Sport Pilot Certificate
The Fastest Path to Flight
Earn your wings faster and more affordably with a Sport Pilot Certificate. Fly light sport aircraft, enjoy recreational flying, and experience the freedom of flight with fewer requirements.
- Only 20 hours flight time required
- Use your driver's license as medical
- Lower training costs
- Fly light sport aircraft
What Can You Do With a Sport Pilot Certificate?
A Sport Pilot Certificate lets you enjoy recreational flying with fewer barriers to entry
Fly Light Sport Aircraft
Fly a variety of light sport aircraft including our Icon A5 and other LSA aircraft. These modern, fun aircraft are perfect for recreational flying.
Carry One Passenger
Share the experience with a friend or family member. Take one passenger along for scenic flights and day trips.
Daytime VFR Flying
Enjoy beautiful daytime flights in good weather conditions. Perfect for scenic flights, local trips, and recreational aviation.
Driver's License Medical
No FAA medical exam required if you have a valid driver's license. This makes flying accessible to more people.
Lower Operating Costs
Light sport aircraft typically burn less fuel and have lower rental rates, making flying more affordable.
Upgrade Anytime
Your Sport Pilot flight time counts toward a Private Pilot Certificate. Upgrade your certificate whenever you're ready.
Requirements & Prerequisites
Sport Pilot has the simplest requirements of any pilot certificate
Age Requirements
- 16 years old to fly solo
- 17 years old to earn your certificate
Medical Requirements
- Valid US driver's license (in most cases)
- No FAA medical exam required
- Must not have had a medical denied/revoked
English Proficiency
- Ability to read, speak, and understand English
No Experience Needed
- Start with zero flight experience
- We teach you everything from the ground up
The driver's license medical option is one of the biggest advantages of Sport Pilot training.
What's Included in Your Training
A streamlined training program focused on recreational flying skills
Ground School
Learn the essentials of flight
- Aerodynamics fundamentals
- Weather basics
- Navigation principles
- FAA regulations for sport pilots
- Aircraft systems
- Safety procedures
Flight Training
Hands-on flying in light sport aircraft
- Basic flight maneuvers
- Takeoffs & landings
- Pattern work
- Local area navigation
- Emergency procedures
- Solo flight experience
Checkride Prep
Final preparation for your FAA practical test
- Written exam preparation
- Oral exam practice
- Practical test standards review
- Mock checkrides
- Final stage check
Your Training Milestones
First Flight
Take the controls for the first time
Day 1First Solo
Fly by yourself
12-18 hoursSolo Practice
Build confidence and skills
15-25 hoursCheckride
Pass your FAA practical test
20-30 hoursTransparent Pricing
Sport Pilot is the most affordable path to becoming a certificated pilot
Flight Training
Ground Training
Materials & Fees
Costs vary based on how quickly you progress. Most students finish close to minimums.
Not Sure? Try a Discovery Flight
Experience flying a light sport aircraft firsthand
A Discovery Flight is a 30-minute introductory lesson where you'll actually fly the airplane. You'll take the controls, make turns, and see what light sport flying is really like.
What's Included:
- Pre-flight briefing
- Hands-on flying time
- Post-flight debrief
- Q&A with instructor
Discovery Flight cost is credited toward your training if you enroll.
What Our Students Say
Hear from pilots who earned their certificates with us
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Free Sport Pilot Starter Guide
Everything you need to know about the fastest path to flight
Our guide covers Sport Pilot requirements, costs, training timeline, and helps you decide if it's the right certificate for you.
What's Inside:
- Sport vs Private Pilot comparison
- Cost breakdown & savings tips
- Training timeline expectations
- Driver's license medical guide
- Light sport aircraft overview
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Sport Pilot training
What's the difference between Sport Pilot and Private Pilot?
Sport Pilot requires only 20 hours of flight time (vs 40 for Private), uses a driver's license instead of an FAA medical, and costs significantly less. However, Sport Pilots can only fly light sport aircraft during daytime in good weather, and can carry just one passenger.
Can I use my driver's license instead of getting a medical?
Yes! As long as you have a valid US driver's license and haven't had an FAA medical denied, revoked, or suspended, you can use your driver's license as your medical qualification. This is one of the biggest advantages of Sport Pilot.
What aircraft will I fly for Sport Pilot training?
You'll train in FAA-certified light sport aircraft. These are modern, efficient aircraft designed for recreational flying. They're fun to fly and economical to operate.
Can I fly at night with a Sport Pilot Certificate?
No, Sport Pilots are limited to daytime flying only (civil twilight to civil twilight). If you want to fly at night, you'll need to upgrade to a Private Pilot Certificate.
Can I upgrade to Private Pilot later?
Absolutely! All of your Sport Pilot flight time counts toward a Private Pilot Certificate. Many pilots start with Sport Pilot and upgrade later when they want more privileges.
Is Sport Pilot right for me?
Sport Pilot is ideal if you want to fly recreationally, prefer lower costs, or can't get an FAA medical. If you plan to fly at night, in clouds, or carry more than one passenger, Private Pilot may be a better choice from the start.
How fast can I get my Sport Pilot Certificate?
With consistent training, you can earn your Sport Pilot Certificate in 4-8 weeks. Some students who train full-time have finished in as little as 3 weeks.
What kinds of trips can I take as a Sport Pilot?
You can fly cross-country trips to any airport, take scenic flights, visit nearby destinations, and enjoy recreational flying. Many Sport Pilots enjoy day trips to breakfast spots, beach towns, and other local destinations.
Still have questions?