AirTalk.org

Mike Gaskins · Guest

Ok guys, I've got a bit of a problem that I am puzzled on how to
handle.

A bit earlier in my training I wast trying a few different CFI's here
and there just to see which ones I liked (and to try a few different
planes). One of the planes that I took a lesson in was a Kitfox. At
the time I thought it was a pretty neat looking plane and didn't think
anything of it, though I only did one lesson with this CFI for other
reasons (the instructor seemed a bit lax when it came to
pre-flight/checklists and such).

Now, a bit later, I have learned that Experimental category planes
cannot be used for hire (ie, it was against FAA regs to take the Kitfox
lesson). I'm getting decently close to taking my checkride and am a
bit puzzled as to how to handle the situation. Should I/can I strike
the logbook entry? Should I inform the examiner?

I'm a bit confused, so any advice you guys could give would be greatly
appreciated.

Mike

Jim Macklin · Guest

Any violation would be the instructor's problem. Just be
sure that the time in the Kitfox is not part of the required
time for any of the experience required. Don't cross it
out, you did do it after all. Just be sure that you have
met the required total, solo, night, x-c time, etc without
counting the time in case the DE or the Feds disallow the
time.

As to whether the use of the Kitfox was illegal, it depends
on who owned the airplane and who was the operator. If the
CFI owned and was the operator, it was a "for hire" but if
the CFI leased the airplane to you (even for an hour and you
were the operator) it might be argued that you were the
operator. But it does seem to be shady.

--
James H. Macklin
ATP,CFI,A&P

"Mike Gaskins" <mbgaski (AT) clemson (DOT) edu> wrote