14 C.F.R. Subpart J—Sport Pilots
Title 14 - Aeronautics and Space
Title 14: Aeronautics and Space
PART 61—CERTIFICATION: PILOTS, FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS, AND GROUND INSTRUCTORS
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Subpart J—Sport Pilots
Source: Docket No. FAA–2001–11133, 69 FR 44869, July 27, 2004, unless otherwise noted.
§ 61.301 What is the purpose of this subpart and to whom does it apply?
(a) This subpart prescribes the following requirements that apply to a sport pilot certificate:
(1) Eligibility.
(2) Aeronautical knowledge.
(3) Flight proficiency.
(4) Aeronautical experience.
(5) Endorsements.
(6) Privileges and limits.
(7) Transition provisions for registered ultralight pilots.
(b) Other provisions of this part apply to the logging of flight time and testing.
(c) This subpart applies to applicants for, and holders of, sport pilot certificates. It also applies to holders of recreational pilot certificates and higher, as provided in §61.303.
§ 61.303 If I want to operate a light-sport aircraft, what operating limits and endorsement requirements in this subpart must I comply with?
(a) Use the following table to determine what operating limits and endorsement requirements in this subpart, if any, apply to you when you operate a light-sport aircraft. The medical certificate specified in this table must be valid. If you hold a recreational pilot certificate, but not a medical certificate, you must comply with cross-country requirements in §61.101 (c), even if your flight does not exceed 50 nautical miles from your departure airport. You must also comply with requirements in other subparts of this part that apply to your certificate and the operation you conduct.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you hold And you hold Then you may operate And----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(1) A medical certificate............ (i) A sport pilot (A) Any light sport (1) You must hold any certificate,. aircraft for which you other endorsements hold the endorsements required by this required for its subpart, and comply category, class, make with the limitations and model, in § 61.315. (ii) At least a (A) Any light sport (1) You do not have to recreational pilot aircraft in that hold any of the certificate with a category and class, endorsements required category and class by this subpart, nor rating, do you have to comply with the limitations in § 61.315. (iii) At least a (A) That light sport (1) You must comply recreational pilot aircraft, only if you with the limitations certificate but not a hold the endorsements in § 61.315, rating for the required in § except § category and class of 61.321 for its 61.315(c)(14) and, if light sport aircraft category and class, a private pilot or you operate, higher, § 61.315(c)(7).(2) Only a U.S. driver's license..... (i) A sport pilot (A) Any light sport (1) You must hold any certificate, aircraft for which you other endorsements hold the endorsements required by this required for its subpart, and comply category, class, make with the limitations and model, in § 61.315. (ii) At least a (A) Any light sport (1) You do not have to recreational pilot aircraft in that hold any of the certificate with a category and class, endorsements required category and class by this subpart, but rating, you must comply with the limitations in § 61.315. (iii) At least a (A) That light sport (1) You must comply recreational pilot aircraft, only if you with the limitations certificate but not a hold the endorsements in § 61.315, rating for the required in § except § category and class of 61.321 for its 61.315(c)(14) and, if light-sport aircraft category and class, a private pilot or you operate, higher, § 61.315(c)(7).(3) Neither a medical certificate nor (i) A sport pilot (A) Only a light sport (1) You must hold any a U.S. driver's license certificate, glider or balloon for other endorsements which you hold the required by this endorsements required subpart, and comply for its category, with the limitations class, make and model, in § 61.315. (ii) At least a private (A) Only a light sport (1) You do not have to pilot certificate with glider or balloon in hold any of the a category and class that category and endorsements required rating for glider or class, by this subpart, but balloon, you must comply with the limitations in § 61.315. (iii) At least a (A) Only a light sport (1) You must comply private pilot glider or balloon, if with the limitations certificate but not a you hold the in § 61.315, rating for glider or endorsements required except § balloon, in § 61.321 for 61.315(c)(14) and, if its category and a private pilot or class, higher, § 61.315(c)(7).----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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(b) A person using a current and valid U.S. driver's license to meet the requirements of this paragraph must—
(1) Comply with each restriction and limitation imposed by that person's U.S. driver's license and any judicial or administrative order applying to the operation of a motor vehicle;
(2) Have been found eligible for the issuance of at least a third-class airman medical certificate at the time of his or her most recent application (if the person has applied for a medical certificate);
(3) Not have had his or her most recently issued medical certificate (if the person has held a medical certificate) suspended or revoked or most recent Authorization for a Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate withdrawn; and
(4) Not know or have reason to know of any medical condition that would make that person unable to operate a light-sport aircraft in a safe manner. § 61.305 What are the age and language requirements for a sport pilot certificate?
