FAA Sport Pilot study guide
FAA Sport Pilot · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Sport Pilot certificate is one of two pilot certificates the FAA created in 2004 that let pilots operate qualifying aircraft without holding a medical certificate; the other is the Flight Instructor with a Sport Pilot Rating. Training and certification requirements for sport pilots and pilots exercising sport pilot privileges live in Part 61 subpart J, while requirements for flight instructors with a sport pilot rating are in Part 61 subpart K. The FAA Sport Pilot study guide has 5 sections and about 1,461 words.
01Regulations and Certification Requirements: Sport Pilot Certification (Part 61 Subpart J)
Subpart J of Part 61 creates the sport pilot certificate. A candidate must be at least 17 years old (16 for a glider or balloon), able to read, speak, write, and understand English, and hold at least a third-class medical certificate OR qualify to operate without one by holding a valid U.S.
323 words, about 2 min02Aircraft Performance Limits and Design Requirements (14 CFR 61.316)
The LSA definition is the backbone of this domain. An airplane LSA must have a maximum gross takeoff weight of 1,320 pounds (1,430 pounds if equipped for water operations), a maximum stall speed of 45 knots calibrated airspeed in the landing configuration, a maximum speed in level flight of 120 knots calibrated airspeed, a single reciprocating engine, a fixed or ground-adjustable propeller, a fixed or retractable landing gear (except for gliders and seaplanes), and no more than two seats.
302 words, about 2 min03Additional Training and Instructor Qualifying Endorsements
Sport pilots may seek endorsements for retractable landing gear, manual controllable pitch propeller, and night operations. Each requires ground and flight training from an authorized instructor and a logbook endorsement before the pilot may exercise the privilege.
277 words, about 1 min04Proficiency Check Procedures for Sport Pilot Privileges
A proficiency check verifies that a sport pilot can operate safely within the privileges of the certificate. It is conducted by an authorized instructor or examiner and includes an oral assessment and a flight portion.
279 words, about 1 min05Practical Test Requirements, Endorsements, and Knowledge Tests
Before the practical test, the applicant must pass the sport pilot knowledge test. The test covers regulations, airspace, weather, performance, and aeromedical factors.
280 words, about 1 min