A sport pilot based in Michigan wants to fly a light-sport aircraft across the border into Canada for a weekend trip. Under 14 CFR 61.315, what must this pilot do before conducting this flight?
- AObtain authorization from the country in which the flight will be conducted (or comply with an applicable bilateral agreement) before flying outside the United States
- BFile an international flight plan with the FAA at least 24 hours in advance; no foreign authorization is needed
- CNothing; sport pilots may fly internationally with the same privileges as private pilots
- DSport pilots are absolutely prohibited from operating outside the United States under any circumstances
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Obtain authorization from the country in which the flight will be conducted (or comply with an applicable bilateral agreement) before flying outside the United States
Under 14 CFR 61.315(c), a sport pilot may not act as PIC of a light-sport aircraft outside the United States unless authorized by the country in which the flight is conducted, or as permitted under an applicable agreement (such as certain arrangements with Canada). This is not an absolute prohibition, but authorization or a qualifying agreement is required.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. An international flight plan alone does not satisfy the foreign authorization requirement.
- C. Sport pilots have additional restrictions on international flight that private pilots do not have.
- D. International flight is not absolutely prohibited if proper authorization exists.
Sport Pilot International Flight Limitation
A sport pilot may not act as PIC outside the United States unless authorized by the country of the flight or under an applicable bilateral agreement.
- Found in 14 CFR 61.315(c)
- Not an absolute ban—authorization can permit it
- Differs from unrestricted international privileges of higher certificates
Memory trick: Crossing the border needs a foreign 'yes' first.