FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)RegulationsEasy
A sport pilot plans a local flight that will extend beyond the end of evening civil twilight. Under 14 CFR 61.315, may this pilot continue to act as pilot in command after night has fallen?
- AYes, as long as the airplane has an operable anti-collision light
- BNo, sport pilots may not act as pilot in command at night under any circumstances
- CYes, if the pilot holds a logbook endorsement for night flight from an authorized instructor
- DYes, provided the flight remains within 25 nautical miles of the departure airport
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. No, sport pilots may not act as pilot in command at night under any circumstances
14 CFR 61.315(c) prohibits a sport pilot from acting as PIC at night, with no exception for endorsements, equipment, or distance flown. This limitation can only be removed by upgrading to a higher pilot certificate with a medical certificate and night training.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Equipment does not override the regulatory night prohibition.
- C. No such endorsement exists that grants sport pilots night privileges.
- D. Distance from the airport is irrelevant to this prohibition.
Sport Pilot Night Prohibition
A sport pilot may never act as PIC at night, regardless of aircraft equipment or training received.
- Found in 14 CFR 61.315(c)
- No endorsement can remove this limitation
- Pilot must upgrade certificate/medical to fly at night
Memory trick: Sport pilots go to bed when the sun does.