Sport Pilot Certificate
Photo by Jackie Robidoux
Our Sport Pilot Training program is a fun and affordable way to fly! Sport Pilots are limited to flying only Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) and carrying only one passenger, however, you can obtain your rating in half the time and for half the cost of a traditional Private Pilot certificate. Also, no medical certificate is required!
What is a Sport Pilot?
The Sport Pilot certificate (also called a “sport pilot license”) was created in September 2004 after years of work by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). The intent of the new rule was to lower the barriers of entry into aviation and make flying more affordable and accessible.
The new rule also created the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category of aircraft, which are smaller, lower-powered aircraft. The sport pilot certificate offers limited privileges mainly for recreational use. It is the only powered aircraft certificate that does not require a medical certificate; a valid vehicle driver's license can be used as proof of medical competence provided the prospective pilot was not rejected for their last Airman Medical Certificate.
Before a trainee can start the solo phase of flight training, a Student Sport Pilot Certificate must be issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These may be obtained from an FAA Flight Standards District Office or FAA Designated Pilot Examiner.
Requirements
To qualify for the Sport Pilot Certificate, an applicant must:
• Be at least 16 years of age
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
• Log at least 20 hours of flight time, of which at least 15 hours must be dual instruction with a qualified flight instructor, 2 hours must be cross-country dual instruction and 5 hours must be solo flight
• Fly one solo cross-country flight over a total distance of 75 or more nautical miles to two different destinations to a full-stop landing. At least one leg of this cross-country must be over a total distance of at least 25 nautical miles (46 km).
• Have received 2 hours of dual instruction in the preceding 60 days, in preparation for the Practical Test
• Pass a Knowledge (written) test
• Pass a Practical (oral and flight) test
• Have a valid US State drivers license or a current 3rd class or higher Airman Medical Certificate
Privileges and Restrictions
Sport Pilots are only eligible to fly aircraft that are either certified specifically as light-sport aircraft (LSA) or were certified prior to the LSA regulations and are within the maximum weight and performance limitations of light-sport aircraft.
The restrictions placed on a pilot exercising the privileges of a Sport pilot certificate are:
• No more than one passenger
• Daytime flight only (civil twilight is used to define day/night)
• Maximum Takeoff Weight of 1320 lbs, compared to 12,500 lb (5,700 kg) of the Private Pilot Certificate or the Recreational Pilot Certificate.
• No flight above 10,000 feet (3,000 m) MSL or 2,000 feet (610 m) AGL, whichever is higher (this automatically excludes flight in Class A airspace)
• No flight in any of the airspace classes that require radio communication (B, C, or D) without first obtaining additional instruction and instructor endorsement
The Sport pilot certificate is also ineligible for additional ratings (such as an Instrument rating), although time in light-sport aircraft can be used towards the experience requirement of other ratings on higher certificate types.
Mixed SEL/SES Training
As we do not permit solo flights in our aircraft, we have partnered with another local flight school to provide students with a very unique mixed SEL/SES training experience. There are several benefits to this co-op, including the ability to train in various aircraft and get a feel for flying different types of planes, and a significant cost savings by flying half of the hours on a cheaper, SEL aircraft. Finally, the practical test is taken in the amphibious Searey, allowing the student to obtain their Sport Pilot Certificate with a Single Engine Land (SEL) rating, Single Engine Sea (SES) rating, and tailwheel endorsement, all in a single check-ride!
Cost
The cost of obtaining a sport pilot certificate will vary from school to school and person to person, mainly because a student pilot must demonstrate proficiency in the operation of an aircraft. The following breakdown is based on the average student pilot who flies two to three times per week and does the ground school portion on their own (online or DVD). While this estimate will provide you with an idea of all costs associated with obtaining a sport certificate, please keep in mind that it will vary based on a student’s learning ability.
“Typical” Sport Pilot Mixed SEL/SES Course:
15 hours SeaRey Dual Instruction - $5,235
6 hours Cessna 172 Dual Instruction - $1,374
8 hours Ground School - $480
5 hours Cessna 172 Solo Flight* - $775
Books / Supplies - $300
FAA Written Exam - $150
FAA Medical - $100
FAA Practical Test (Examiner Fee) - $600
FAA Practical Test (1 Hour Aircraft Rental) - $349
TOTAL**: $9,363
* Solo flights are not permitted in our aircraft, however, we are partnered with a local training school that can help you achieve this requirement.
** Estimated prices, based on the average amount of training required for pilot proficiency. Every student has different skill and comfort levels and will require a little more or a little less training. To get “the best bang for your buck” we highly recommend flying 1-2 days per week - We’ve found that this will allow you to complete your training in less time, and LESS MONEY! :)
Foreign Pilots
New TSA and FAA policies affecting foreign pilots training in the US were implemented after September 11, 2001. A letter of verification from the FAA is now required for pilots holding a US certificate based on their foreign and for pilots seeking a foreign license conversion. This process takes 45-90 days and the letter is only valid for six months. The verification letter can be emailed or faxed to the requested FSDO or to the training facility designated by the pilot. German pilots, please note that the letter of verification MUST verify your medical. This also pertains to any country that does not verify the airman’s medical. If the medical is not verified on the letter of verification, you must obtain an FAA medical prior to the ASES rating or license conversion. Foreign pilots seeking the ASES rating must also meet the foreign pilot flight requirement hours.
For more information please visit www.FAA.gov.