Sterling Flight

The Sport Pilot License

What is required to obtain a Sport Pilots License?
If you are an aviation enthusiast seeking your first pilot certificate, the sport pilot certificate provides the easiest and least costly way to fly for fun and recreation.
The minimum required flight training time for the different light sport aircraft categories are:

• Airplane: 20 hours
  
• Powered Parachute: 12 hours
  
• Weight-Shift-Control (Trikes): 20 hours
  
• Glider: 10 hours
  
• Rotorcraft (gyroplane only): 20 hours
  
• Lighter-Than-Air: 20 hours (airship) or 7 hours (balloon)
  
• To earn a sport pilot certificate, one must:
  
• Be at least 16 to become a student sport pilot (14 for glider).
  
• Be at least 17 to test for a sport pilot certificate (16 for gliders).
  
• Be able to read, write, and understand English.
  
• Hold a current and valid U.S. driver’s license as evidence of medical eligibility provided the FAA didn’t deny, revoke, or suspend your last medical certificate application). Alternatively, you can also use a third class airman’s medical to establish medical fitness.
  
• Pass an FAA sport pilot knowledge test.
  

Cost breakdown of getting your Sport License:

Aircraft (Tecnam Bravo): $2100.00
Instruction: $450.00
Books & Supplies: $400.00
FAA Exams: $495.00
Total Cost: $3,435.00