sport pilot certificate
The Federal Aviation Administration governs the requirements to become a Sport Pilot under 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart J (sections 301-327). For operating Light-Sport Airplanes (not gliders, etc.), they are summarized here but the governing law can change, so always check the regulations!
To begin, you must be able to speak, read and write the English language.
At your Practical Exam (check ride), you must be at least 17 years of age, but you can train at an earlier age.
You must possess a valid US Driver’s License, OR a valid, unexpired Third-Class Medical certificate OR complete the requirements under “BasicMed.” Any restrictions (like using corrective lenses) or administrative orders (like a suspension of your privileges) on your Driver’s License also apply to flying Light-Sport Airplanes. If you did apply for a Third-Class Medical certificate, it cannot have been suspended or revoked. If you had a “Special Issuance” on your Medical Certificate, it cannot have been withdrawn. You also cannot know or have reason to know of any medical condition that would make you unable to safely operate a Light-Sport Airplane.
You must complete at least 20 hours of flight time; at least 15 hours with an instructor and at least 5 hours solo. They must include 2 hours of cross-country training, 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop from an airport traffic pattern, a 3-leg solo cross-country trip of certain minimum distances, and 2 hours of training with an instructor in preparation for your check ride within 2 months of the practical exam.
You must pass an Aeronautical Knowledge Test.
You must pass a Practical Exam with an Examiner.
Once you have completed these requirements and applied for your certificate, you can generally fly a Light-Sport Airplane inside the US in accordance with your endorsements and its Operating Limitations outside of Class A, B, C, or D airspace during daylight hours and at least 3 statute miles of visibility and visual contact with the ground below 10,000’ MSL or 2,000’ AGL (whichever is higher). There are many other restrictions and exceptions, like no business use and not for compensation or hire, etc., with which you will become familiar.
As you can see, this certificate takes the least to earn and conveys the minimum in privileges, but can be quite enough for someone who just wants to go fly.