(a) To be eligible for a sport pilot certificate you must:
(1) Be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old if you are applying to operate a glider or balloon).
(2) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. If you cannot read, speak, write, and understand English because of medical reasons, the FAA may place limits on your certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of light-sport aircraft. § 61.307 What tests do I have to take to obtain a sport pilot certificate?
To obtain a sport pilot certificate, you must pass the following tests:
(a) Knowledge test. You must pass a knowledge test on the applicable aeronautical knowledge areas listed in §61.309. Before you may take the knowledge test for a sport pilot certificate, you must receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who trained you or reviewed and evaluated your home-study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in §61.309 certifying you are prepared for the test.
(b) Practical test. You must pass a practical test on the applicable areas of operation listed in §§61.309 and 61.311. Before you may take the practical test for a sport pilot certificate, you must receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who provided you with flight training on the areas of operation specified in §§61.309 and 61.311 in preparation for the practical test. This endorsement certifies that you meet the applicable aeronautical knowledge and experience requirements and are prepared for the practical test. § 61.309 What aeronautical knowledge must I have to apply for a sport pilot certificate?
Except as specified in §61.329, to apply for a sport pilot certificate you must receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course on the following aeronautical knowledge areas:
(a) Applicable regulations of this chapter that relate to sport pilot privileges, limits, and flight operations.
(b) Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board.
(c) Use of the applicable portions of the aeronautical information manual and FAA advisory circulars.
(d) Use of aeronautical charts for VFR navigation using pilotage, dead reckoning, and navigation systems, as appropriate.
(e) Recognition of critical weather situations from the ground and in flight, windshear avoidance, and the procurement and use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts.
(f) Safe and efficient operation of aircraft, including collision avoidance, and recognition and avoidance of wake turbulence.
(g) Effects of density altitude on takeoff and climb performance.
(h) Weight and balance computations.
(i) Principles of aerodynamics, powerplants, and aircraft systems.
(j) Stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery techniques, as applicable.
(k) Aeronautical decision making and risk management.
(l) Preflight actions that include—
(1) How to get information on runway lengths at airports of intended use, data on takeoff and landing distances, weather reports and forecasts, and fuel requirements; and
(2) How to plan for alternatives if the planned flight cannot be completed or if you encounter delays. § 61.311 What flight proficiency requirements must I meet to apply for a sport pilot certificate?
Except as specified in §61.329, to apply for a sport pilot certificate you must receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the following areas of operation, as appropriate, for airplane single-engine land or sea, glider, gyroplane, airship, balloon, powered parachute land or sea, and weight-shift-control aircraft land or sea privileges:
(a) Preflight preparation.
(b) Preflight procedures.
(c) Airport, seaplane base, and gliderport operations, as applicable.
(d) Takeoffs (or launches), landings, and go-arounds.
(e) Performance maneuvers, and for gliders, performance speeds.
(f) Ground reference maneuvers (not applicable to gliders and balloons).
(g) Soaring techniques (applicable only to gliders).
(h) Navigation.
(i) Slow flight (not applicable to lighter-than-air aircraft and powered parachutes).
(j) Stalls (not applicable to lighter-than-air aircraft, gyroplanes, and powered parachutes).
(k) Emergency operations.
(l) Post-flight procedures. § 61.313 What aeronautical experience must I have to apply for a sport pilot certificate?
