FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)RegulationsHard
An applicant is completing the aeronautical experience requirements for a sport pilot certificate with a single-engine airplane rating. The minimum total flight time required is
- A40 hours, including 20 hours of dual instruction
- B15 hours, including 10 hours of solo flight
- C20 hours, including at least 15 hours of dual instruction and 5 hours of solo flight
- D10 hours, with no solo requirement
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 20 hours, including at least 15 hours of dual instruction and 5 hours of solo flight
14 CFR 61.313 requires a minimum of 20 hours total flight time for a sport pilot certificate in a single-engine airplane, including at least 15 hours of flight training and 5 hours of solo flight, along with specific cross-country and takeoff/landing requirements.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 40 hours is the private pilot minimum, not the sport pilot requirement.
- B. This underestimates the required hours; 20 total hours are required, not 15.
- D. Solo flight time is required as part of the 20-hour minimum.
Sport Pilot Aeronautical Experience (61.313)
Minimum flight training requirements to earn a sport pilot certificate in a single-engine airplane, totaling 20 hours.
- 20 hours total time minimum
- At least 15 hours of flight training with an instructor
- At least 5 hours of solo flight, including a specific cross-country
Memory trick: '20 for sport, 40 for private' — half the hours, still solid training.