Sport Pilot Certificate (SPL) - ACS/PTS Aligned
Prerequisites: 17+ years old, Valid Driver's License (no medical needed), read/speak English
MOSAIC Rule: The FAA's MOSAIC rule (effective Oct 2025) enables Cessna 172 training for Sport Pilot certification — no special LSA airworthiness certificate required.
20+
Flight Hours
15-18
Ground Hours
4-6
Weeks (Typical)
$5,300
Estimated Cost
Rates: Cessna 172 $169/hr | Instructor $60/hr
Ground Training (PTS Aligned)
FAA Sport Pilot PTS - 9 Areas of Operation
Area I: Preflight Preparation
- Task A: Pilot Qualifications 1 hr
- Task B: Airworthiness Requirements 1 hr
- Task C: Weather Information 1.5 hrs
- Task D: Cross-Country Flight Planning 1.5 hrs
- Task E: National Airspace 1 hr
- Task F: Performance and Limitations 1 hr
- Task G: Operation of Systems 1 hr
Area II: Preflight Procedures
- Task A: Preflight Assessment 1 hr
- Task B: Cockpit Management 0.5 hrs
- Task C: Engine Starting 0.5 hrs
- Task D: Taxiing 0.5 hrs
Area III: Airport and Seaplane Base Operations
- Task A: Airport/Seaplane Operations 1 hr
- Task B: Radio Communications 0.5 hrs
Area IV: Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds
- Task A: Normal Takeoff and Climb 1 hr
- Task B: Normal Approach and Landing 1 hr
- Task C: Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb 1 hr
- Task D: Soft-Field Approach and Landing 1 hr
- Task E: Short-Field Takeoff and Climb 1 hr
- Task F: Short-Field Approach and Landing 1 hr
- Task G: Slip Approach 0.5 hrs
- Task L: Go-Around/Rejected Landing 0.5 hrs
Area V: Performance Maneuvers
Area VI: Ground Reference Maneuvers
- Task A: Ground Reference Maneuvers 1.5 hrs
Area VII: Navigation
- Task A: Pilotage and Dead Reckoning 1 hr
- Task B: Navigation Systems 0.5 hrs
- Task C: Intercepting Navaids 0.5 hrs
Area VIII: Slow Flight and Stalls
- Task A: Maneuvering During Slow Flight 1 hr
- Task B: Power-Off Stalls 0.5 hrs
- Task C: Power-On Stalls 0.5 hrs
- Task D: Spin Awareness 0.5 hrs
Area IX: Emergency Operations
- Task A: Emergency Procedures 1 hr
- Task B: Emergency Approach and Landing 1 hr
Flight Training (PTS Aligned)
Flight hours distributed across all Areas of Operation
Minimum Hours per FAR 61.309
- Total Flight Time 20 hrs minimum
- Dual Received 15 hrs minimum
- Solo 5 hrs minimum
- Solo XC 10 hrs minimum
Flight Training by Area
- Area I-II: Preflight Prep & Procedures 2 hrs
- Area III: Airport Operations 2 hrs
- Area IV: Takeoffs/Landings/Go-Arounds 5 hrs
- Area V: Performance Maneuvers 1 hr
- Area VI: Ground Reference 2 hrs
- Area VII: Navigation 2 hrs
- Area VIII: Slow Flight & Stalls 3 hrs
- Area IX: Emergency Operations 2 hrs
- Solo Practice 5 hrs
Testing (Both Required)
FAA Written Knowledge Test
Computer-based exam at an FAA-approved testing center. Covers regulations, weather, navigation, and aircraft systems. ~$180 paid directly to the test facility.
FAA Practical Test (Checkride) with a DPE
Oral exam followed by a flight test with a Designated Pilot Examiner. The DPE evaluates your knowledge and flying skills per the Sport Pilot ACS/PTS. ~$600–$800 paid directly to the DPE.
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