Sport Pilot
Sport Pilot
The sport pilot certificate provides one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to fly for fun and recreation. You can think of it as a sort of middle ground between becoming an ultralight pilot and a full-fledged private pilot. Sport pilots can carry a passenger and operate in certain types of controlled airspace, for example, but they may not fly at night and are limited to lighter and lowered-powered aircraft than those available to private pilots. On the other hand, the sport pilot certificate is more affordable because fewer hours of instruction are required.
What can you do as a Sport Pilot?
Operate a light sport aircraft and fly anywhere in the US under daytime VFR (Night allowed with an endorsement)
Carry one passenger
You may share the operating expenses of a flight with a passenger
What’s involved in Flight Training?
Sport pilot training involves two main components – ground school and flight training. Ground school is accomplished either in our classroom or through a home study course. It teaches you all the background information that all pilots need to know, but are not easily taught in the air. Topics covered during ground school include regulations, airplane systems, navigation, aerodynamics, weather theory, and radio communications.
Typically 3-hour lessons are scheduled during which students will log 1-2 hours of flight time. Each lesson is structured to cover the specific maneuvers needed to master in order to earn a certificate. This training prepares the student to take both the written and practical tests. Certification is achieved upon successful completion of these two tests.
What aircraft will you fly?
Clausen Aviation has access to two Special Light-Sport Aircraft, a Van's RV-12, and a Remos GX through Icarus TB&R.
How long does it take?
That’s very much dependent on each student. Flying regularly and studying at home shortens the amount of time in the air and time with an instructor on the ground substantially. Flying a minimum of two, 3-hour lessons per week, a student can expect to have their certificate in approximately 4 months.
What are the Prerequisites?
To begin you’ll need:
Course Training Materials
Proof of U.S. citizenship or TSA approval
Prior to your first solo flight, you’ll need:
Be 16 years old
FAA Student Pilot Certificate
Valid U.S. driver's license
Before your final check ride, you will need to:
Be 17 years old
Have a minimum of 20 hours flight time – including 15 hours of flight instruction and 5 hours of solo flight
Pass the FAA Sport Pilot written exam
Learn basic flight maneuvers, take-offs and landings, cross-country flying, pilotage, dead reckoning, and navigation
Learn aeronautical decision-making, safety of flight considerations, basic aviation weather information, basic aerodynamics, and airport operations
