Outline:

1 | Eligibility Requirements (§§ 61.301–307)

To become a Sport Pilot, you must be at least 17, speak English, and hold a student or higher pilot certificate. Medical requirements can be met with a driver’s license, FAA medical, or BasicMed.

• Must be at least 17 years old.

• Hold a student or recreational pilot certificate.

• Must read, speak, write, and understand English.

• Endorsed for, and pass, knowledge and practical tests.

• Medical Options: Can use a U.S. driver’s license, FAA medical, or BasicMed.

• Meet aeronautical experience requirements.

  
  

2 | Aeronautical Knowledge (§ 61.309)

Ground training must come from a CFI or home-study course, and knowledge testing follows. Unlike Private Pilots, Sport Pilots do not need radio communications training.

• Receive ground training from a CFI or complete a home-study course. Both options prepare you for the FAA written.

• Must know regulations specific to Sport Pilots. These differ slightly from Private Pilot standards.

• No requirement for radio communications training. This simplifies training but limits privileges.

  
  

3 | Flight Proficiency (§ 61.311)

Sport Pilots demonstrate the same maneuvers as Private Pilots but are not required to train for night or IFR operations. Proficiency checks ensure safe control of the aircraft in day VFR conditions.

• Demonstrate maneuvers similar to Private Pilots. Skills must show safe handling of the aircraft.

• No night flying required. This reflects Sport Pilot’s daytime-only limits.

• No instrument-only training required. Sport Pilots are restricted to visual flight.

  
  

4 | Aeronautical Experience (§ 61.313)

Sport Pilots need a minimum of 20 hours of flight time, including dual, solo, and cross-country requirements. This streamlined path makes Sport Pilot one of the quickest ways to enter aviation.

• 20 total flight hours minimum. This makes Sport Pilot the fastest entry point to aviation.

• At least 15 hours of dual instruction. Provides core skills under supervision.

• At least 5 hours solo including one cross-country. Builds independence and navigation skills.

• 2 hours of training within 2 months of the checkride. Ensures recency and proficiency.

  
  

5 | Sport Pilot Privileges (§ 61.315)

Sport Pilots may fly light aircraft with a stall speed of 59 knots or less and can share operating expenses with passengers. Pilots with higher certificates may also exercise Sport privileges using only a driver’s license.

• May fly aircraft with stall speeds ≤59 knots. This defines the Light-Sport category.

• May share operating expenses with a passenger. This is similar to Private Pilot privileges.

• Private–ATP certificate holders may fly as Sport Pilots with only a driver’s license. This expands flexibility across certificate levels.

  
  

6 | Sport Pilot Limitations (§ 61.315)

Limitations include no night flying, no hire or compensation, and carrying only one passenger. Sport Pilots must also stay below 10,000 feet MSL and outside of restricted airspace without special endorsements.

• No night flying. Sport Pilots are limited to day VFR only.

• No hire or compensation. Flying for business is prohibited.

• Only one passenger allowed. This restricts Sport Pilot to recreational flying.

• Altitude limits: below 10,000 ft MSL or 2,000 ft AGL. Helps maintain safe margins.

• Restricted airspace without endorsement. Special training needed for Class B, C, or D.

  
  

7 | Endorsements and Certificates (§§ 61.317, 321, 325, 327)

Sport Pilot certificates list no categories or classes; privileges come from logbook endorsements. Endorsements cover additional aircraft, higher performance, and airspace access.

• Sport Pilot certificates do not list category or class. Privileges come only from endorsements.

• Before Oct 22, 2025: CFIs may grant new category/class privileges with a proficiency check.

• After Oct 22, 2025: DPE or ASI practical test is required for airplanes/helicopters.

• Airspace endorsements required for Class B, C, D. Without it, Sport Pilots cannot enter.

• VH endorsement for aircraft faster than 87 KCAS. Allows higher-performance light aircraft.

  
  

8 | New FAA Advisory Circulars (ACs)

AC 61-146 provides certification guidance, including simplified controls, while AC 61-65K covers endorsement language for instructors. These ACs are critical resources for both Sport Pilots and CFIs.

• AC 61-146: Provides certification and operational guidance for Sport Pilots. Includes simplified flight control systems.

• AC 61-65K: Offers official FAA endorsement text for CFIs. Helps ensure legal accuracy.

  
  

9 | MOSAIC Updates

The MOSAIC rule expands the definition of Light-Sport Aircraft, raising limits and privileges. It modernizes Sport Pilot by allowing new technology and broader medical flexibility.

• Expands the definition of Light-Sport Aircraft. More categories and technology will qualify.

• Raises performance and weight limits for LSAs. Pilots will have more capable aircraft options.

• Updates medical equivalency rules with driver’s license. This makes Sport Pilot more accessible.