In 2004, the FAA created sport pilot/light sport aircraft regulations. The most significant change in FAA regulations in 50 years, it allows easier and lower-cost access for those wishing to participate in the joy of flight.
The sport pilot rule is more than just a new pilot certificate. It’s an entire plan to lower the barriers to participation in aviation. It addresses everything from getting that first entry-level pilot certificate to creating a new way of certificating ready-to-fly aircraft that are much more affordable than most aircraft on the market.
Now You Can:
- Obtain an FAA pilot certificate at a lower cost and with less commitment than ever before.
- Fly a sport eligible aircraft with you driver’s license serving as evidence of medical eligibility.
- Purchase new, more affordable, ready-to-fly aircraft.
- Make your dream of flying come true more easily and less expensively.
- Maintain your own aircraft.
The FAA has defined light-sport aircraft as a simple-to-operate, easy-to-fly aircraft that, since initial certification, has continued to meet the following performance definition: Getting the Sport Pilot Rating: Existing Pilot Operating as a Sport Pilot:
The new Sport Pilot rating allows you to be flying in much less time and with much less money than ever before. The minimum requirements to become a Sport Pilots are:
-15 Hours of flight instruction
- 5 Hours of solo flight
One of the benefits of the new sport pilot regulation is that it allows individuals with higher-level pilot certificates (e.g. private, commericial, etc.) to operate under sport pilot privileges. The FAA has made this transition very easy in that there is no special certificate, endorsement, or test that an existing pilot needs in order to make this transition.
Here’s all that’s necessary: