Collapse to view only § 61.327 - Are there specific endorsement requirements to operate an aircraft based on VH?

§ 61.301 - What is the purpose of this subpart and to whom does it apply?

(a) This subpart prescribes the following requirements that apply to a sport pilot certificate:

(1) Eligibility.

(2) Aeronautical knowledge.

(3) Flight proficiency.

(4) Aeronautical experience.

(5) Endorsements.

(6) Privileges and limits.

(b) Other provisions of this part apply to the logging of flight time and testing.

(c) This subpart applies to applicants for, and holders of, sport pilot certificates. It also applies to holders of recreational pilot certificates and higher, as provided in § 61.303.

[Docket FAA-2001-11133, 69 FR 44869, July 27, 2004, as amended by Amdt. 61-125, 75 FR 5221, Feb. 1, 2010]

§ 61.303 - If I want to operate an aircraft that satisfies the limitations identified in what operating limits and endorsement requirements in this subpart must I comply with?

(a) Use the following table to determine what operating limits and endorsement requirements in this subpart, if any, apply to you when you operate an aircraft that satisfies the limitations identified in § 61.316. The medical certificate specified in this table must be in compliance with § 61.2 in regard to currency and validity. If you hold a recreational pilot certificate, but not a medical certificate, you must comply with cross country requirements in § 61.101(c), even if your flight does not exceed 50 nautical miles from your departure airport. You must also comply with requirements in other subparts of this part that apply to your certificate and the operation you conduct. In the following table, when the word “aircraft” is used, it refers to aircraft that satisfy the limitations identified in § 61.316.

If you hold . . . And you hold . . . Then you may operate . . . And . . . (1) A medical certificate(i) A sport pilot certificate,Any aircraft for which you hold the endorsements required for its category and class,You must hold any other endorsements required by this subpart, and comply with the limitations in § 61.315. (ii) At least a recreational pilot certificate with a category and class rating,Any aircraft in that category and class,You do not have to hold any of the endorsements required by this subpart, nor do you have to comply with the limitations in § 61.315. (iii) At least a recreational pilot certificate but not a rating for the category and class of the aircraft you operate,That aircraft, only if you hold the endorsements required for § 61.321 for its category and class,You must comply with the limitations in § 61.315, except § 61.315(c)(14) and, if a private pilot or higher, § 61.315(c)(7). (2) Only a U.S. driver's license(i) A sport pilot certificate,Any aircraft for which you hold the endorsements required for its category and class,You must hold any other endorsements required by this subpart, and comply with the limitations in § 61.315. (ii) At least a recreational pilot certificate with a category and class rating,Any aircraft in that category and class,You do not have to hold any of the endorsements required by this subpart, but you must comply with the limitations in § 61.315. (iii) At least a recreational pilot certificate but not a rating for the category and class of aircraft you operate,That aircraft, only if you hold the endorsements required in § 61.321 for its category and class,You must comply with the limitations in § 61.315, except § 61.315(c)(14) and, if a private pilot or higher, § 61.315(c)(7). (3) Neither a medical certificate nor a U.S. driver's license(i) A sport pilot certificate,Any glider or balloon for which you hold the endorsements required for its category and class,You must hold any other endorsements required by this subpart, and comply with the limitations in § 61.315. (ii) At least a private pilot certificate with a category and class rating for glider or balloon,Any glider or balloon in that category and classYou do not have to hold any of the endorsements required by this subpart, nor do you have to comply with the limitations in § 61.315. (iii) At least a private pilot certificate but not a rating for glider or balloon,Any glider or balloon, only if you hold the endorsements required in § 61.321 for its category and class.You must comply with the limitations in § 61.315, except § 61.315(c)(14) and, if a private pilot or higher, § 61.315(c)(7).

