Originally Posted by
speedracerntrixie
While on my 600 mile drive today I came to a few conclusions. First is that virtually all the AMA sanctioned sites I have flown from have been located relatively close to some sort of metropolis area. Could this mean that they would also be in controlled airspace? I did punch up Before you fly as I passed within a mile of the club field I plan to join coming into Portland and it is in controlled airspace so I think I am all good there. I will make some calls tomorrow to verify. Being that most sanctioned sites may be inside controlled airspace this exemption situation just may be playing out on its own to a certain degree.
Secondly is that I couldn't think of anything that would differentiate a sport pilot from a competition pilot in the eyes of the FAA. Anyone have any insights on that one?
In the past the FAA has differentiated between commercial and recreation by whether or not any compensation was received. i.e., were you paid in any way? Going on this I would say a competitor competing for the fun of it would be considered recreational. While someone with a sponsor is being compensated and thereby, commercial. That IMO is playing it safe. But I would check with the FAA to be sure.