Learn to fly a Trike Weight Shift Control LSA - Mapping the first leg of your journey
We’ll guide you in mapping the first leg of your journey with information on becoming a pilot, an outline of the steps in learning to fly a trike weight shift control light-sport aircraft (LSA), the time and costs of flight lessons, sport aircraft costs, and the trike weight-shift control LSA you’ll fly.
When learning to fly a trike LSA, you may choose to earn a sport or private pilot certificate. Compare some of the basic requirements for the two certificates in this convenient chart.
Flight Experience (Part 61) |
Sport Pilot Certificate minimum hours |
Private Certificate minimum hours |
Total Hours |
20 |
40 |
Dual |
15 |
20 |
Dual Cross Country |
2 |
3 (50 nautical miles or more) |
Solo |
5 |
10 |
Solo Cross Country |
One solo cross-country flight of at least 75 nautical miles total distance, with a full-stop landing at a minimum of two points and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 25 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations |
5 |
Night Flight |
0 |
3 |
Flight by Reference to Instruments |
0 |
3 |
Practical Test Prep |
2 |
3 |
Limitations |
Sport |
Private |
Passengers |
1 |
No Limit |
Aircraft |
Light sport aircraft |
Restrictions based on operating privilege |
Engines |
1 |
1* |
Seats |
2 |
No Limit |
Horsepower |
Not specified (but max speed 120 knots) |
200* |
Retractable Gear |
No |
No* |
Altitude |
10,000 |
18,000* |
Airspace |
Class G&E only* |
No Class A* |
Night Flying |
No |
Yes |
Business Related |
No |
Yes |
Flight w/o Ref. To Ground |
No |
Yes |
Outside U.S. |
No |
Yes |
Charity |
No |
Yes |
Towing |
No |
Yes |
What are the first steps to take to learn how to fly a Trike Weight Shift Control LSA?
Talk to sport pilots who fly trikes
Find a flight school
Chances are good there’s a flight school near your home that instructs in trike weight-shift control LSA. Use the Sport Pilot Locator to find flight schools near you. Once you have about three to choose from, then visit each to find one with an atmosphere that best suits your learning needs.
Also, consider traveling to receive training. We always say, “It is best to travel for training that suits your learning style than to settle for training that doesn’t meet your needs.
Take an Introductory Flight
Sign up for a short, introductory flight in either a trike weight-shift control LSA to find out what it’s like to be at the controls of the aircraft. If you’re uncertain which one you want to learn to fly, now is a great time to learn more so you can make an educated decision on which one you’d prefer to fly.
You’ll see what it’s like to visually inspect a weight shift control LSA before flight, take off, fly, land, park, and shut down.
Choose an instructor
The Trike Weight Shift Control aircraft you'll fly
You may even select your flight school based in part upon the type of aircraft that they fly. Many times, they’ll have a training facility on the premises or can recommend one to you.
Use the Sport Pilot Locator to find a trike weight shift control LSA sales facility near you.Budget your time and money
Calculate the hourly cost for the trike flight instructor, aircraft rental (if applicable), and fuel. After you run the numbers, decide how often you can fly and then pencil lessons in your schedule.
You’ll find that establishing a budget and schedule will make the flight training process go much smoother. Use the Sport Pilot Locator to find a trike weight shift control LSA facility near you.Apply for your student pilot certificate
This is similar to the learner’s permit you received when you’re learning how to drive. In the case of going for a sport pilot license, it’s issued by an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) or your local FAA office. (In the case of going for a private pilot license, the student pilot certificate is part of your medical certificate, which certifies that you are fit for flight.)
Talk with your certified flight instructor about getting a student pilot certificate (and/or medical certificate.)