Sport Pilot Requirements

The sport pilot license, created by the Federal Aviation Administration in 2004, opens piloting opportunities to candidates with modest budgets. Sport pilots fly a newly developed airplane class called a light sport aircraft, which cannot possess a gross weight over 1,320 lbs. These two-seat airplanes must have fixed landing gear and a single reciprocating engine. Light sport aircraft cannot exceed a 120-knot level-flight speed, notes "Plane and Pilot" magazine.

General Qualifications

Sport pilot candidates must be at least 17 years of age and have a current state driver's license. You must also be fluent in the English language, as course materials and communications are all conducted in English. Sport pilot medical requirements are less restrictive than private pilot medical rules, although you must be in generally good health. You must state you are not using medications that impair your motor skills or judgement.

Medical Warning

If you had a pilot's FAA medical certificate denied or revoked, or had your latest application rejected, you cannot operate a light sport aircraft with a driver's license until that abnormal certificate is removed from your record. The FAA removes the denial when you obtain a valid third class medical certificate.

Written Exam

Your sport pilot license requires you pass the Federal Aviation Administration written Sport Pilot Exam with a score higher than 70. Carefully read your text materials and utilize classroom-based instruction to reinforce important concepts. Purchase a personal logbook, maps and study guides to complete written exercises and exam preparation. Focus on relevant topics such as flight theory and navigation, and postpone study of more complicated subjects not required for this exam.

Flight Requirements

Sport pilot candidates must complete at least 20 hours of flight time, including 15 hours with a certified instructor. This training includes 10 or more takeoffs and landings completed to a full stop, plus five hours of solo flight time. You must receive two hours of cross-country flight instruction in preparation for a solo cross-country flight of at least 75 miles. This flight must include full-stop landings at two or more sites, and one flight segment of 25 or more straight-line nautical miles. You must also receive three hours of flight training before your practical test, which is conducted by an FAA examiner, notes the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

License Restrictions

Your sport pilot license comes with several restrictions. You can only fly during daylight hours, and can carry only yourself and one passenger. You are not permitted to fly above 10,000 feet, and cannot fly in airspace classes that require radio communication unless you have obtained special instruction and endorsements. The sport pilot license cannot be upgraded with additional ratings, such as an instrument rating that applies to private pilot licenses.