is going and about all of the other FAA Sport Pilot News. AFS 600, The Sport Pilot Branch (Part 1) (7/26/05)

Martin Weaver, FAA Branch Manager, Sport Pilot
It has been awhile since Marty Weaver has been with us and there is a lot to catch up on. Sport Pilot has now been a rule for a year and Marty has been working hard to implement the rule by getting the Designated Pilot Examiners trained and in place. He tells us about how that part of the program is going and about all of the other FAA Sport Pilot News. AFS 600, The Sport Pilot Branch (Part 2) (7/26/05)

Earl Lawrence, EAA Vice-President of Government and Industry Relations
We visit with Earl Lawrence about the first anniversary of Sport Pilot. Last year at this time we were broadcasting live the sport pilot press conference from FAA headquarters in Washington DC. We take a lood at the first year of work with the rule to see what has been accomplished and what still needs to be done. Experimental Aircraft Association (7/19/05)

Dale Hooper, United States Ultralight Association
Dale Hooper gives us an update on the request for regulation change submitted by the USUA. Currently -by regulation- the two seat training exemptions run out very soon, probably too soon to accommodate a smooth transition to Sport Pilot. USUA is requesting a change that allows the exemptions to remain in place for a couple of years longer to help the airsport community adapt to the new regulations. Now is your chance to comment on this regulation change. United States Ultralight Association (7/12/05)

Mary Jones, Experimental Aircraft Association
Mary Jones joins us to talk about the light sport aircraft and ultralight things going on at AirVenture. This is also the one year anniversary of the Sport Pilot announcement. She also has at her fingertips some very interesting statistics from the FAA that she will share with us. I wonder how we will get everything in. www.eaa.org (7/12/05)

John Ballantyne, Trike Instructor and Designated Sport Pilot Examiner
The National Transportation Safety Board has sent an investigator to the scene of last week's crash in Jackson Hole, Wyoming that resulted in the death of John Walton. The investigator, Aaron Sauer of the NTSB's regional office in Denver, has performed an initial examination of the wreckage and had discussions with National Park Service officials and local FAA inspectors. The accident vehicle has been identified as a CGS Hawk Arrow, an experimental, kit-built airplane which means that the NTSB will conduct a typical field investigation of the accident. John Ballantyne joins us to talk about the media focus on this event and what the political ramifications may be for light and ultralight sport aviation. E-mail John (7/5/05)

Paul Hamilton, Adventure Productions
We talk about the fact that there are only 19 months left for ultralight pilots to be able to take advantage of the grandfathering into Sport Pilot. Contrast that with the nine months that have already passed since the rule became active. The good news is that Paul Hamilton just finished the last tool in a set to help make the Sport Pilot transition as painless as possible. Adventure Productions (6/28/05)

Earl Lawrence, EAA VIce President of Industry and Regulatory Affairs
Earl Lawrence joins us to talk about a new (and limited time) survey for those in the airsports world. The EAA and FAA have joined together to conduct a survey to gauge the interest level in Sport Pilot and Light-Sport Aircraft (SP/LSA). The FAA plans to use this data to help plan infrastructure development for the new recreational flying category. Earl tells us about the survey and why it is important. Take the Survey (It doesn't take much time.) (6/21/05)

Dale Hooper, United States Ultralight Association
Dale Hooper joins us to talk about a request for a regulation change that the USUA is submitting. Currently -by regulation- the exemptions run out very soon, probably too soon to accomodate a smooth transition to Sport Pilot. USUA is requesting a change that allows the exemptions to remain in place for a couple of years longer to help the sport adapt to the new regulations. United States Ultralight Association (6/14/05)

Brian & Carol Carpenter, Rainbow Aviation
The Carpenters have done something that no other sport aviation school has done. They have created an FAA approved program for the 16 hour condition inspection course for E-LSA owners. Their achievement becomes most apparent when you realize that only they and the EAA have gotten programs approved so far. Brian and Carol join us to tell us how they did it. Rainbow Aviation (6/14/05)

Rusty Sachs, NAFI Executive Director
The National Association of Flight Instructors has been presenting forums at fly-ins for flight instructors that want to learn more about Sport Pilot and how to get involved in the lighter side of the industry. We talk about when and where these talks are taking place and how instructors can benefit. National Association of Flight Instructors (6/14/05)

Paul Hamilton, Adventure Productions
Paul Hamilton just got back from the Golden West Fly-In and he gives us a report on the Fly-In, the NAFI seminars, the Sport Pilot Tour and more. He also talks about how he managed to persuade a less than enthusiastic FAA flight standards district office to get his trike an airworthiness inspection. Adventure Producti