The Federal Aviation Administration recently approved another classification of flying certification. This certificate, called a sport pilot license, makes it easier for people eager to learn to fly to obtain a license. This license requires half the required flight time of a private pilot certification (20 hours versus 40); this decreased time requirement creates a significant savings.
In order to apply for this certification, applicants must be conversant in English, possess a valid state-issued driver’s license and be at least 16 years of age. Fourteen year olds may apply and will be able to qualify to fly a glider or balloon.
This new certification came to be for several reasons. It was designed to promote aviation, close some gaps in ultralight training, encourage ultralight purchases and clean up some misconceptions surrounding light-aircraft maintenance and procedures.
This new classification does not, however, make it easier in terms of the knowledge requirements necessary to become a pilot. Flight instructors and the FAA are just as stringent in their requirements for this classification as any other. Applicants must still pass two required tests (written and flight) with a score of at least 70%. With this classification of aircraft licensure, however, the necessary knowledge, equipment of the airplane and the airplane itself is simpler, making the whole experience less complicated.
There are some significant limitations too. This licensure does not allow pilots to fly at night, above 10,000 feet or to carry more than one passenger. A sport-pilot cannot fly in instrument only conditions. The license limits pilots further as they are allows to fly only a certain class of airplane. Sport-pilot aircraft include airplanes (single-engine, fixed-gear, two-seaters), gliders, rotocraft, lighter-than-air (balloons or airships), powered parachutes and weight shift aircraft.
Light sport approved pilots must also be requalified to fly specific aircraft if the original qualification was not on that particular type of aircraft. This can be done by a flight instructor with a check out flight. Once done, it is valid for life. If an individual moves up to a private certification, these requalifications are no longer required. Keep in mind that the training you receive for your sport pilot license (and this includes the requalifications) can ultimately count towards more advanced certificates.
A sport pilot license is akin to a driver’s license. With a driver’s license you can drive a car, but not a limo, bus or a semi. You need to have a specific license for those vehicles. Although there are more cars available to a road-licensed driver, there are many aircraft available to a sport-licensed pilot. The aircraft themselves are more practical, faster and safer. This certificate is a great way to get you into the air.
