FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)RegulationsMedium
A sport pilot applicant's most recent application for an FAA medical certificate was denied. Under these circumstances, the pilot
- Amay not use a driver's license in lieu of a medical certificate to act as pilot in command
- Bmay still use a valid U.S. driver's license to act as pilot in command of a light-sport aircraft
- Cmay act as pilot in command only at night
- Dmust obtain a third-class medical certificate before flying again
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. may not use a driver's license in lieu of a medical certificate to act as pilot in command
14 CFR 61.23(c)(2) allows sport pilots to use a valid U.S. driver's license instead of a medical certificate, but only if the pilot has never had an FAA medical application denied (or, if they hold a certificate, it was never suspended or revoked). A denial permanently bars using the driver's license option unless the medical issue is resolved through the FAA.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Incorrect; a denied medical application disqualifies the driver's license option.
- C. Night flying is not permitted for sport pilots regardless of medical status.
- D. A third-class medical is not the only path; the pilot could pursue special issuance or resolve the denial.
Sport Pilot Medical Eligibility
Sport pilots may use a valid U.S. driver's license instead of a medical certificate, unless disqualified by a prior FAA medical denial, suspension, or revocation.
- No FAA medical required if driver's license conditions are met
- Denied medical application permanently blocks driver's license option (until resolved)
- Applies only to light-sport aircraft operations
Memory trick: 'Denied once, driver's license gone' — no shortcut after a denial.