(b) A person using a U.S. driver's license to meet the requirements of this paragraph must—

(1) Comply with each restriction and limitation imposed by that person's U.S. driver's license and any judicial or administrative order applying to the operation of a motor vehicle;

(2) Have been found eligible for the issuance of at least a third-class airman medical certificate at the time of his or her most recent application (if the person has applied for a medical certificate);

(3) Not have had his or her most recently issued medical certificate (if the person has held a medical certificate) suspended or revoked or most recent Authorization for a Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate withdrawn; and

(4) Not know or have reason to know of any medical condition that would make that person unable to operate an aircraft in a safe manner.

[Docket FAA-2001-11133, 69 FR 44869, July 27, 2004, as amended by Amdt. 61-124, 74 FR 42562, Aug. 21, 2009; Amdt. 61-125, 75 FR 5221, Feb. 1, 2010; Docket FAA-2023-1377, Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35212, July 24, 2025]

§ 61.305 - What are the age and language requirements for a sport pilot certificate?

To be eligible for a sport pilot certificate you must:

(a) Be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old if you are applying to operate a glider or balloon).

(b) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. If you cannot read, speak, write, and understand English because of medical reasons, the FAA may place limits on your certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of an aircraft.

[Docket FAA-2023-1377, Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35213, July 24, 2025]

§ 61.307 - What tests do I have to take to obtain a sport pilot certificate?

To obtain a sport pilot certificate, you must pass the following tests:

(a) Knowledge test. You must pass a knowledge test on the applicable aeronautical knowledge areas listed in § 61.309. Before you may take the knowledge test for a sport pilot certificate, you must receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who trained you or reviewed and evaluated your home-study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in § 61.309 certifying you are prepared for the test.

(b) Practical test. You must pass a practical test on the applicable areas of operation listed in §§ 61.309 and 61.311. Before you may take the practical test for a sport pilot certificate, you must receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who provided you with flight training on the areas of operation specified in §§ 61.309 and 61.311 in preparation for the practical test. This endorsement certifies that you meet the applicable aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency requirements and are prepared for the practical test.

[Docket FAA-2001-11133, 69 FR 44869, July 27, 2004, as amended by Docket FAA-2023-1377, Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35213, July 24, 2025]

§ 61.309 - What aeronautical knowledge must I have to apply for a sport pilot certificate?

To apply for a sport pilot certificate you must receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course on the following aeronautical knowledge areas:

(a) Applicable regulations of this chapter that relate to sport pilot privileges, limits, and flight operations.

(b) Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board.

(c) Use of the applicable portions of the aeronautical information manual and FAA advisory circulars.

(d) Use of aeronautical charts for VFR navigation using pilotage, dead reckoning, and navigation systems, as appropriate.

(e) Recognition of critical weather situations from the ground and in flight, windshear avoidance, and the procurement and use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts.

(f) Safe and efficient operation of aircraft, including collision avoidance, and recognition and avoidance of wake turbulence.

(g) Effects of density altitude on takeoff and climb performance.

(h) Weight and balance computations.

(i) Principles of aerodynamics, powerplants, and aircraft systems.

(j) Stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery techniques, as applicable.

(k) Aeronautical decision making and risk management.

(l) Preflight actions that include—

(1) How to get information on runway lengths at airports of intended use, data on takeoff and landing distances, weather reports and forecasts, and fuel requirements; and

(2) How to plan for alternatives if the planned flight cannot be completed or if you encounter delays.

[Docket FAA-2001-11133, 69 FR 44869, July 27, 2004, as amended by Amdt. 61-125, 75 FR 5221, Feb. 1, 2010]

§ 61.311 - What flight proficiency requirements must I meet to apply for a sport pilot certificate?

To apply for a sport pilot certificate, you must receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the following areas of operation, as appropriate, for airplane single-engine land or sea, glider, gyroplane, helicopter, airship, balloon, powered parachute land or sea, weight-shift-control aircraft land or sea privileges:

(a) Preflight preparation.

(b) Preflight procedures.

(c) Airport, heliport, seaplane base, and gliderport operations, as applicable.

(d) Hovering maneuvers (applicable only to helicopters).

(e) Takeoffs (or launches), landings, and go-arounds.

(f) Performance maneuvers and, for gliders, performance speeds.

