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Part 61 K: Sport Pilot Instructors

Eligibility (61.403)​

  • Must be 18 years old
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
  • Hold at least a Sport Pilot Certificate
  • Pass the FOI and Sport Pilot Flight Instructor knowledge tests
  • Endorse for and pass the practical test
  • Receive spin training and an endorsement

Knowledge Areas (61.407)​

  • Receive and log ground training on the fundamentals of instruction
  • Receive ground instruction on these aeronautical knowledge areas for:
    • Part 61.309 Sport pilot knowledge areas

Flight proficiency requirements (61.409)​

Aeronautical experience (61.411)​

  • 150 hours of total time,
    • 100 hours of PIC time in powered aircraft
    • 50 hours in single-engine airplane
    • 10 hours XC time in single-engine airplane
    • 15 hours PIC time in single-engine light-sport airplane

Instruction for Instrument Training for XC Flight (61.412)​

  • Must have Vh endorsement
  • 1 hour ground training
  • 3 hours of flight training in an airplane with a Vh greater than 87 KCAS
  • Get an endorse from a Subpart H instructor

Privileges (61.413)​

  • Provide training, recommendations, and endorsements
    • For the following ratings:
      • Sport
      • Student
      • Sport instructor
      • Power-parachute or weight-shift-control aircraft
    • Knowledge tests and practical tests recommendations
    • Flight reviews for sport pilot
    • Authorize solo flights
    • Proficiency checks for additional category/class
    • Approve application for UAS certificate
  • Limitations are the same as the subpart H instructor
    • Except there are no restrictions for training initial sport pilot instructor applicants

Category and Class Ratings (61.419)​

  • By default an sport pilot instructor certificate does not include any category or class rating
  • To add additional category or class requires two pilots, the primary and the check instructors (just like for sport pilots)

Record Keeping (61.423)​

  • The same as a Subpart H instructor, plus you must maintain a record of:
    • Any endorsement given for an additional category/class
    • Any endorsement given for Class B/C/D airspace
    • Any endorsement given for a LSA with Vh greater than 87 KCAS
    • Any person you've endorse to give training in:
      • An additional category/class of LSA
      • A LSA with Vh of less than 87 KCAS
  • Within 10 days of endorsing a pilot for an additional category or class:
    • Complete, sign, and submit an application to the FAA
    • Also retain a copy of the form for 3 years

Recency and Reinstatement (61.429)​

The same requirements as for Subpart H instructors

Endorsements​

  • AC 61-65 A.48: Ready to take the knowledge test
  • AC 61-65 A.49: Training for a different category
  • AC 61-65 A.50: Passing a proficiency check for a different category or class
  • AC 61-65 A.53: Sport pilot instructor to train sport pilots on flight by reference to instruments

PTS​

Sport Pilot PTS