Category, Class and Type

Now that you've started imagining yourself in the left seat (the pilot in command generally sits there), what is it you are flying?
This is a little confusing and is one of the most common missed questions on the exam.

Category : airplane, rotocraft (helicopter), glider, lighter than air, powered lift.
> categories are broken into Classes:  Single Engine Land, Single Engine Sea, Multi Engine Land, Multi Engine Land, Helicopter, Gyroplane, Airship, and Free Balloon. 
>>Types of aircraft are more specific, like a make and model of a car.

Think of Class as "Sub Class" meaning underneath the Category of...

First Task: Look online and arrange the Category and Classes.  For example, would a Multi Engine Class be under the Category Airplane or Lighter than Air?  [hint gliders and powered lifts don't have a class]

Second Task: Give examples of each class and category.  For example, what category and class is a Cessna  310 ?

Third Task: Ask brother Knapp what Category, Class and Type of aircraft he has flown.  Report on the most unusual aircraft he has flown and describe its Category, Class and Type. 

When operating an aircraft the most maneuverable craft must yield to the lesser maneuverable craft.

Fourth Task: Give examples of all the Category and Classes and determine who yields to who.  Does it make sense?

Getting Started:

(These questions are similar to the ones you will find on your FAA Private Pilot Written Exam!)
So when can I start flying?  Good question.  The FARs say that you can begin training at any time. However for private pilot training, you must be at least 16 years old AND have a student pilot certificate to solo.  (there are different rules for a sport pilot.)
What are FARs and what is a student pilot certificate?
FAR = Federal Aviation Regulation,  The FARs are all the rules, policies and procedures for flying in the United States.  Pilots have reference to them in what is most commonly known as the FAR/AIM.  AIM is the Aeronautical Information Manual.  The two go together in a handy reference book about 4 inches thick.

Your first assignment is to 1- seek out Brother Knapp.  Find out what  a CFR is, how it relates to a FAR and which one has the authority or ability to edit the other.  Be able to explain it in simple and understandable terms.
You may post your findings here and consult with one another. 
2- Collect a true story from Brother Knapp regarding the FARs and with his permission Report back here.

Sport Pilot

Our first lesson is a question.  Can I fly?  Before we begin instructing we encourage all of our students to research their ability first.  Instruction is a very expensive investment.  For those of you who may not be able to qualify for a medical certificate, also known as a student pilot license, a sport pilot license may be an option.  There are limitations to a sport pilot and that introduces the first assignment.
1- What is required of a pilot to get a medical certificate?
2- What is required of a pilot to get a sport pilot license?
go to faa.gov and research the questions.  Report back.



 

Welcome

Once you have found your way to this blog, post something about what you expect to get out of this class.