(g) Ground reference maneuvers (not applicable to gliders, helicopters, and balloons).

(h) Soaring techniques (applicable only to gliders).

(i) Navigation.

(j) Slow flight (not applicable to lighter-than-air aircraft, helicopters, and powered parachutes).

(k) Stalls (not applicable to lighter-than-air aircraft, gyroplanes, helicopters, and powered parachutes).

(l) Emergency operations.

(m) Post-flight procedures.

[Docket FAA-2023-1377, Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35213, July 24, 2025]

§ 61.313 - What aeronautical experience must I have to apply for a sport pilot certificate?

(a) Aeronautical experience. Use the following table to determine the aeronautical experience you must have to apply for a sport pilot certificate:

If you are applying for a sport pilot certificate with . . . Then you must log at least . . . Which must include at least . . . (1) Airplane category and single-engine land or sea class privileges,20 hours of flight time, including at least 15 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor in a single-engine airplane and at least 5 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in § 61.311,(i) 2 hours of cross-country flight training;
(ii) 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport;
(iii) One solo cross-country flight of at least 75 nautical miles total distance, with a full-stop landing at a minimum of two points and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 25 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and
(iv) 2 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor on those areas of operation specified in § 61.311 in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test.
(2) Glider category privileges, and you have not logged at least 20 hours of flight time in a heavier-than-air aircraft,10 hours of flight time in a glider, including 10 flights in a glider receiving flight training from an authorized instructor and at least 2 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in § 61.311,(i) Five solo launches and landings; and
(ii) at least 3 training flights with an authorized instructor on those areas of operation specified in § 61.311 in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test.
(3) Glider category privileges, and you have logged at least 20 hours of flight time in a heavier-than-air aircraft,3 hours of flight time in a glider, including five flights in a glider while receiving flight training from an authorized instructor and at least 1 hour of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in § 61.311,(i) Three solo launches and landings; and
(ii) at least 3 training flights with an authorized instructor on those areas of operation specified in § 61.311 in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test.
(4) Rotorcraft category and gyroplane class privileges,20 hours of flight time, including 15 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor in a gyroplane and at least 5 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in § 61.311,(i) 2 hours of cross-country flight training;
(ii) 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport;
(iii) One solo cross-country flight of at least 50 nautical miles total distance, with a full-stop landing at a minimum of two points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 25 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and
(iv) 2 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor on those areas of operation specified in § 61.311 in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test.
(5) Lighter-than-air category and airship class privileges,20 hours of flight time, including 15 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor in an airship and at least 3 hours performing the duties of pilot in command in an airship with an authorized instructor in the areas of operation listed in § 61.311,(i) 2 hours of cross-country flight training;
(ii) Three takeoffs and landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport;
(iii) One cross-country flight of at least 25 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and
(iv) 2 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor on those areas of operation specified in § 61.311 in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test.
(6) Lighter-than-air category and balloon class privileges,7 hours of flight time in a balloon, including three flights with an authorized instructor and one flight performing the duties of pilot in command in a balloon with an authorized instructor in the areas of operation listed in § 61.311,(i) 2 hours of cross-country flight training; and
(ii) 1 hour of flight training with an authorized instructor on those areas of operation specified in § 61.311 in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test.
(7) Powered parachute category land or sea class privileges,12 hours of flight time in a powered parachute, including 10 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor in a powered parachute, and at least 2 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in § 61.311,(i) 1 hour of cross-country flight training;
(ii) 20 takeoffs and landings to a full stop in a powered parachute with each landing involving flight in the traffic pattern at an airport;
(iii) 10 solo takeoffs and landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport;
(iv) One solo flight with a landing at a different airport and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 10 nautical miles between takeoff and landing locations; and
(v) 1 hour of flight training with an authorized instructor on those areas of operation specified in § 61.311 in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test.
(8) Weight-shift-control aircraft category land or sea class privileges,20 hours of flight time, including 15 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor in a weight-shift-control aircraft and at least 5 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in § 61.311,(i) 2 hours of cross-country flight training;
(ii) 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport;
(iii) One solo cross-country flight of at least 50 nautical miles total distance, with a full-stop landing at a minimum of two points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 25 nautical miles between takeoff and landing locations; and
(iv) 2 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor on those areas of operation specified in § 61.311 in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test.
(9) Rotorcraft category and helicopter class, only if that helicopter is certificated under § 21.190 and obtains the simplified flight controls designation,30 hours of helicopter flight time, including at least 15 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor in a helicopter, and at least 5 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in § 61.311, as appropriate,(i) 2 hours of cross-country flight training;
(ii) 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport;
(iii) One solo cross-country flight of at least 50 nautical miles total distance, with a full-stop landing at a minimum of two points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 25 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and
(iv) 2 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor on those areas of operation specified in § 61.311 in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test.

