Sport Pilot

• Training requirements for a sport pilot certificate with airplane category —
  • A minimum of 20 hours flight time including:
    • 15 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor.
    • 5 hours solo flight.
  • Flight training must include at least:
    • 2 hours cross-country flight training.
    • 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop.
    • One solo cross-country flight of at least 75 nautical miles total distance with a full-stop landing at a minimum of two points and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 25 nautical miles between takeoff and landing locations.
    • 2 hours flight training in preparation for the practical test.
    • Ground training from an instructor or home-study course.
  • FAA knowledge test on applicable aeronautical knowledge areas.
  • FAA practical test for the applicable light-sport aircraft privilege.
  • Sport pilot certificates will be issued without category/class designation — logbook endorsement will be provided for category and class per FAR 61.317.

or the sport pilot certificate, you must:

• Be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old if you are applying to operate a glider or balloon).
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
• Hold at least a third class medical, or hold a current and valid U.S. driver’s license for operations in light-sport aircraft other than a glider or balloon.

Per FAR61.23.c.1.i&ii You may exercise the privileges of a Sport Pilot as long as you hold a valid U.S. driver’s license.

This is a Part 61 program which means it is self directed at your speed and on your schedule.  Your time for completion will be largely based on how aggressively you are willing to schedule flights.

If you schedule 2 to 3 flights per week you can expect to finish the program in 3 to 4 months. If you schedule 3 to 4 flights per week you can expect to be a pilot in 2 to 3 months.