Student Weight May Cause a Wait - The Gravity of the Problem in LSAs

This is a cautionary tale with a positive outcome - however, it could have ended up rather poorly, and I want to share my experiences so that others can understand how this sensitive issue can affect those who wish to pursue the SP rating or transition to an LSA.

So, a Pilot walks into a Flight School and....


Ok, so it's not exactly the start of a stellar joke.  However, if you are considering being a student Sport Pilot, or are looking to get checked out in Type (LSA) or regain currency and transition to LSA Type, you may find yourself in an unexpected situation, and this is before actually getting airborne!

To put it simply and without further corny joking, I think it is important that we 'pilot types' (who may sometimes be accused of being overly optimistic) be advised to heed the 'Light' part of 'Light Sport Aircraft'.  Unlike the many articles and publications already written about what the characteristics of a conforming LSA are, I instead want to focus purely on the general concept of 'useful load'.   For detailed information about LSA conformance specs and useful load, please refer to www.eaa.org

To the point: The useful load of an LSA may be less than you think.  Further, if you (like me) are an optimist, then hearing the words "The useful weight of our C162 is 480lbs" may not give you pause until you consider that 24 Gallons of Fuel @6 lbs/g + yourself and your instructor my be problematic.

I submit my own experience with the amazing folks at Aero Safety Training Lincoln Park, NJ...

For those who have never met me in person, please assume that I am a broad shouldered, 6'4" weighing 220.   For those who have met me, you can assume that I am not that tall, and weigh less, however the proportions are different!

So, (once again),  a student walks into a flight school for his first lesson in a Cessna 162 (SkyCatcher).  He is early.  There are nice people around chatting enjoyably.  There is coffee.  The mood is infectious, and I soon find myself kidding around with students and instructors alike and then I confirm that I am the 'new' SP student and do my ID paperwork etc.

After this is complete the gentlemen who will be instructing me takes me into the nicely appointed conference room and I get set to resume the familiar rhythms that pervade all flight training. Instead, my instructor fixes me with a compassionate gaze and gently says "It's not you... It's me..."

Now, I have been known to tell joke or two, so I retort, "I haven't even blown a maneuver yet and already you're BREAKING UP WITH ME?????"

Truth be told, he was.   Despite the care and consideration with which he handled the situation, the simple truth was that my instructor is indeed quite tall. Between the two of us, we would only be able to take 1 hour of fuel (with reserve of course) on all my dual instructon flights!  Although technically doable, such an arrangement would be sub-optimal for both my progress and the school.

Fortunately for me, there are several talented instructors at Aero Safety, and one of them was shorter and quite thin.

With weight and balance calculations verified, I was on my way - though not that day!