http://www.blueskyhg.com/

I remember so well Sue Gardner saying that the FAA did not in any way wish to negatively impact the hang gliding community, businesses and growth of the sport with their Sport Pilot regulations. That was long before it came out that tug pilots would have to have their Private Pilot's License. Talk about impact.

The first thing I thought when I heard that this was a requirement was "how stupid can you get." The Private Pilot's License (PPL)  had little to do with the skills necessary to be a good and safe Dragonfly pilot. That this requirement would drive away many of our tug pilots. Why to agencies test for the wrong skills when one wishes a license?

But later it seemed as though tug pilots were going ahead and getting their Private Pilot's License and that perhaps it wouldn't be a barrier to the success of flight parks after all.

But as I visit flight parks and attend competitions I'm seeing a negative impact with perfectly great tug pilots who haven't maintained or acquired their PPL. Of course, now it is harder than ever to catch up as you don't get any credit for the hours that you flew previously.

So, how has it been where you are? Write to me if this FAA PPL requirement has had an impact on your operations, and I'll be able to write an article about the general impact.

A little Sport Pilot history from the "pages" of the Oz Report:

http://ozreport.com/6.34#6

http://ozreport.com/6.58#9

http://ozreport.com/6.216#0

http://ozreport.com/7.88#4

http://ozreport.com/7.110#1

http://ozreport.com/8.061#2

http://ozreport.com/8.151#3

http://ozreport.com/8.152#5

http://ozreport.com/8.199#6

http://ozreport.com/8.202#2

http://ozreport.com/9.180#2

http://ozreport.com/10.025#2