(b) Flight simulation training device and aviation training device credit. (1) Sport pilot applicants can use up to 2.5 hours of training credit in a qualified flight simulation training device and aviation training device representing the appropriate category and class of aircraft to meet the experience requirements of this part.

(2) The training must be provided by an authorized instructor who possesses the appropriate aircraft rating or privilege sought by the applicant.

[Docket FAA-2023-1377, Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35213, July 24, 2025]

§ 61.315 - What are the privileges and limits of my sport pilot certificate?

(a) If you hold a sport pilot certificate you may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that meets the provisions of § 61.316, except as specified in paragraph (c) of this section.

(b) You may share the operating expenses of a flight with a passenger, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenses, or aircraft rental fees. You must pay at least half the operating expenses of the flight.

(c) You may not act as pilot in command of an aircraft:

(1) That is carrying a passenger or property for compensation or hire.

(2) For compensation or hire.

(3) In furtherance of a business.

(4) While carrying more than one passenger.

(5) At night, except as provided in § 61.329.

(6) In Class A airspace.

(7) In Class B, C, and D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, and to, from, through, or at an airport having an operational control tower unless you have met the requirements specified in § 61.325.

(8) Outside the United States, unless you have prior authorization from the country in which you seek to operate. Your sport pilot certificate carries the limit “Holder does not meet ICAO requirements.”

(9) To demonstrate the aircraft in flight to a prospective buyer if you are an aircraft salesperson.

(10) In a passenger-carrying airlift sponsored by a charitable organization.

(11) At an altitude of more than 10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher.

(12) When the flight or surface visibility is less than 3 statute miles.

(13) Without visual reference to the surface.

(14) If the aircraft:

(i) Has a VH greater than 87 knots CAS, unless you have met the requirements of § 61.327(b).

(ii) Has a VH less than or equal to 87 knots CAS, unless you have met the requirements of § 61.327(a) or have logged flight time as pilot in command of an airplane with a VH less than or equal to 87 knots CAS before April 2, 2010.

(15) Contrary to any operating limitation placed on the airworthiness certificate of the aircraft being flown.

(16) Contrary to any limit on your pilot certificate or airman medical certificate, or any other limit or endorsement from an authorized instructor.

(17) Contrary to any restriction or limitation on your U.S. driver's license or any restriction or limitation imposed by judicial or administrative order when using your driver's license to satisfy a requirement of this part.

(18) While towing any object.

(19) As a pilot flight crewmember on any aircraft for which more than one pilot is required by the type certificate of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is conducted.

(20) If the aircraft—

(i) Has retractable landing gear, unless you have met the requirements of § 61.331(a); or

(ii) Is an airplane with a manual controllable pitch propeller, unless you have met the requirements of § 61.331(b).

(21) That requires a pilot to hold a type rating in accordance with § 61.31(a).

[Docket FAA-2001-11133, 69 FR 44869, July 27, 2004, as amended by Amdt. 61-125, 75 FR 5221, Feb. 1, 2010; Amdt. 61-125A, 75 FR 15610, Mar. 30, 2010; Docket FAA-2023-1377, Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35215, July 24, 2025]

§ 61.316 - What are the performance limits and design requirements for the aircraft that a sport pilot may operate?

