It is happening...

It really is beginning to come true. The first promise of the LSA (Light Sport Aircraft) was that people could fly it without a medical. That hasn’t actually happened yet on a widespread basis, mostly, as I see it, because of the insurance problem. Seems nobody wants to insure a non-medical-bearing pilot. But the second promise—that these aircraft would be used widely for trainers seems to be happening. That’s not a scientific poll, mind you, but I do see a few flight schools advertising that they have LSAs in the training fleet. I hope that spreads. The LSA really does offer a large drop in the costs of learning to fly. No, they’re not giving them away, but the price offers a tremendous advantage over the other trainers available. Old timers still gripe because it doesn’t sell as cheaply as the old J-3 Cub, but that’s not the right comparison. It sells more cheaply than standard trainers available today and that’s the big point. It also runs on a lot less fuel than other current trainers. At today’s fuel prices—and—worse yet—those to come, that looms large. Another thing—the LSAs may well increase the popularity of the small airport again. I’d love to see that. One attitude we need to avoid is the old "that-ain’t-really-flying syndrome." The customer will probably take care of that. If enough of them choose the LSA route—and all indications are that they will—they will create a demand that flight schools will flock to satisfy. Just take a look around. During the last few years ultralights, paragliders, and homebuilts have grown and spread. Remember when you’d never heard of a Rotax engine? Can LSAs be far behind? We’d love to post your comments. Please click the comment tab at the top.