Except as specified in §61.329, use the following table to determine the aeronautical experience you must have to apply for a sport pilot certificate:
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------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you are applying for a sport Then you must log Which must include pilot certificate with . . . at least . . . at least . . .------------------------------------------------------------------------(a) Airplane category and single- (1) 20 hours of (i) 2 hours of engine land or sea class flight time, cross-country privileges, including at flight training, least 15 hours of (ii) 10 takeoffs flight training and landings to a from an full stop (with authorized each landing instructor in a involving a single-engine flight in the airplane and at traffic pattern) least 5 hours of at an airport, solo flight (iii) One solo training in the cross-country areas of flight of at operation listed least 75 nautical in § 61.311, miles total distance, with a full-stop landing at a minimum of two points and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 25 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations, and (iv) 3 hours of flight training on those areas of operation specified in § 61.311 preparing for the practical test within 60 days before the date of the test.(b) Glider category privileges, (1) 10 hours of (i) Five solo and you have not logged at flight time in a launches and least 20 hours of flight time glider, including landings, and in a heavier-than-air aircraft, 10 flights in a (ii) 3 hours of glider receiving flight training flight training on those areas of from an operation authorized specified in instructor and at § 61.311 least 2 hours of preparing for the solo flight practical test training in the within 60 days areas of before the date operation listed of the test. in § 61.311,(c) Glider category privileges, (1) 3 hours of (i) Three solo and you have logged 20 hours flight time in a launches and flight time in a heavier-than- glider, including landings, and air aircraft, five flights in a (ii) 3 hours of glider while flight training receiving flight on those areas of training from an operation authorized specified in instructor and at § 61.311, least 1 hour of preparing for the solo flight practical test training in the within 60 days areas of before the date operation listed of the test. in § 61.311,(d) Rotorcraft category and (1) 20 hours of (i) 2 hours of gyroplane class privileges, flight time, cross-country including 15 flight training, hours of flight (ii) 10 takeoffs training from an and landings to a authorized full stop (with instructor in a each landing gyroplane and at involving a least 5 hours of flight in the solo flight traffic pattern) training in the at an airport, areas of (iii) One solo operation listed cross-country in § 61.311, flight of at least 50 nautical miles total distance, with a full-stop landing at a minimum of two points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 25 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations, and (iv) 3 hours of flight training on those areas of operation specified in § 61.311 preparing for the practical test within 60 days before the date of the test.(e) Lighter-than-air category (1) 20 hours of (i) 2 hours of and airship class privileges, flight time, cross-country including 15 flight training, hours of flight (ii) Three training from an takeoffs and authorized landings to a instructor in an full stop (with airship and at each landing least 3 hours involving a performing the flight in the duties of pilot traffic pattern) in command in an at an airport, airship with an (iii) One cross- authorized country flight of instructor in the at least 25 areas of nautical miles operation listed between the in § 61.311, takeoff and landing locations, and (iv) 3 hours of flight training on those areas of operation specified in § 61.311 preparing for the practical test within 60 days before the date of the test.(f) Lighter-than-air category (1) 7 hours of (i) 2 hours of and balloon class privileges, flight time in a cross-country balloon, flight training, including three and (ii) 3 hours flights with an of flight authorized training on those instructor and areas of one flight operation performing the specified in duties of pilot § 61.311 in command in a preparing for the balloon with an practical test authorized within 60 days instructor in the before the date areas of of the test. operation listed in § 61.311,(g) Powered parachute category (1) 12 hours of (i) 1 hour of land or sea class privileges, flight time in a cross-country powered flight training, parachute, (ii) 20 takeoffs including 10 and landings to a hours flight full stop in a training and, and powered parachute at least 2 hours with each landing solo flight involving flight training in the in the traffic areas of pattern at an operation listed airport; (iii) 10 in § 61.311. solo takeoffs and landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport, (iv) One solo flight with a landing at a different airport and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 10 nautical miles between takeoff and landing locations, and (v) 3 hours of flight training on those areas of operation specified in § 61.311 preparing for the practical test within 60 days before the date of the test.(h) Weight-shift-control (1) 20 hours of (i) 2 hours of aircraft category land or sea light time, cross-country class privileges, including 15 flight training, hours of flight (ii) 10 takeoffs training from an and landings to a authorized full stop (with instructor in a each landing weight-shift- involving a control aircraft flight in the and at least 5 traffic pattern) hours of solo at an airport, flight training (iii) One solo in the areas of cross-country operation listed flight of at in § 61.311, least 50 nautical miles total distance, with a full-stop landing at a minimum of two points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 25 nautical miles between takeoff and landing locations, and (iv) 3 hours of flight training on those areas of operation specified in § 61.311 preparing for the practical test within 60 days before the date of the test.------------------------------------------------------------------------
§ 61.315 What are the privileges and limits of my sport pilot certificate?
