Learing to fly PiperSport in Silicon Valley, CA

[Tittu Singh]

Hello:

Wondering, if anyone knows, if anyone offers classes on PiperSport.  Also, wondering, is LSA more safe to fly or regular small planes.  I did do a google search, seems like one plane crashed in LA.  I am looking for an idiot proof plane, is PiperSport that one, I have been looking

[Urs Heim]

Tittu
There is no "idiot proof" plane - just as there are no crash proof cars. Some aircraft are more complex, some less. You start out with an airplane that is less demanding and progress to something more complicated, if you are looking for something that takes higher skills.
Flying, be it a hangglider, a sailplane, a single engine trainer or an airliner requires a lot of dedication, diligence, preparation, skill, and a healthy amount of self criticism and selfconfidence.
If you think you are up to it - go ahead and look up a Piper Dealer in your area on the Piper website. There are two schools that have SportCruisers (alias Piper Sport) in Southern California.

Good luck
Urs

[Tittu Singh]

Thanks Urs:

What do you think is the probability of getting killed in PiperSport Vs. Diamond DA20

Thanks
Tittu

[Ben Fitzgerald-O'Connor]

Hi All - From April, the SportCruiser / PiperSport can be flown for training in the USA, and is a safe plane to learn in - as mentioned, no plane is completely idiot proof, but the SportSruiser has already proven itself around the world in the training role in countries where it has already been permitted over the last few years. This means that whilst it is a new trainier in US & Europe, it is already fettled for the role.

We look closely at any accidents in the aircraft to look for patterns and issues, and happily can so far report that there have been few incidents, and these all the type that could happen to any plane. Given the low stall speed - approx 27 kts with full flap - if you ever needed to do a forced landing, then this is a doddle, and on top of this, should you have an issue in the air, then the BRS system gives a high level of confidence in flying the plane.

[Tittu Singh]

Cool - then what is this issue with pitch - it says it is very sensitive. Also someone mentioned that while coming to land, a new pilot can get into spin.

Can a person get killed in a forced landing you mentioned. Do they teach forced landing during training

Wondering, if you know of an expert teacher, in Northern California - who can teach how to fly this plane
Thanks
Tittu

[Bob Herrick]

Tittu
Aircraft are like automobiles, they don't kill you, you kill yourself, and maybe some other people also. From the time you leave your house to go flying you need to have a different attitude than you do in every day life. Flying will kill you real fast, if you don't pay attention. Pay attention, be safe, don't take any chances and you'll be fine. If you think about getting killed all the time, you'll be too tenative and you won't learn because it is a negative attitude. Maybe you weren't made to fly.

[Jerzy Krupinski]

Tittu, it´s true that pitch is very sensitive, but with time you get used to it. I actually enjoy it very much. You have to use a trim a lot and plane goes smoothly. I don´´t think it is necessary to correct the pitch as Piper wants to do.

[Tittu Singh]

Do you think, i can learn to fly, with a parachute on..in case the plane is about to crash. I jump off it ...Has anyone tried that

Thanks
Tittu

[Wayne Ferson]

Tittu:

There are few reasons the "plane would be about to crash." One is, if you had a midair collision that damaged the plane beyond flyability. Then, you would pop the BRS chute. People wear parachutes to do aerobatics. But then you need a door with quick-release pins. Otherwise, you can't open the door against with wind to "jump out." Better to listen to what Bob and Urs have said above. Flying is not for everyone, but for some its a passion! WF

[David & Jean-Marie Bonnar]

Hi Tittu -
I'd be happy to show you our SportCruiser (now sold as the PiperSport). Safety is a long discussion and there are good things and bad things between the S-LSA and type certified planes. I don't think SLSA is "easier" to fly, but I do think it is more "simple". For me, safety is improved by simplicity and very low stall speeds. Safety is lessened by light weight in a cross wind. Improved by good Rotax motor. It will be many years before the insurance stats tell the truth about over all safety for the S-LSA class. Only idiot proof plane is a model one. All planes can kill you rather effectively should you be careless. I think flying is safer for me than driving.