Usually, when a pilot sits down to flight plan a cross-country trip of 2,100 nm from one coast of the U.S. to the other, there is a Cirrus SR22 or Pilatus PC-12 involved. If that planned route takes you from Naples, Florida, to Riverside, California, over several days and through all sorts of weather, flying the trip in a light sport airplane is not something many people would even consider.
When certified flight instructor Rich Lytle’s granddaughter, Lily Lytle, suggested she airline to Florida and learn to fly Rich’s 2010 PiperSport LSA on the very long XC back to the West Coast, Rich thought the idea made perfect sense. Not only would the trip be fun, it would also serve as training for Lily as she pursues her sport pilot certificate.
