Inside the Career of a Sport Pilot CFI

While there are many variables, training student pilots is always rewarding.

Friday, September 16, 2022 at 08:31 AM ET

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Sport CFI Jake Leonard (right seat) prepares to launch with student pilot Josh Dorsey in an Aeroprakt A22LS. [Photo: Andy Humphrey]

Key Takeaways:

Jake Leonard, a former missionary pilot in Peru, now runs Heavenbound Aviation in Ohio, teaching diverse sport pilot students using a range of light aircraft, including Taylorcrafts and Aeroprakts.
He customizes training plans for each student based on their specific aviation goals, desired aircraft type (e.g., tailwheel/nosewheel, avionics), and intended flying mission.
The time and cost for a Sport Pilot Certificate vary significantly, with key factors being the student's age, determination, frequency of lessons, and having the written exam completed early.
Leonard's training focuses on developing an intuitive "feel" for the aircraft, and he often witnesses students' first solo flights inspiring them to pursue further advanced aviation careers.

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As a missionary in Peru, sport pilot CFI Jake Leonard learned quickly that aviation was going to be extremely beneficial in his effort to reach deep inside the jungle and preach the gospel to previously unreached people groups. He started flying in Peru to cut the two- to three-day, 400-mile boat trip (one-way) from Iquitos to his remote destinations, but Leonard realized he gained immense satisfaction from teaching others to fly, so he earned his sport instructor certificate.

With approximately 500 hours now in his logbook, Leonard is busy teaching sport pilot students from McKnight Airport (5OI8) in Johnstown, Ohio, operating from the field’s two turf runways in a Quicksilver Sport 2S, a 1938 Taylorcraft BC-65, a 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12D, and a pair of Aeroprakt A22 LSAs. Teaching under the banner of Heavenbound Aviation, Leonard is able to reach a wide spectrum of sport pilot students as well as certificated students who desire to earn a tailwheel endorsement or receive Part 103 ultralight training.