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Part 61 J: Sport Pilots

Eligibility (61.301)​

  • Must be 17 years old
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
  • Pass a knowledge test and practical test
  • US driver's license, FAA medical, or BasicMed

Knowledge Areas (61.309)​

  • Give ground instruction or review home study course for:
    • Applicable FARs relating to sport pilots, limits, and flight operations
    • Accident reporting requirements of the NTSB
    • Use of the applicable portions of the AIM and FAA advisory circulars
    • Aeronautical charts for VFR navigation, pilotage, dead reckoning, navigation systems
    • Critical weather situations, windshear avoidance, and the procurement and use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts
    • Safe and efficient operation of aircraft, including collision avoidance, and recognition and avoidance of wake turbulence
    • Effects of density altitude on takeoff and climb performance
    • Weight and balance computations
    • Principles of aerodynamics, powerplants, and aircraft systems
    • Stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery techniques, as applicable
    • Aeronautical decision making and risk management
    • Preflight actions, including:
      • Runway lengths, takeoff and landing distances, weather reports, forecasts, and fuel requirements
      • Plan for alternatives

Flight Proficiency Requirements (61.311)​

Aeronautical Experience (61.313)​

  • No exception for small island
  • 20 hours total flight time
    • 15 hours flight time in single-engine airplane
      • 2 hours XC flight training
      • 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop
    • 2 hours of flight training within 2 calendar months for checkride preparation
    • 5 hours of solo flight time
      • One solo XC flight of at least 75nm with full-stop takeoffs and landings at three points, one segment is at least 25nm

Light-Sport Aircraft Definition (1.1)​

Light-sport aircraft means an aircraft, other than a helicopter or powered-lift that, since its original certification, has continued to meet the following:

  • A maximum takeoff weight of not more than—
    • 1,320 pounds for aircraft not intended for operation on water; or
    • 1,430 pounds for an aircraft intended for operation on water.
  • A maximum airspeed in level flight with maximum continuous power (VH) of not more than 120 knots CAS under standard atmospheric conditions at sea level.
  • A maximum never-exceed speed (VNE) of not more than 120 knots CAS for a glider.
  • A maximum stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed without the use of lift-enhancing devices (VS1) of not more than 45 knots CAS at the aircraft's maximum certificated takeoff weight and most critical center of gravity.
  • A maximum seating capacity of no more than two persons, including the pilot.
  • A single, reciprocating engine, if powered.
  • A fixed or ground-adjustable propeller if a powered aircraft other than a powered glider.
  • A fixed or feathering propeller system if a powered glider.
  • A fixed-pitch, semi-rigid, teetering, two-blade rotor system, if a gyroplane.
  • A nonpressurized cabin, if equipped with a cabin.
  • Fixed landing gear, except for an aircraft intended for operation on water or a glider.
  • Fixed or retractable landing gear, or a hull, for an aircraft intended for operation on water.
  • Fixed or retractable landing gear for a glider.

Privileges and Limitations (61.315)​

  • Share expenses on a pro rata basis
  • Fly an airplane with a light sport designation, OR a certified airplane below the weight limit for sport
  • Cannot fly:
    • For compensation or hire
    • In the furtherance of a business
    • With more than 1 passenger
    • At night (end of civil twilight to morning civil twilight)
    • In Class A airspace
    • In Class B, C, D airspace, unless endorsed
    • Outside of the US
    • Demonstrate as a salesperson
    • In a passenger-carrying capacity for a charitable organization
    • At altitudes higher than 10,000 MSL or 2000 AGL, whichever is higher
    • With surface visibility less than 3s.m.
    • Without visual reference to the surface
  • Aircraft restrictions:
    • VH must be less than 87 KCAS (max speed in level flight with max continuous power)
    • Contrary to any operating limitations
    • Contrary to any restriction on their driver's license
    • Can't tow anything
    • Can't be a crew member on an airplane that requires more than one crew member

Certificate Issuance and Airspace (61.317)​

  • Sport pilots aren't granted category/class ratings
  • Authorizations are all done by endorsement
  • Training for an additional category or class:
    • Receive a logbook endorsement from your primary instructor
    • Complete a proficiency check with a different sport pilot instructor
      • They will complete an 8710-11 and send it to the FAA
      • They will give the endorsement
  • One-time endorsement to operate in Class B, C, or D airspace (AC 61-65 A.22)
    • This is good for all Class B airspace
  • Flying a sport aircraft with a VH less than OR more than 87 KCAS requires an endorsement (A.23 or A.24 endorsement)

Endorsements​

  • AC 61-65 A.18: Ready to take a proficiency check for a different category or class (done by the primary instructor)
  • AC 61-65 A.19: Proficiency check for a different category or class (done by the check instructor)
  • AC 61-65 A.22: Authorization to fly in Class B, C, D airspace
  • AC 61-65 A.23: Authorization to fly an aircraft with a Vh less than 87 KCAS
  • AC 61-65 A.24: Authorization to fly an aircraft with a Vh greater than 87 KCAS

PTS​

Sport Pilot PTS