Do I need a FAA medical certificate to become a Sport Pilot?
The Sport Pilot rule allows pilots to substitute a valid driver's license as evidence of medical fitness.What rules did the FAA change?
In 2004, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and DOT (Department of Transportation) made three changes around the regulation of consumer and recreational flying. They created 1) Light Sport Aircraft classification to accommodate light, simple and easy-to-fly aircraft that are more affordable to own and maintain; 2) Sport Pilot license, which can be achieved in half of the time and cost compared to the traditional private pilot license; and 3) new Light Sport Aircraft Mechanics certification that enables more accessible and affordable maintenance.What are the prerequisites required to seek a Sport Pilot license?
Four criteria apply: 1) Must be at least 17 years of age, 2) Have a valid state driver's license, 3) Be proficient in the English language, and 4) Be able to affirm general good health and not using substances or medications that impede judgment, cognition, or motor skills.How can I get trained?
Pilot training centers are available all over the United States and many are beginning to offer Sport Pilot training on Light Sport Aircraft trainers. The new Sport Pilot license enables student pilots to be safely trained for as little as $3,000 and as little as ten days - approximately the same amount of time required for a scuba license. The FAA requires a minimum of 20 hours of in-flight training versus 40 hours for a Private Pilot license and Sport Pilots are restricted to flight during the day, in good weather, and away from high-density airspace unless they have necessary endorsements that can be earned with additional training.Can I transfer Private Pilot training over to the Sport Pilot certificate requirements?
Yes. However, a Sport Pilot certificate requires that the solo and check ride must be in a Light Sport Aircraft.Does a Sport Pilot license include seaplane operations?
Although piloting an LSA seaplane does not require an additional pilot rating, it does required some additional training. This training will be offered to all ICON customers. The process involves seaplane training by a certified flight instructor and then a proficiency check by another flight instructor who will then endorse your logbook. While training time will vary between students, seaplane training normally takes only a few hours and is often accomplished in a single weekend.
What is the maximum altitude I can fly with an LSA/SPL?
The current altitude limitation set by the FAA on Light Sport Aircraft and Sport Pilot License is a maximum altitude of 10,000 ft. However, there is a potential revision to the rules being proposed that would allow Sport Pilots to fly to whichever altitude is higher: 10,000 MSL or 2,000 AGL. Stay tuned for updates as they come from the FAA.