FloridaPilots

I really didn't know about it until my CFI told me. Can't wait to follow in @cnoe shoes!

Thank you, I appreciate the encouragement! No restrictions on distance, you can actually fly to the Bahamas if you want: http://www.flyingmag.com/training/learn-fly/sport-or-recreational-pilot-vs-private-pilot

The studies are the same as a PPL, (Written, Checkride..etc) so you won't be learning two different things to confuse you. The written test is 40 questions and I believe you need a 70 to pass.

I'm going the sport pilot route but as my CFI said if it's going to make me a better pilot I'm all for it. From what I know a Sport Pilot is the halfway mark to a PPL. If I have a Sport Pilot license I cannot: *Fly at night *Cannot enter class B C D airspace unless endorsed by a CFI. *Cannot go higher than 10,000 feet. *Cannot fly with more than one passenger. *Cannot go faster than 120 knots. As a Sport Pilot I can *Use a drivers license as a medical (I already have a 3rd class) *Fly only light sport aircraft (Piper J2 and J3, Aeronca Champ, Ercoupe..etc) *20 Hours total which you CAN use towards the PPL (Notice it's the halfway mark to a PPL) 15 Hours Flight Training from a CFI and 5 Hours solo I know some are saying that this is an inefficient way to achieve your PPL. I think of it as a stepping stone to get to where I'm going to be...time will tell. *

No worries, I wanted to go the PPL route first but he told me to learn to fly as a sport pilot first....in a tail dragger no less Wish me luck!

So, After you guys freaked me out saying to go and check his ratings I did that and here they are: ATP (Airplane Single Engine Land) Commercial (Airplane single engine sea) (Airplane Multi Engine Land) (Glider) Flight Instructor (Airplane Single Engine) (Instrument Airplane) (Expires Aug 2018) Mechanic (Airframe, Powerplant) Everything he told me is true. I'm going to trust him until otherwise proven. Thanks!

I got that a lot here on this board about the Sport Pilot. I'm going to trust my CFI until I have a reason not to. I'm going to enjoy the extra flight time flying around, this will be my very first experience with a cert so I will be happy but not satisfied.

Will do with the You Tube thing With my limited airplane experience I would say the one with 1,000 hours on a 5 year old overhaul and is flying 200 hours per year. The reason I believe is because airplanes aren't meant to sit in a hangar or even worse a tie down outside with the elements. In my location in Florida we are by the water, Corrosion is a big factor here in Florida but so is hangar space I believe, (I could be wrong). If your plane is outside constantly wash the plane to keep dust and the elements off. Don't have to worry about snow too much which I'm grateful for. I lived up north in the past!

I just came up with a valid idea. Instead of me writing everything out, I will bring my GoPro with me every time so we can all pick up something or just laugh at me fumbling away. I will wear it in ground school as well as the flights so I can look it over more than once. Done deal! I know I'm a little ahead of myself but what can you guys tell me about a Mooney 201 J? How do you like it? What is a good price?

Hello, What made you pick an E over other models? How did you start out?

Love it!! I will get it when I get my first cert.

Will do sir!!

He does have a light sport. The plane that I will learn in is a Champ. He also owns a Cessna 172 and a Ercoupe (I think that is how it's typed out). He told me that once you learn how to fly then you can fly a Cessna. The Champ, (I got in today) doesn't have that many instruments. I will go up after Sun and Fun that weekend (22nd and 23rd). Going to have a lot of seminar time this coming weekend at Sun and Fun which I'm excited about. Hopefully I might run into one of you Mooneymen! I'm going to look for a J and ask the owner if I can sit in one. Never been in one!!

Update: Just got my 3rd class medical. I didn't want to go the drivers license route with the sport pilot and then 3rd class with the PPL so I got that first. so I have a temporary one and I also ffilled out the form with my CFI for the student cert. Things are rolling. I also got the a book called stick and rudder which my CFI told me to read this first. Going to tackle that while my king courses come in the mail. Hopefully I get my hours in before the weather hits, (Rainy season)!

I just paid for the full course and once done I will pay for the PPL. I have the time on weekends both days. How can you verify this?

Hello, He told me that he was a CFI. He has about 3 planes parked at the airport with hangars. I don't think he is going anywhere, he is also known all around the airport and has been a local CFI for over 20 years. I asked the Airport manager about him first before approaching him. I'm pretty sure he is going to deliver on his promise without me feeling cheated. I also asked pilots at the airport about him and some have gotten their license, (PPL) from him. If I have to take another 40 hours for the PPL I will be okay with it, the extra flight time will benefit me in the long run. I will not go with my flight instructor now for the PPL but will change it up and I will pursue learning in an arrow at Tampa Bay Aviation. Unless I can learn in a Mooney after the sport.

I didn't meet the owner of the Mooney I believe it was a C model

I appreciate all that responded! I sat down with the instructor and he told me to pursue the sport first because it will make you a better pilot. I'm going to learn in a tail dragger because he said that your landings will be much more accurate and you have to fly the plane all the way to the ground. I respect him, he has flown longer than I have been born 45+ years. He charges 135/hr for everything, plane, fuel and instructor. I did some research and it's a really good deal. Not only that it's down the block from my house. I tried to think through everything with my limited knowledge I wanted to go the PPL route first but he said no. So I paid in full for the sport, even if it takes me longer I am happy I get to fly which I'm nervous and excited at the same time....if that makes any sense. PS I just figured out how to use the settings and updated my bio. Thanks!

Good morning, I went to an EAA event on Saturday for the first time at Manatee airport here in Florida (48X) it's a grass strip, I had a great time. Someone had a Mooney on display and I was automatically drawn to it over the others because I would like to fly myself and my wife around the states and beyond. I was automatically inspired to learn how to fly so I can purchase a Mooney in the future, (2018). I don't have much experience and I'm just starting out, (Many intro flights in the past). What I have on my side is I like to read a lot and I have read a ton of airplane books. Long story short I met up with a CFI at the airport and paid for my lessons to go up with him. He told me to get my Sport Pilot license first which is what I'm going to do and then get the PPL. So here is the plan: #1. Obtain Sport Pilot License. #2. Once you have your Sport work on the PPL in a retractable gear airplane (Piper Arrow at Tampa Bay Aviation). #3. Look for Hangar space, (Preferably at 48X). #4. Purchase a Mooney J 201 What do you guys think? Any helpful Feedback would be appreciated! I'm here to stay and learn of all things MOONEY!! Thanks, Roshard