(a) If you hold a sport pilot certificate you may act as pilot in command of a light-sport aircraft, except as specified in paragraph (c) of this section.
(b) You may share the operating expenses of a flight with a passenger, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenses, or aircraft rental fees. You must pay at least half the operating expenses of the flight.
(c) You may not act as pilot in command of a light-sport aircraft:
(1) That is carrying a passenger or property for compensation or hire.
(2) For compensation or hire.
(3) In furtherance of a business.
(4) While carrying more than one passenger.
(5) At night.
(6) In Class A airspace.
(7) In Class B, C, and D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, and to, from, through, or at an airport having an operational control tower unless you have met the requirements specified in §61.325.
(8) 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.”
(9) To demonstrate the aircraft in flight to a prospective buyer if you are an aircraft salesperson.
(10) In a passenger-carrying airlift sponsored by a charitable organization.
(11) At an altitude of more than 10,000 feet MSL.
(12) When the flight or surface visibility is less than 3 statute miles.
(13) Without visual reference to the surface.
(14) If the aircraft has a VH that exceeds 87 knots CAS, unless you have met the requirements of §61.327.
(15) Contrary to any operating limitation placed on the airworthiness certificate of the aircraft being flown.
(16) Contrary to any limit or endorsement on your pilot certificate, airman medical certificate, or any other limit or endorsement from an authorized instructor.
(17) Contrary to any restriction or limitation on your U.S. driver's license or any restriction or limitation imposed by judicial or administrative order when using your driver's license to satisfy a requirement of this part.
(18) While towing any object.
(19) As a pilot flight crewmember on any aircraft for which more than one pilot is required by the type certificate of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is conducted. § 61.317 Is my sport pilot certificate issued with aircraft category and class ratings?
Your sport pilot certificate does not list aircraft category and class ratings. When you successfully pass the practical test for a sport pilot certificate, regardless of the light-sport aircraft privileges you seek, the FAA will issue you a sport pilot certificate without any category and class ratings. The FAA will provide you with a logbook endorsement for the category, class, and make and model of aircraft in which you are authorized to act as pilot in command. § 61.319 Can I operate a make and model of aircraft other than the make and model aircraft for which I have received an endorsement?
If you hold a sport pilot certificate you may operate any make and model of light-sport aircraft in the same category and class and within the same set of aircraft as the make and model of aircraft for which you have received an endorsement. § 61.321 How do I obtain privileges to operate an additional category or class of light-sport aircraft?
If you hold a sport pilot certificate and seek to operate an additional category or class of light-sport aircraft, you must—
(a) Receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who trained you on the applicable aeronautical knowledge areas specified in §61.309 and areas of operation specified in §61.311. The endorsement certifies you have met the aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency requirements for the additional light-sport aircraft privilege you seek;
(b) Successfully complete a proficiency check from an authorized instructor other than the instructor who trained you on the aeronautical knowledge areas and areas of operation specified in §§61.309 and 61.311 for the additional light-sport aircraft privilege you seek;
(c) Complete an application for those privileges on a form and in a manner acceptable to the FAA and present this application to the authorized instructor who conducted the proficiency check specified in paragraph (b) of this section; and
(d) Receive a logbook endorsement from the instructor who conducted the proficiency check specified in paragraph (b) of this section certifying you are proficient in the applicable areas of operation and aeronautical knowledge areas, and that you are authorized for the additional category and class light-sport aircraft privilege. § 61.323 How do I obtain privileges to operate a make and model of light-sport aircraft in the same category and class within a different set of aircraft?
