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Thanks to the Sport Pilot Store for the following information:

Sport Pilot Simplified (Why make it difficult anyway!)

This page explains what to do & what materials you need to become a sport pilot. We have tried to make it simple & clear. There is more detail to it but we are keeping it simple for now.

What is a LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT?

An LSA (Light Sport Aircraft) is an aircraft;

• weighing under 1320 Lbs (1430 Lbs if it has floats) (Lighter than air 660 Lbs)
• has a stall speed less than 51 Mph (45 Knots)
• maximum speed in level flight with maximum continuous power (Vh)-138 mph (120 knots)
• maximum two place
• un-pressurized cabin
• For more detail see LSA BASIC PARAMETERS

What are the different types (categories) of aircraft involved in the new Sport Pilot rule?

• Airplane (single-engine only)
• Glider
• Lighter-than-air (airship or balloon)
• Rotorcraft (gyroplane only)
• Powered Parachute
• Weight-Shift control aircraft(e.g. Trikes)

What do I need to do as a BFI/AFI/Student/UFI to get my Sport Pilot rating?

Already a BFI/AFI/UFI registered before September 1^st 2004 or a student registered before September 1^st 2004

1. Obtain a certified copy of ultralight training records to obtain credit for experience in an Ultralight Vehicle (that’s what it will say at the top) from the ASC or organization you are registered with as an instructor.

• This will allow you to skip the FOI test.
• This will allow you to skip the 12 hours of instruction needed to become a SP.

2. Purchase a “Test Prep Kit” or “3 in 1 Student kit Deluxe” (the latter kit recommended) for your aircraft category (Airplane, PPC, or Trike) (TIP: DO NOT buy items separately, buying a kit is likely to save you around $40+, and you WILL need everything in the kit to become a SP)

3. Study for the written Sport Pilot test & take the test at a local airport (TIP: Know your sectional chart & airspace/ airspace requirements like the back of your hand)

4. Prepare for the practical test using the PTS (Practical Test Standards) & Check Ride Guide. (TIP: Your examiner (DPE) will want to see a detailed checklist used for the pre-flight check and walk around the aircraft)

• The PTS is what the instructor follows through the test to make sure he & you have covered everything in the examination.
• The Check Ride Guide has all the oral questions you will need to know and much more.

5. Call a DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner) for your desired aircraft and schedule a time and place to do your check ride. (TIP: The check ride guide has all the info on what is needed for the practical test) For a DPE see EAA.org.

6. To become a CFI study the “ASA CFI Prep Wear CD ROM”  & pass the CFI written test. Then study the CFI oral questions in the “Check Ride guide” and take the CFI test with a CFIE (Certified Flight Instructor Examiner) 

TIP: Both the CFI and Sport Pilot practical tests are open book. This means if you don’t know an answer to a question you may look it up. It’s kind of like you’re allowed to cheat! So don’t forget to take your whole library of aviation publications, they’ll come in handy.

Already registered as a Student/BFI/AFI or UFI after September 1st 2004

With the time logged as a Student pilot/BFI/AFI or UFI all that counts toward your sport pilot certificate. However the FAA will require you to receive a sign off from a CFI who you have demonstrated the flying skills needed to meet FAA requirements (For details see FAR part 61.329). Also you will have to show the CFI your aeronautical knowledge (as per FAA requirements) before he signs you off to take the written and practical test.

Being a BFI/AFI/UFI or student after September 1^st 2004 is almost the same as before September 1^st 2004 but you have to demonstrate to the CFI you can perform the maneuvers to meet requirements and your knowledge is up to par before taking the written and practical test. All this is good by the way as you are making sure you WILL pass the test first time by working for a few hours with a CFI!

1. Find a CFI for your aircraft category.  See EAA.Org. for a list of instructors.

2. Work towards the flight proficiency standards & aeronautical knowledge, also meet the experience requirements as found in FAR part 61.

3. Purchase a “Test Prep Kit” or “3 in 1 Student kit Deluxe” (the latter kit recommended) for your aircraft category (Airplane, PPC, or trike) (TIP: DO NOT buy items separately, buying a kit is likely to save you around $40+, and you WILL need everything in the kit to become a SP)

4. Receive a CFI sign off to take the written test (TIP: the prep wear is the best test preparation know to man for sport pilot right now. It will give you REAL test questions like in the test in an FAA test computer environment) 

5. Call a DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner) appropriate to the category of aircraft you wish to fly and schedule a time and place to do your oral exam & check ride. (TIP: The check ride guide has all the info on what is needed for the practical test) For a DPE see EAA.org.

6. To become a CFI study the “ASA CFI Prep Wear CD ROM” & pass the CFI written test. Then study the CFI oral questions in the “Check Ride guide” and take the CFI test with a CFIE (Certified Flight Instructor Examiner).

Do not hold any rating of any kind

1.      Purchase a “3 in 1 Instructor Deluxe Kit” for the desired aircraft. Do not be overwhelmed with the amount of material in this kit. You will not use it all at once but will need all of the contents to become a Sport Pilot.

·        Start watching the DVD’s in the kit, this will give you a head start on your training.

·        Read the FAR’s (Federal Aviation Regulations) in part 61.301 -.313, this will give you an idea of what requirements you need to meet to become a sport pilot & your instructor will be impressed if you know this before training starts!

2.      Find a CFI appropriate to the category of aircraft you wish to fly.

 

·     Receive ground and flight training

·     Meet the aeronautical experience requirements

·     Meet the aeronautical knowledge requirements

·     Get an endorsement to take the written test & pass it

·     Find a DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner) to take the oral and flight test. Your instructor can help you do this.

·  Receive a log book endorsement for your category, class, make/model & set of aircraft.

THEN SHARE THE AIR!