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Sport Pilot Certificate

The Easiest Way to Start Flying

If you’ve always dreamed of flying but don’t want the time commitment or medical requirements of a Private Pilot Certificate, the Sport Pilot Certificate may be the perfect fit.

At Beyond Aviation, our Sport Pilot program offers a streamlined path into aviation with friendly, expert instruction and modern, well-maintained aircraft. It’s designed for those who want to fly recreationally and enjoy the freedom of the sky without unnecessary complexity.

Locations

Lumberton, NJ

Atlantic City, NJ

Training overview

Minimum Age for Certificate
0
Estimated flight hours
0 h
Average months of training
0

Minimum Flight Time Requirements

Total Flight Time*
20 Hours
Flight Training with an Instructor
15 Hours
  • 2 hours cross-country instruction
  • 10 takeoffs and landings
Solo Flight Time
5 Hours
  • One solo cross-country flight
  • 2 full-stop landings at different airports
  • At least 75 nautical miles total distance

*Most students require additional hours beyond the FAA minimum to become fully proficient.

WHY CHOOSE SPORT PILOT?

Perfect If You Want To:

  • Fly for fun and recreation
  • Avoid complicated medical exams
  • Train in a shorter timeframe
  • Keep training costs lower
  • Enjoy modern, well-maintained aircraft
  • Experience the freedom of solo flight

minimum requirements

To qualify for a Sport Pilot Certificate, you must:

  • Be at least 17 years old
  • Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license (in most cases, no FAA medical required)
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
  • Pass the FAA Knowledge Test
  • Receive required instructor endorsements
  • Pass the FAA Practical Test (checkride)

PRIVILEGES & LIMITATIONS

What Can You Do as a Sport Pilot?

  • Fly most small general aviation aircraft
  • Carry one passenger
  • Fly during day visual conditions (and night with extra training)
  • Operate in uncontrolled and certain controlled airspace (with proper training)

Sport Pilots may not:

  • Fly in IFR conditions
  • Carry more than one passenger

Frequently Asked Questions

Most students complete training in 3–4 months depending on schedule and availability.

In most cases, a valid U.S. driver’s license is sufficient.

Yes. Many pilots begin with Sport and later transition to Private Pilot training.

Yes, subject to flight school checkout and insurance requirements.

No. The safety standards and FAA checkride requirements remain rigorous.