The Sport Pilot certificate was created in September 2004 after years of work by the Experimental Aviation 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.

Stage I – Pre Solo

In this stage of the training you will learn about your aircraft, how to control the aircraft in all phases of flight, and the different systems in the aircraft. On the ground you will learn how to prepare for a flight, how to properly inspect your aircraft before flight, and how operations work at airports. In the aircraft you will learn how to takeoff and land as well as some basic flight maneuvers and emergency procedures. This stage of flight training will prepare you for solo flight time.

Stage II – Cross Country

In this stage of flight training you will learn how to interpret weather information and plan a cross country flight. In the aircraft you will learn different navigation techniques and become proficient in pilotage and dead reckoning in order to arrive at you planned destination safely.

Stage III – Test Preparation

This stage will be preparing you to complete your practical test. The practical test, otherwise known as a checkride, is an oral exam, followed by a flight test. In order to prepare for this, you and your instructor will review all of your ground lesson material as well as refine the flight maneuvers you have previously learned in order to ensure you meet the standards set forth by the FAA. It is Trade Winds' policy that we ensure you not only have the skill set required to successfully pass your exam; but upon completion of your checkride, you will be a safe and proficient Private Pilot.

FAA Requirements

According to FAA FAR 61.303, 61.305, 61.309 a person must satisfy the following requirements to be eligible for a Sport Pilot Certificate:

  • Be at least 17 years of age
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. If you cannot read, speak write, and understand English for medical reasons, the FAA may place limits on your certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of light sport aircraft
  • Have a valid U.S. drivers license AND not been rejected for your last Airman Medical Certificate,
  1.  Or have a valid 3rd class or higher Airman Medical Certificate
  • Pass a knowledge test on the applicable aeronautical knowledge areas listed in 61.309. Before you may take the knowledge test for a sport certificate, you must receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who trained you or reviewed and evaluated your home-study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in 61.309 certifying that you are prepared for the test.
  • Pass a practical test on the applicable areas of operation listed in 61.309 and 61.311. Before you may take the knowledge test for a sport certificate, you must receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who trained you or reviewed and evaluated your home-study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in 61.309 and 61.311 certifying that you are prepared for the test.

According to FAA FAR 61.313 a person must satisfy the following aeronautical experience requirements for a sport pilot rating: 

  1. Airplane category and single-engine land or sea class privileges,
  • You must log at least…
    • 20 hours of flight time, including at least 15 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor in single-engine airplane and at least 5 hours solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in 61.311
  • Which must include at least…
    • 2 hours of cross-country flight training,
    • 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport;
    • One solo cross-country flight of at least 75 nautical miles total distance, with a full-stop landing at a minimum of two points and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight line distance of at least 25 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations, and
    • 3 hours of flight training on those areas of operation specified in 61.311 preparing for the practical test within 60 days before the date of the test