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Sport Pilot Privileges and Requirements

Learn more about the updated MOSAIC rules to understand what has changed, and when they will become effective.

What Can a Sport Pilot Do?

The sport pilot certificate makes the thrill, satisfaction, and excitement of aviation available to more people by reducing the complexity and cost. A sport pilot may fly light sport category aircraft, or LSAs. LSAs no longer have a maximum weight , can cruise up to 250 knots (287.69 mph), and are simple to operate, while still being capable aircraft with some of the most advanced avionics available.

FAA regulations discuss sport pilot privileges and limitations in 14 CFR 61.315. Here is a summary:

You may carry up to one passenger, but fly an airplane with four seats.

You may equally share the operating expenses of a flight with your passenger. These expenses may only involve fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or airplane rental fees.

Additional training is required to fly in certain busier types of controlled airspace.

Class B, C, or D airspace requires additional training in order to operate in these areas.

You can operate during the day, or at night with additional training.

You can fly up to 10,000 feet above sea level, or 2,000 feet above the ground, whichever is higher. Additionally, you must maintain visual reference with the surface. No flight in or above the clouds.

Sport pilots can now fly at night, after required training and endorsement, and after completing a more rigorous medical process.

High-performance/Complex Airplanes.

Fly aircraft with multi-engines, retractable landing gear, controllable pitch propellers, and simplified flight controls after proper training and endorsement.

You cannot be paid to fly passengers or property.

As a sport pilot, you may not act as a pilot in command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire, nor may you be paid to act as a pilot in command. Additionally, you may not fly in furtherance of a business or for any employment reasons. However, limited aerial work is now allowed (aerial surveys, towing, and flight instruction).

If you intend to fly with more than one passenger, for business purposes, or to eventually pursue a career as a commercial pilot, then consider upgrading to the private pilot certificate once your an accomplished sport pilot.

If you intend to fly with more than one passenger, for business purposes, or to eventually pursue a career as a commercial pilot, then consider the private pilot certificate instead.

Operations outside the U.S. require special permission.

You may not fly outside the United States, unless you have prior authorization from the country in which you seek to operate. Your sport pilot certificate carries the limit “Holder does not meet ICAO requirements.” ICAO is the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Sport Pilot Certificate Requirements

Be at least 17 years of age.
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
Be in good health as evidenced by holding a U.S. Driver’s license.
Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course such as the Gleim Sport Pilot Kit.
Pass a knowledge test with a score of 70% or better. The sport pilot knowledge test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions selected from all of the airplane- related questions in the FAA’s sport pilot knowledge test bank.
Receive flight instruction and demonstrate skill (see 14 CFR 61.311).
Accumulate appropriate flight experience (see 14 CFR 61.313). Receive a minimum of 20 hr. of flight instruction and solo flight time.
Successfully complete a practical (flight) test, which will be given as a final exam by an FAA inspector or designated pilot examiner; it will be conducted as specified in the FAA’s Sport Pilot Practical Test Standards.

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