Learn to Fly Sport

Your Path

Sport Pilot Roadmap

From first lesson to checkride for airplanes, with the official FAA rule for each step.
  1. 1

    Check the basics

    • You must be at least 17 years old for a sport pilot certificate in airplanes (16 for gliders or balloons).
    • You must be able to read, speak, write and understand English.
    • A student pilot certificate for airplanes requires age 16.
    Verified 2026-11-0914 CFR §61.305 14 CFR §61.83
  2. 2

    Choose your medical path

    • You may use a valid U.S. driver's license if you meet every §61.303(b) condition, or you may hold an FAA medical certificate.
    • If you plan to fly at night, you will need an FAA medical certificate or BasicMed.
    Verified 2026-11-0914 CFR §61.303 14 CFR §61.329
  3. 3

    Start flight training

    • Train with an authorized instructor on the knowledge areas in §61.309 and the flight areas in §61.311.
    Verified 2026-11-0914 CFR §61.309 14 CFR §61.311
  4. 4

    Fly solo

    • Before your first solo, you must pass a pre-solo knowledge test given by your instructor, receive the required training, and get solo endorsements in your logbook.
    • Ask your instructor which endorsements apply to your airport and aircraft.
    Verified 2026-11-0914 CFR §61.87
  5. 5

    Build experience

    • At least 20 hours total: 15 hours with an instructor and 5 hours of solo flight training.
    • Include 2 hours of cross-country training and 10 full-stop takeoffs and landings at an airport.
    • Fly one solo cross-country of at least 75 NM total, with full-stop landings at two or more points and one leg of at least 25 NM.
    • Complete 2 hours of checkride prep with an instructor within the 2 calendar months before the test.
    Verified 2026-11-0914 CFR §61.313
  6. 6

    Pass the knowledge test

    • Get an instructor endorsement first, then pass the FAA knowledge test.
    Verified 2026-11-0914 CFR §61.307
  7. 7

    Pass the checkride

    • Get an instructor endorsement, then pass the practical test.
    • The current airplane standard is FAA-S-8081-29B, effective September 14, 2026.
    Verified 2026-11-0914 CFR §61.307 Sport Pilot Airplane PTS (FAA-S-8081-29B)
  8. 8

    Optional: add privileges

    • Each privilege needs its own training and endorsement:
    • Towered airports and Class B, C or D airspace (§61.325).
    • Night flight, which also needs an FAA medical or BasicMed (§61.329).
    • Airplanes with a VH above 87 knots, or at or below 87 knots (§61.327).
    • Retractable gear or a manual controllable-pitch propeller (§61.331).
    Verified 2026-11-0914 CFR §61.325 14 CFR §61.329 14 CFR §61.327 14 CFR §61.331