If you hold a sport pilot certificate and seek to operate a make and model of light-sport aircraft in the same category and class but within a different set of aircraft as the make and model of aircraft for which you have received an endorsement, you must—
(a) Receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in a make and model of light-sport aircraft that is within the same set of aircraft as the make and model of aircraft you intend to operate;
(b) Receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who provided you with the aircraft specific training specified in paragraph (a) of this section certifying you are proficient to operate the specific make and model of light-sport aircraft. § 61.325 How do I obtain privileges to operate a light-sport aircraft at an airport within, or in airspace within, Class B, C, and D airspace, or in other airspace with an airport having an operational control tower?
If you hold a sport pilot certificate and seek privileges to operate a light-sport aircraft in Class B, C, or D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, or to, from, through, or at an airport having an operational control tower, you must receive and log ground and flight training. The authorized instructor who provides this training must provide a logbook endorsement that certifies you are proficient in the following aeronautical knowledge areas and areas of operation:
(a) The use of radios, communications, navigation system/facilities, and radar services.
(b) Operations at airports with an operating control tower to include three takeoffs and landings to a full stop, with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern, at an airport with an operating control tower.
(c) Applicable flight rules of part 91 of this chapter for operations in Class B, C, and D airspace and air traffic control clearances. § 61.327 How do I obtain privileges to operate a light-sport aircraft that has a VH greater than 87 knots CAS?
If you hold a sport pilot certificate and you seek to operate a light-sport aircraft that has a VH greater than 87 knots CAS you must—
(a) Receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in an aircraft that has a VH greater than 87 knots CAS; and
(b) Receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who provided the training specified in paragraph (a) of this section certifying that you are proficient in the operation of light-sport aircraft with a VH greater than 87 knots CAS. § 61.329 Are there special provisions for obtaining a sport pilot certificate for persons who are registered ultralight pilots with an FAA-recognized ultralight organization?
(a) If you are a registered ultralight pilot with an FAA-recognized ultralight organization use the following table to determine how to obtain a sport pilot certificate.
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------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you are . . . Then you must . . .------------------------------------------------------------------------(1) A registered ultralight pilot with an (i) Not later than January FAA-recognized ultralight organization on 31, 2007_ or before September 1, 2004, and you want to apply for a sport pilot certificate (A) Meet the eligibility requirements in §§ 61.305 and 61.23, but not the aeronautical knowledge requirements specified in § 61.309, the flight proficiency requirements specified in § 61.311, and the aeronautical experience requirements specified in § 61.313, (B) Pass the knowledge test for a sport pilot certificate specified in § 61.307 or the knowledge test for a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating specified in § 61.405, (C) Pass the practical test for a sport pilot certificate specified in § 61.307, (D) Provide the FAA with a certified copy of your ultralight pilot records from an FAA-recognized ultralight organization, and those records must (1) Document that you are a registered ultralight pilot with that FAA-recognized ultralight organization, and (2) Indicate that you are recognized to operate each category and class of aircraft for which you seek sport pilot privileges.(2) A registered ultralight pilot with an (i) Meet the eligibility FAA-recognized ultralight organization requirements in after September 1, 2004, and you want to §§ 61.305 and apply for a sport pilot certificate 61.23, (ii) Meet the aeronautical knowledge requirements specified in § 61.309, the flight proficiency requirements specified in § 61.311, and aeronautical experience requirements specified in § 61.313; however, you may credit your ultralight aeronautical experience in accordance with § 61.52 toward the requirements in §§ 61.309, 61.311, and 61.313, (iii) Pass the knowledge and practical tests for a sport pilot certificate specified in § 61.307, and (iv) Provide the FAA with a certified copy of your ultralight pilot records from an FAA-recognized ultralight organization, and those records must (A) Document that you are a registered ultralight pilot with that FAA-recognized ultralight organization, and (B) Indicate that you are recognized to operate the category and class of aircraft for which you seek sport pilot privileges.------------------------------------------------------------------------
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(b) When you successfully pass the practical test for a sport pilot certificate, the FAA will issue you a sport pilot certificate without any category and class ratings. The FAA will provide you with a logbook endorsement for the category, class, and make and model of aircraft in which you have successfully passed the practical test and for which you are authorized to act as pilot in command. If you meet the provisions of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the FAA will provide you with a logbook endorsement for each category, class, and make and model of aircraft listed on the ultralight pilot records you provide to the FAA.
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