Clouds - Bkgrd.jpg

Sport Pilot License

Sport Pilot training is a great way to get into aviation with fewer requirements, lower costs, and a faster path to the cockpit. Whether you’re flying for fun, local travel, or building foundational skills, the Sport Pilot certificate offers an accessible entry point to becoming a pilot.

Cessna 150, N10830 (Memphis)

We offer quality training in one of the easiest aircraft to learn in, the Cessna 150. You will quickly learn the fundamentals of flying such as take-off, landing, maneuvers and navigation. The Cessna 150 is also extremely fuel efficient providing you the quality training you need at a price that works for your wallet. Our goal is to efficiently and safely prepare you for your FAA check ride and for years of piloting to follow.

Course Description

  • What Is a Sport Pilot?

    A Sport Pilot is certificated to fly light-sport aircraft (LSA) for personal and recreational purposes. This certificate is ideal for pilots who want to enjoy flying without the time and expense of higher-level certificates.

    Sport Pilots can fly:

    • Single-engine, light-sport aircraft

    • Daytime (VFR) operations

    • With one passenger

    • No FAA medical exam required

    What You’ll Learn

    Our Sport Pilot training program covers both ground instruction and flight training, including:

    Ground Training

    • Basic aerodynamics and aircraft systems

    • FAA regulations and airspace

    • Weather fundamentals

    • Navigation and flight planning

    • Aeronautical decision-making and safety

    Flight Training

    • Aircraft preflight and ground operations

    • Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds

    • Maneuvers and slow flight

    • Emergency procedures

    • Pattern work and solo flight

    • Cross-country operations

  • Average Timeline

    • Flying 2–3 times per week → ~8–12 weeks

    • Flying 1 time per week → ~3–4 months

    Minimum FAA requirements

    • 20 total flight hours (most students take closer to 25–30)

    • Ground training + written test

    • Checkride scheduling (can add a few weeks)

    What can make it faster or slower

    • Weather availability

    • Aircraft availability

    • How often you fly

    • How quickly you solo and retain skills

  • Training Requirements

    To earn your Sport Pilot certificate, you must:

    • Be at least 17 years old

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

    • Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license (used in place of an FAA medical)

    • Complete the required flight and ground training

    • Pass a FAA knowledge (written) test

    • Pass a practical test (checkride) with an FAA examiner

    Minimum Flight Time:

    • 20 total flight hours (may vary by student)

      • 15 hours of dual instruction

      • 5 hours of solo flight

    • 3 hours of flight utilizing their instruments, completing straight and level flight, airspeed climbs and descents, heading turns, attitude recovery, radio contact and the use of navigation and radar services as necessary.

    • 10 hours of solo flight time, including 5 hours of solo cross-country time, one cross-country flight of 150 NM with a full stop landing at three different points.

  • Privileges:

    • Fly light-sport aircraft

    • Carry one passenger

    • Operate from smaller airports

    • No FAA medical certificate required

    Limitations:

    • Day VFR only (no night flying)

    • No flying in controlled airspace without proper training and endorsements

    • No flying for compensation or hire

    • Aircraft must meet light-sport criteria