NAFI-CFI-Sport-Guide - Sport Pilot and Light Sport Aircraft Instructional Guide

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Ben

Guide for aviation educators on teaching under light sport rules, centered on FAA sport pilot and instructor regulations. Explains the entry-level purpose and accessibility of sport pilot certification, including minimum training requirements, certificate privileges and limitations, and how existing CFIs can train within category/class bounds. Covers CFI-S roles, medical considerations, student and new sport pilots, endorsements for operating privileges, airspace endorsements, proficiency checks, flight review process, and light sport aircraft eligibility plus key instructional steps in appendices.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Sport Pilot Certificate

The Medical Issue

Student Pilot Certificates

New Sport Pilots

Existing Pilots Operating as Sport Pilots, 14 CFR §61.303

Augmented Privileges and Endorsements

Controlled Airspace Endorsement, 14 CFR §61.325

VH of Greater Than or Less Than 87 knots, 14 CFR §61.327

Category and Class: Proficiency Checks, 14 CFR §61.321

Conducting a Flight Review for a Sport Pilot

Existing CFIs Operating at the Sport Pilot Instructor Level

Sport Pilot Flight Instructors (CFI-S)

Sport Pilot Examiners

Light Sport Aircraft

Sport Pilot-Eligible Aircraft

Special Light Sport Aircraft

Unresolved Issues

Appendix 1: 7 Steps to Teaching Sport Pilots and Sport Pilot Instructors

Appendix 2: Student Pilot, Seeking a Sport Pilot Certificate—Endorsements

Appendix 3: Sport Pilot Endorsements

Appendix 4: Additional Sport Pilot Instructional Resources

Appendix 5: Pilot Certificate Comparison—Airplane Category

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Produced for EAA/NAFI by Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc.
[www.asa2fly.com](www.asa2fly.com) | | © Copyright 2010, Experimental Aircraft Association, Inc. All rights reserved. | | | Contents Introduction ............................................................................. 1 Sport Pilot Certificate..................................................................... 1 The Medical Issue ..................................................................... 2 Student Pilot Certificates ................................................................ 2 New Sport Pilots ...................................................................... 2 Existing Pilots Operating as Sport Pilots, 14 CFR §61.303 ...................................... 3 Augmented Privileges and Endorsements .................................................... 3 Controlled Airspace Endorsement, 14 CFR §61.325 ........................................... 3 VH of Greater Than or Less Than 87 knots, 14 CFR §61.327 .................................... 3 Category and Class: Proficiency Checks, 14 CFR §61.321 ...................................... 4 Conducting a Flight Review for a Sport Pilot ................................................. 4 Existing CFIs Operating at the Sport Pilot Instructor Level..................................... 5 Sport Pilot Flight Instructors (CFI-S) ....................................................... 5 Sport Pilot Examiners .................................................................... 6 Light Sport Aircraft ...................................................................... 6 Sport Pilot-Eligible Aircraft .............................................................. 6 Special Light Sport Aircraft .............................................................. 8 Unresolved Issues ........................................................................ 8 Appendix 1: 7 Steps to Teaching Sport Pilots and Sport Pilot Instructors ......................... 9 Appendix 2: Student Pilot, Seeking a Sport Pilot Certificate—Endorsements ...................... 9 Appendix 3: Sport Pilot Endorsements ..................................................... 11 Appendix 4: Additional Sport Pilot Instructional Resources .................................... 12 Appendix 5: Pilot Certificate Comparison—Airplane Category ................................. 13 Introduction The FAA regulations establishing the new sport pilot certificate, sport pilot instructor certificate (CFI-S), and light sport aircraft (LSA) have opened the sky to countless new pilots. These regulations gave birth to a new entry level to flying and instructing, with a means for young and old to involve themselves in recreational aviation. At the same time, they created opportunities for flight instructors to become involved with both new and seasoned pilots. These new regulations also created the opportunity for pilots to more easily enter the world offlight instructing. The most distinct feature of this entry level to aviation is accessibility. Previously, it took 40 hours of training to become eligible to take a practical test for a private pilot certificate; the sport pilot regulations now require a minimum of only 20 hours. This can lower the cost to earn a pilot certificate by 50 percent andwill allow more pilots to take the first step in involvement in aviation. Not all pilots who start off by seeking a sport pilot certificate will stop at the sport pilot level. Many will want to add night flying or instrument flying privileges, or will want to fly larger aircraft—or even pursue a career in aviation as a result of their first experience gained in the sport pilot certification process. Sport pilot certification is an entry level for recreational aviation and opens the door for more people to participate in

FAQs

What is the purpose of this sport pilot and light sport aircraft guide?

It serves as a practical reference for aviation educators who want to teach under the light sport rules and reduce confusion about the relevant FAA subparts.

Do CFIs need new certification to train sport pilots?

Except for very rare circumstances, the guide states you do not need new certification to train sport pilots, because you already have the necessary qualifications and can train within category and class limitations.

How does sport pilot certification improve accessibility compared with private pilot eligibility?

The guide explains that private pilot practical test eligibility required a minimum of 40 hours, while sport pilot regulations require only 20 hours, lowering cost and enabling more pilots to take the first step.

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Ben