The sport pilot rating is becoming one of the most popular ratings for a general aviation pilot today. A student can obtain a sport pilot certificate for a fraction of the cost to obtain a private pilot certificate. Sport pilots do not have to obtain a medical to earn their certificate.

Below are the basic requirements to obtain a sport pilot certificate:

•Be at least 17yrs old

•Be able to read, speak, and write and understand English

•Pass a computerized aeronautical knowledge test

•Accumulate and log specified amount of training and experience, including the following:

•20 hours of flight time, including 15 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor in a single engine airplane and at least 5 hours of solo flight training in specified areas of operation listed in part 61.311 of the FARs

•2 hours of cross country flight training, 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a lap in the traffic pattern) at an airport;

•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 25 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations

•2 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor on those areas of operation specified in part 61.311 of the FARs in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test.