The latest Pilot License, only recently introduced, allows you to become a Sport Pilot in approximately half to two thirds of the time and cost of a Private Pilot license. Our Taylorcraft L2, Aeronca Champ, Evektor Sportstar and the Zlin Savage Cub Light Sport Airplane (check out all our airplanes) are ready and willing to help you become a Sport Pilot and achieve your dream. We are the only flight school in the Bay Area that can offer you the Sport Pilot flight training and rent you certified Lights Sport airplanes fo fly after you receive your Sport Pilot license.
The Sport Pilot License entitles you to fly 2 seat Light Sport airplanes as long as the airplane is under 1320 lbs maximum weight and less than 120 knots maximum airspeed. Our Aeronca Champs and Taylorcraft L-2 qualify for Sport Pilot flight raining. We also have a 2005 Zlin Savage Cub purpose designed Light Sport Airplane, so we can offer you 60 years of different airplane design for your flight training.
Prerequisite: Student Pilot Certificate, FAA written test, Medical: Drivers License only
Cost: Approximately $6,000-$8,000
Ground School is strongly recommended to help you pass the FAA Sport Pilot Knowledge Test.
Sport Pilot License Course Outline
FAA minimum is 20 hours which is unrealistic, more likely is 40-50 hours. Actual flight hours will vary with each student. We take pride in the quality of our instruction and that we have been in business of flight training for nearly 50 years. We do not train just to pass the test. We will train you to be a proficient, skilled and safe pilot.
Stage A - Pre Solo
Time : Approximately 15-25 hrs flight instruction, 5 hrs ground instruction
Basic Maneuvers : Take-offs, climbs, straight and level flight, airspeed changes, turns, descents, landings, Air Traffic Control procedures, etc.
Certificates : none required for training with instructor
Exams : None required for training with instructor
Stage B - Solo and Post Solo
At least 16 years of age
Certificates : Student Pilot Certificate
Exams : Federal Air Regulations, Airplane Operational Characteristics, administered by instructor
Time : 5 hrs solo minimum (including 3 supervised solo flights)
Maneuvers : Practice basic fundamentals, flight test maneuvers, airport pattern entry, exit procedures, advanced take-offs and landing techniques, performance maneuvers
Stage C - Cross Country Preparation and Cross Country Flight
Time : Around 3 hrs cross country flight instruction; about 3 hours solo cross country flight
Maneuvers : navigation using pilotage and dead reckoning; optional radio navigation
Stage D - Flight Test Preparation
Time : As required to exceed the required standards
Maneuvers : Flight test maneuvers required by the FAA Practical Test Standards
Exam : FAA sport pilot knowledge exam multi-choice test, 3 hrs. Preparation for FAA knowledge exam should be started as soon as possible. Ground School is recommended.
Note : Preparation for the FAA flight test will normally be done at the same time as the cross country and other training. However, recommendation ride for flight test is not given until student has passed FAA written exam.
Flight Test : Approximately 1 ½ hrs ground time, 1 ½ hrs air time with FAA examiner.
Summary Requirements for Sport Pilot License
At least 17 years of age
Valid US Driver's License
Complete stages A, B, C and D
FAA written sport pilot test (passing grade is 70)
FAA flight test
Flight Hour Requirements for Sport Pilot License:
(All times are the bare minimums, expect more)
Total flight time minimum 20 hrs
Flight training (dual) minimum 15 hrs including:
- Dual cross country in an airplane at least 2hrs
- Dual in an airplane in past 60 days at least 3 hrs
Solo flight minimum in an airplane 5 hrs including:
- Solo cross country time in an airplane 5 hrs, including one flight over 75nm total, 3 landing points, and at least one leg over 25nm
Estimated hours and costs:
• Total hrs on sport pilot curriculum: approximately 40-50 hrs including about 20-25 hrs dual and 5-10 hrs solo.
• Total cost on sport pilot curriculum (includes airplane rental and dual instruction) - approximately $5,500-$6,500.
• Present rates: Present rates: Airplane Hourly Costs and Instructor Costs.
• Cost of ground school - $220 tuition for the complete course or $20 per session for sixteen sessions. Tuition does not include cost of books and materials.
• Books and materials - a supply of recommended study materials, references, study kits, plotters, computers, maps, log books, etc. is available at Amelia Reid Aviation.
Useful Links about Sport Pilot License and the Light Sport Aircraft Rule:
Prices and rates are subject to change without notice. All training and rentals are subject to the terms and conditions in the Renters' Agreement.
Come and fly with us in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area of California. Our flight school facilities are located at Reid Hillview airport in San Jose (KRHV), at the south end of San Francisco Bay, and Salinas Municipal Airport in Salinas, a few miles east of Monterey. We offer ground and flight training for sport pilot, private pilot, commercial pilot, instrument rating, CFI (certified flight instructor), tailwheel, acrobatics, and multi engine certificates and ratings.
Appointments and reservations may be made at (408) 320-9614, or by email to info@aerodynamicaviation.com