EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — New from the Experimental Aircraft Association is the Sport Pilot Academy.
The new three-week academy, slated for Aug. 27 through Sept. 17, eliminates one of the top barriers for the more than 60 percent of those who begin flight training and drop out — schedule conflicts that reduce motivation and enthusiasm, EAA officials note.
The group and individual instruction are designed for success in a three-week period, including the pilot checkride to earn a sport pilot certificate.
Along with the dedicated instruction, EAA’s Sport Pilot Academy adds the “Oshkosh experience” that motivates and excites flight students, EAA officials said. It offers extras, such as guest speakers, EAA behind-the-scenes tours, flight experiences in EAA aircraft, and much more.
“We’re introducing the EAA Sport Pilot Academy this year as a prototype program for a limited number of students, so we can grow and enhance it in the future,” said Sean Elliott, EAA’s vice president of advocacy and safety. “Students will be immersed in the world of flight like no place else when they come to Oshkosh for this all-inclusive flight training, so they will graduate this course well-trained, enthused, and most important, successful and ready to start flying as a certificated sport pilot. We continue to focus on our mission by growing participation in aviation through the development of unique training experiences that only EAA can provide.”
As the inaugural EAA Sport Pilot Academy is taking only a limited number of applicants, registration must be completed by July 1, 2016. Acceptance includes access to Sporty’s Online Pilot Training Course that allows applicants to complete ground school training prior to beginning the course at Oshkosh. Students must successfully complete the FAA written test by Aug. 5, 2016, prior to participating in flight training at Oshkosh.
The Sport Pilot Academy will use new light-sport aircraft. Students will also have access to EAA’s aviation education resources while in Oshkosh.
Total cost of the academy is $9,999, which includes flight training, accommodations, meals, and more.