FAQ

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In 2004, the FAA introduced this new and unique pilot license. As a Sport Pilot, you can operate as Pilot in Command (PIC) of a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) during Day VFR conditions while carrying up to one additional passenger.

A Sport Pilot may:

- Share the operating expenses of a flight with a passenger, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenses, or aircraft rental fees.
- A sport pilot must pay at least half the operating expenses of the flight.

A Sport Pilot may NOT act as Pilot In Command of a light-sport aircraft:

- That is carrying a passenger or property for compensation or hire.
- For compensation or hire.
- In furtherance of a business.
- While carrying more than one passenger.
- At night.
- In Class A airspace.
- In Class B, C, or D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, and to, from, through, or at an airport having an operational control tower unless you have met the requirements specified in §61.325.
- Outside the United States, unless you have prior authorization from the country in which you seek to operate.

A sport pilot certificate carries the limitation "Holder does not meet ICAO requirements."

- In a passenger-carrying airlift sponsored by a charitable organization.
- At an altitude of more than 10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AFL.
- When the flight or surface visibility is less than 3 statute miles.
- Without visual reference to the surface.
- If the aircraft has a maximum forward speed in level flight that exceeds 87 knots CAS, unless having met the requirements of §61.327.
- If the aircraft has a maximum forward speed less than or equal to 87 knots CAS, unless you have met the requirements of §61.327(a) or have logged flight time as pilot in command of an airplane with a maximum forward speed less than or equal to 87 knots CAS before April 2, 2010.
- Contrary to any limitation or endorsement on your pilot certificate, airman medical certificate, U.S. driver's license, or any other limitation or logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor.
- Contrary to any restriction or limitation on the sport pilot's U.S. driver's license or any restriction or limitation imposed by judicial or administrative order when using a driver's license to satisfy the requirements of Part 61.
- While towing any object.
- As a pilot flight crew-member on any aircraft for which more than one pilot is required by the type certificate of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is conducted.

The Private Pilot Certificate is the entry level pilot license from the FAA. This license is for individuals who plan to fly for their personal business and/or pleasure, but not engage in work for compensation or hire. With your Private Pilot Certificate you are permitted to take family, friends, and co-workers on board your own aircraft or the aircraft you are renting while acting as Pilot in Command under visual flight rules.

A Private Pilot may:

- For compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if the flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and the aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.
- Share the operating expenses of a flight with a passenger, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenses, or aircraft rental fees. A private pilot must pay at least half the operating expenses of the flight.
- Act as pilot in command of a charitable, nonprofit, or community event flight described in § 91.146, if the sponsor and pilot comply with the requirements of § 91.146.
- Be reimbursed for aircraft operating expenses that are directly related to search and location operations, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees, and the operation is sanctioned and under the direction and control of: A local, State, or Federal agency; or an organization that conducts search and location operations.
- As an aircraft salesman with at least 200 hours flight time demonstrate an aircraft to a prospective buyer.
- Act as pilot in command of an aircraft towing a glider or unpowered ultralight vehicle provided they meet the requirements of § 61.96.
- Act as pilot in command for the purpose of conducting a production flight test in a light-sport aircraft intended for certification in the light-sport category under § 21.190 of this chapter, provided that
- The aircraft is a powered parachute or a weight-shift-control aircraft; The person has at least 100 hours of pilot-in-command time in the category and class of aircraft flown; and The person is familiar with the processes and procedures applicable to the conduct of production flight testing, to include operations conducted under a special flight permit and any associated operating limitations.
- Act as pilot in command of an aircraft without holding a medical certificate issued under part 67 of this chapter provided the pilot holds a valid U.S. driver's license, meets the requirements of § 61.23(c)(3), and complies with § 61.113 and all limitations and conditions listed.

A Private Pilot may NOT act as Pilot In Command of an aircraft:

- That is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft, except as provided in § 61.113.

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