Comments on: Reason No. 151

By: David Jack Kenny

David Jack Kenny — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:28:34 +0000

Excellent question, Mr. Boyle!

The FARs are probably less restrictive on this point than some of the participating groups. Most of the Angel Flight and affiliated organizations, for example, require at least a private pilot’s certificate with instrument rating even for flights in daytime VFR. I don’t know how they’d respond to pilots with those credentials who’ve chosen to operate as sport pilots, particularly if the aircraft isn’t IFR-equipped, but it might be worth asking.

Demonstration flights would certainly be a possibility, whether something like Joyce Rust’s “Grey Eagles” program, one of the Women Fly It Forward events geared toward bringing more women and girls into aviation, the EAA’s Young Eagles, or community open house at the airport. Animal transports with Pilots N Paws, Animal Rescue Flights, or any of the other rescue groups would certainly be possible within the limitations of the airplane. You’d need to look at what size of crate could fit where and/or think about whether you’d be comfortable flying with an unfamiliar dog harnessed to the belts in the co-pilot’s seat.

One use that would be particularly well suited to either vintage high-wing airplanes operated as LSAs or some of the new models with bubble canopies would be to help conservation groups with land-use surveys, where lower altitudes, slower cruise speeds, and great visibility are all assets. I used to take the local coordinator for the North Carolina Coastal Federation up to look for damage to the wetlands of the barrier islands, but flying 1,000 agl at 90 knots and maneuvering to get a look around the wings wasn’t entirely comfortable in my Arrow.

And, of course, there’s a certain public benefit to just taking friends who’ve never been in a light airplane out for a first flight. I hope you’ll let me know what you come up with.

– DJK

By: thomas boyle

thomas boyle — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:37:44 +0000

Since many sport pilots (or private pilots flying on sport privileges) are at a point in life where they have a bit more time than most, what – if any – types of public benefit flying can be done on Sport Pilot privileges?

By: Tanya

Tanya — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:44:19 +0000

I’ve made several Pilots n Paws flights. http://pilotsnpaws.org/ Helping to save those that can’t speak is very rewarding and a great reason to go lubricate the engine. You can do just one flight and still make a huge difference to several lives.

By: KIm Purcell

KIm Purcell — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:25:32 +0000

I finally got to do my first Pilots and Paws flight for a very sweet 80 lb American Bulldog named Kyser. I picked him up in Winnemucca Nv and flew to Santa Rosa CA where he’s to be trained as a service dog. I was the best reason to get the Bonanza out for a good flight and it made alot of people and one dog very happy

By: Michele

Michele — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:06:57 +0000

I concur with all my heart. 51 “Missions” and 234 furry souls saved.

http://www.safeandsoundpets.com/doggyrescue.html

Even though I don’t have a commercial ticket, I charge each passenger…. One sloppy puppy kiss is all it costs for a flight to a better life. Don’t tell the FAA.

By: Joyce Rust

Joyce Rust — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:35:57 +0000

I once read this quote:
“The ultimate responsibility of the pilot is to fulfill the dreams of the countless millions of earthbound ancestors who could only stare skyward and dream.”

I’ve taken it to heart and made it my responsibility to introduce as many people to flying as possible. I’ve started a program I call ‘Grey Eagles’, taking senior citizens up, in some cases for their first flight, and in most cases their first in a small GA aircraft. The rewards are great.