RussellJ

On 4/18/2019 at 1:23 AM, ShawnM said:

LOL, the very definition of "clunky" is awkwardly solid, heavy, and outdated. Sounds like GA to me.  All kidding aside, I know they are making new aircraft these days but I have to poke fun at those "clunky" aircraft.

Do you know the year of the SportCruiser at the school? There are some subtle yet distinct changes over the years.

They are easy to work on and most everything is accessible. Some items will require the assistance of a Cirque du Soleil performer to get to but I'm sure you've experienced this on other aircraft you've worked on as well. 

I've been over every inch of my plane and know it inside and out. If you haven't already, download the IPC (illustrated parts catalog) and the maintenance manual for your shop. You can find them here if you dont already have them. Great reference material.  

The SportCruiser is a great airplane for personal but if you ask me they are not built for flight schools. At least not the flight schools where the owner isn't the instructor. (Deltafox)   

Now the SportCruiser sales guy in Sebastian will chime in here and tell you they are and swear up and down that it's a great flight school aircraft and talk ROI and dazzle you with pixie dust (because he's paid to) but many of us here know better and that they are not exactly built for the average flight school. Want proof? There's a large flight school out west who can verify this with a phone call. Make sure you have some free time and a cold, adult beverage in hand before you pick up the phone as the call will be lengthy. Ask me how I know. They have numerous SportCruisers that are damaged beyond flying because of the students. The SportCruiser, she's a rather delicate flower and in my opinion not really ready for the prime time abuse of the average flight school.

Make sure your friend keeps a close eye on the plane and you as well if you are doing the maintenance for him. There are many tell-tale signs to look for that signal forthcoming issues or prior abuse.

Please elaborate on the last sentence. What are some key things to watch for?

I’m in South Carolina. You’re right about ‘large klunky’ GA airplanes. Old too 🙂 Cessna stopped building 310s almost 40 years ago 😱 it takes a lot of work to keep ‘em going. Having something designed and built this century would be awesome!

Hey guys, new here. I’m a private pilot with instrument and multi engine ratings, also an A&P with inspection authorization. I have my own aircraft maintenance shop and one of my clients is a startup flight school that recently added a Sport Cruiser to their line. Figured I better find a place to learn everything I can about these planes. They look like good airplanes, I might consider getting one myself. I got checked out in the flight school’s SC last month and it took me a bit to get the hang of flying something so light. The last few years I’ve  been flying my Cessna 310 almost exclusively so the SC was quite a change. Then I remembered flying a friend’s Grumman Lynx and it clicked. They have very similar flying qualities. The SC climbs way better but roll and pitch they’re a pretty a close match.

way back in 2003 or so I attended a 3 day Rotax class in Sebring FL, I’ve worked on a couple experimental airplanes that are Rotax powered but I’m far from proficient with them.  Been reading through some posts on here and it looks like there’s a lot to learn about their proper care and feeding.

Anyway, just thought I’d check in. 

ShawnM, I guess I was under the impression that as long as an item, say... a starter battery, met the  ASTM standard the it could be used on a light sport. It seems I have lots to learn. Glad I joined the group!

Hey guys, I'm new here, just became a member today. I wonder if I've missed something on this subject... Couldn't CSA simply issue a service letter/bulletin that says something like 'may install uAvionix skyBeacon ADS-B transponder...' and it would apply the entire fleet? Seems like it would work just as well as LOAs.