How to Become a Sport Pilot

If you've been considering becoming a pilot, but don't ever plan to fly for anything more than the pure fun of it, then you should consider becoming a Sport Pilot. Sport Pilots can fly airplanes called Light Sport Aircraft, and they may take a passenger. These airplanes have no more than two seats and require only 20 hours of flight training for certification. That's half the time required to become a Private Pilot. Sport Pilots operate under a more restricted set of rules than other pilots, which is one reason the time requirements are so much less. If you do decide to become a private pilot, all of your flight time in Sport Aircraft applies toward that new certificate.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet
• Telephone
• Desire to Have Fun

Your First Flight

1. A great resource to begin your Sport Pilot adventure is the Experimental Aircraft Association or EAA website. They have a comprehensive Sport Pilot website that has more than enough information to leave any aspiring pilot drooling with anticipation. Visit www.sportpilot.org to learn more about the certificate and the aircraft under the Sport Pilot umbrella.

2. When you are ready to take a demonstration flight, visit www.sportpilot.org/instructors/ in order to find an instructor and aircraft available in your area. Be prepared to make a few phone calls... Sport Pilot is relatively new, and there are more instructors than aircraft. Many of the instructors listed will be able to locate an aircraft to fly.

3. Before, during and after your demonstration flight, your instructor will have a wealth of information regarding cost and time commitments. After flying with you and seeing your temperament, your instructor will have a very good idea as to your abilities.

4. Remember that the 20 hours are a minimum--almost everyone should plan on taking 30 hours to obtain a certificate.