LACONIA'S FIRST-CLASS FBO & GATEWAY TO NEW HAMPSHIRE'S LAKES REGION
What can I do as a Sport Pilot?
As a Sport Pilot, you can...
Fly in most single-engine aircraft, including the ultra-common Cessna 172s and Piper Warriors series! (Required stall speed must be 62 KIAS or slower).
Fly solo or with one friend/family member!
Conduct a flight incidental to business.
See 14 CFR 61.315 for more information.
What can't I do as a Sport Pilot?
While a Sport Pilot Certificate gives you access to skies, there are certain limitations on your privileges:
You must fly in visual conditions.
You may not fly at night (unless you have an endorsement from an instructor).
You may not carry more than one passenger.
You may not carry passengers or cargo for compensation or hire.
You may not fly higher than 10,000' MSL (unless you are in high-elevation areas, where you can fly up to 2,000' AGL).
You may not fly in Class A airspace (above 18,000' MSL).
You may not fly in Class B, C, or D airspace unless you have an endorsement from an instructor.
You may not fly for charitable organizations in a passenger-carrying capacity.
See 14 CFR 61.315 for more information.
Am I eligible to become a Sport Pilot?
Be at least 17 years old.
Although you must be 16 years old to fly solo, you can start your training at any age! We have had students as young as eight years old!
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
Be a U.S. citizen
Hold a valid U.S. drivers license.
See 14 CFR 61.305 for more information.
How many hours does it take to become a Sport Pilot?
Becoming a Sport Pilot requires fewer training hours compared to Private Pilot Certificate. The FAA requires a minimum of the following hours requirements to receive your Sport Pilot Certificate:
20 hours total
15 hours of flight training, including:
2 hours of cross-country training
2 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test
5 hours of solo flight, including:
5 hours of solo cross-country flying
1 solo cross country of at least 75 nautical miles with landings at a minimum of two airports, with one segment at least 25 nautical miles long
These hours are a minimum training requirement, but many students take more to reach proficiency in flight maneuvers and aviation skills.
See 14 CFR 61.313 for more information.
