Sport Pilot Gyro Ground School

[dbranton28]

Can I take the Sport Pilot Gyrocpter test with a Sport Pilot Airplane instructor endorsement?

 

[Inquiring Mind]

Can I take the Sport Pilot Gyrocpter test with a Sport Pilot Airplane instructor endorsement?

Yes, you can. Student Pilot License is not specific to aircraft category.

 

[dbranton28]

Yes, you can. Student Pilot License is not specific to aircraft category.

Thank you

 

[Tyger]

So we are saying you can get an endorsement for Sport Pilot gyroplane from an instructor who may not himself be qualified to fly a gyroplane??

 

[GyroChuck]

So we are saying you can get an endorsement for Sport Pilot gyroplane from an instructor who may not himself be qualified to fly a gyroplane??

Per 61.307 (a) and (b). Any Authorized instructor can endorse for the written test. Not so for the Practical (flight proficiency) test.

I was assuming he was asking about the written test.

 

[Inquiring Mind]

So we are saying you can get an endorsement for Sport Pilot gyroplane from an instructor who may not himself be qualified to fly a gyroplane??

Not for Sport Pilot Gyroplane, but for a written test.

 

[WaspAir]

I have doubts about the conclusions drawn in the postings here. If the sport CFI does not have gyro privileges, it is perhaps an unwarranted assumption that he/she is actually "authorized" to make the endorsement in question. An "authorized" instructor is never authorized for all things carte blanche, but must have a specific identifiable authorization under the FARs. (Note that the term "authorized instructor" is used in many places in the regs instead of CFI because some pilots who don't hold CFI certificates are nonetheless authorized to instruct in limited circumstances, such as commercial balloon pilots authorized to instruct in lighter than air. )

Take a look at the pertinent sections on instructor privileges 61.413(a) and (a)(8). This perhaps should be read to say you can endorse for a knowledge test under (a)(8) only "within the limits of your certificate and ratings". That looks to me to prohibit a FW-only Sport instructor from endorsing for gyro knowledge tests because it it is not within the limits of the certificate and ratings.

I also think this alternative answer makes more sense. (Yes, I know, many regulations do not make sense, but I prefer to read them so that they do when possible. )

 

[Vance]

Can I take the Sport Pilot Gyrocpter test with a Sport Pilot Airplane instructor endorsement?

Why would you want to?

In my opinion the sign off for the Sport Pilot, gyroplane knowledge test is to keep people from wasting their time if they are not prepared to take the test.

Any questions you miss will need to be corrected and signed off by your gyroplane CFI before taking your proficiency check ride.

Sport Pilot—Practical Test Prerequisites (Initial) An applicant for a Sport Pilot Certificate is required by 14 CFR part 61 to:

1. be at least 17 years of age (or 16 if applying to operate a glider or balloon);

2. be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If there is a doubt, use AC 60-28, English Language Skill Standards;

3. have passed the appropriate sport pilot knowledge test since the beginning of the 24th month before the month in which he or she takes a practical test;

4. have satisfactorily accomplished the required training and obtained the aeronautical experience prescribed;

5. possess a current and valid U.S. driver’s license or a valid Airman Medical Certificate issued under 14 CFR part 67;

6. have an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the applicant has received and logged training time within 60 days preceding the date of application in preparation for the practical test, and is prepared for the practical test; and

7. have an endorsement certifying that the applicant has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which the applicant was deficient on the airman knowledge test.

 

[Tyger]

"Why would you want to?" is certainly a valid question, but I'm going to guess that if you go to a test center with an endorsement from any CFI, they'll let you take whatever written test you want.
I initially thought the question was about getting an endorsement from a FW instructor for the Sport Pilot gyro practical test, which I think would make NO sense.

 

[Inquiring Mind]

if you go to a test center with an endorsement from any CFI, they'll let you take whatever written test you want.

Exactly.

 

[Sv.grainne]

I took the Gleim Sport Pilot Study Course and the endorsement for the test was issued electronically. There is no Gyro specific exam .

 

[Tyger]

There are, actually, different test codes, and thus different exams. Whether the actual questions are much different, I am not sure. Sport Pilot airplane is test coded SPA; Sport Pilot gyro is coded SPY. I took SPY.
https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/media/testing_matrix.pdf (current as of May 2021)

I never did take the practical for SP. I subsequently took test code PRG, before taking my check ride for private pilot gyro. I remember there were several rotorcraft questions on that, which I assume are not on the airplane version.