Sport Pilot and Winter Flying

By Ed Downs

At first glance, one might conclude that winter flying as a Sport Pilot, or operation of an S-LSA, caries the same cautions applicable to all pilots and aircraft.  To an extent, that is true, but there are a couple of special considerations.

Any article about winter flying needs to talk about the potential of IFR encounters.  The reader’s first thought may be, “What IFR – Sport Pilots nor LSA’s are allowed to fly IFR – so why even talk about it?”  Well, that is not quite true.  There is nothing within the ASTM Consensus Standards that prohibit an S-LSA from being flown IFR.  IFR restrictions are completely up to the airframe and engine manufacturer.  The ability to operate an S-LSA in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) will be clearly stated in the Pilot Operating Handbook. To be sure, most S-LSA manufacturers do prohibit the use of their aircraft in IMC, but several S-LSAs specifically allow IFR flight, given the installation of a specific engine and/or equipment.  But, even if IFR flight is allowed, there may be limitations, such as “no flight into known icing conditions.”  It is very important to give that POH a good read, as it is required to contain a number of certification limitations that are established by the manufacturer, not the ASTM standards or FAA.  Do not fall into the trap of thinking that the words of one POH speak for all S-LSAs.