Sport Pilot License Requirements:
To earn a sport pilot certificate, a minimum of 20 hours flight-instruction time is required. 15 hours of that being with an FAA-authorized instructor. 5 hours of solo flight and 2 hours of cross-country flight. To qualify to take a sport-pilot check ride with an FAA-designated pilot examiner, you must log 10 takeoffs and landings.1 solo cross-country flight of at least 75 nautical miles total distance, with 10 landings and take-offs at a minimum of two airports. When compared to the minimum 40 hours of flight instruction required to earn a private pilot certificate, it’s easy to see how earning a sport pilot certificate can cost much less.
A light-sport aircraft is defined as:
- 1,320 pounds maximum takeoff weight for aircraft not intended for operation on water; or
- 1,430 pounds maximum takeoff weight for aircraft intended for operation on water.
- A maximum airspeed in level flight with maximum continuous power (V H) of not more than 120 knots CAS under standard atmospheric conditions at sea level.
- A maximum seating capacity of no more than two persons, including the pilot.
- A single, reciprocating engine.
- A fixed or ground-adjustable propeller if a powered aircraft other than a powered glider.
- A nonpressurized cabin, if equipped with a cabin.
- Maximum airspeed of 120 knots.
- Fixed landing gear, except for an aircraft intended for operation on water or a glider.
- Fixed or repositionable landing gear, or a hull, for an aircraft intended for operation on water.
- A maximum stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed without the use of lift-enhancing devices (V S1) of not more than 45 knots CAS at the aircraft’s maximum certificated takeoff weight and most critical center of gravity.
Feel free to contact us if you have any further questions, comments, or concerns.