FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)RegulationsHard
A sport pilot is offered payment by a company to tow an advertising banner using a light-sport aircraft that otherwise meets the LSA definition. Is this operation permitted under sport pilot privileges?
- AYes, but only over sparsely populated areas away from airports
- BNo, sport pilots are prohibited from towing any object regardless of compensation arrangements
- CYes, as long as the company pays only the pilot's pro rata share of operating costs
- DYes, provided the pilot obtains a towing endorsement from an authorized instructor
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. No, sport pilots are prohibited from towing any object regardless of compensation arrangements
14 CFR 61.315(c) specifically prohibits a sport pilot from acting as PIC of a light-sport aircraft that is towing any object, such as a banner or glider. This limitation applies regardless of compensation, endorsements, or location, and cannot be overcome through additional training.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Location does not create an exception to this absolute prohibition.
- C. Pro rata cost-sharing does not apply to towing operations, which are entirely prohibited.
- D. No endorsement exists that authorizes a sport pilot to tow objects.
Sport Pilot Towing Prohibition
A sport pilot may never act as PIC of an aircraft towing any object, such as a banner or glider, under any circumstances.
- Found in 14 CFR 61.315(c)
- No endorsement or training removes this limitation
- Applies regardless of compensation
Memory trick: Sport pilots never pull anything behind them, ever.