(a) If you hold a sport pilot certificate, you may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that, since its original certification, meets the following requirements:

(1) A maximum stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed without the use of lift-enhancing devices (VS1) of not more than 45 knots CAS, except for airplanes, which must have a VS1 speed of not more than 59 knots CAS at the aircraft's maximum certificated takeoff weight and most critical center of gravity.

(2) A maximum seating capacity of two persons, except for airplanes, which may have a maximum seating capacity of four persons.

(3) A non-pressurized cabin, if equipped with a cabin.

(4) For gyroplanes, a fixed-pitch, semi-rigid, teetering, two-blade rotor system.

(5) For powered aircraft other than balloons or airships, the loss of partial power would not adversely affect directional control of the aircraft and the aircraft design must allow the pilot the capability of establishing a controlled descent in the event of a partial or total powerplant failure.

(6) For helicopters, they must be certificated with the simplified flight controls designation.

(7) For gliders, fixed or retractable landing gear.

(8) For powered-aircraft other than a glider, fixed landing gear except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.

(9) For powered-aircraft other than a glider, a fixed, ground-adjustable, or an automated controllable pitch propeller except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.

(b) If you hold a sport pilot certificate, you may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that has retractable landing gear or an airplane with a manual controllable pitch propeller if you have met the training and endorsement requirements specified in § 61.331.

[Docket FAA-2023-1377, Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35215, July 24, 2025]

§ 61.317 - Is my sport pilot certificate issued with aircraft category and class ratings?

Your sport pilot certificate does not list aircraft category and class ratings. When you successfully pass the practical test for a sport pilot certificate, regardless of the aircraft privileges you seek, the FAA will issue you a sport pilot certificate without any category and class ratings. The FAA will provide you with a logbook endorsement for the category and class of aircraft in which you are authorized to act as pilot in command.

[Docket FAA-2001-11133, 69 FR 44869, July 27, 2004, as amended by Amdt. 61-125, 75 FR 5222, Feb. 1, 2010; Amdt. 61-125A, 75 FR 15610, Mar. 30, 2010; Docket FAA-2023-1377, Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35218, July 24, 2025]

§ 61.319 - [Reserved]

§ 61.321 - How do I obtain privileges to operate an additional category or class of aircraft?

(a) If you hold a sport pilot or higher grade certificate and seek to operate an additional category or class of aircraft meeting the performance limits and design requirements of § 61.316 under this subpart, other than an airplane single-engine land or sea or a rotorcraft-helicopter, you must—

(1) Receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who trained you on the applicable aeronautical knowledge areas specified in § 61.309 and areas of operation specified in § 61.311. The endorsement certifies you have met the aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency requirements for the additional aircraft privilege you seek;

(2) Successfully complete a proficiency check from an authorized instructor, other than the instructor who trained you, consisting of the tasks in the appropriate areas of operation contained in the applicable Practical Test Standards or Airman Certification Standards (incorporated by reference, see § 61.14) as listed in appendix A of this part for the additional sport pilot privilege you seek;

(3) Complete an application for those privileges on a form and in a manner acceptable to the FAA and present this application to the authorized instructor who conducted the proficiency check specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section; and

(4) Receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who conducted the proficiency check specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section certifying you are proficient in the applicable areas of operation and aeronautical knowledge areas, and that you are authorized for the additional category and class aircraft privilege.

(b) If you hold a sport pilot or higher grade certificate and seek to operate an airplane single-engine land or sea or a rotorcraft-helicopter meeting the performance limits and design requirements of § 61.316, you must successfully accomplish a practical test for that category and class privilege as specified in § 61.307(b).

[Docket FAA-2023-1377, Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35215, July 24, 2025]

§ 61.323 - [Reserved]

§ 61.325 - How do I obtain privileges to operate an aircraft meeting the performance limits and design requirements of at an airport within, or in airspace within, Class B, C, and D airspace, or in other airspace with an airport having an operational control tower?

If you hold a sport pilot certificate and seek privileges to operate an aircraft meeting the performance limits and design requirements of § 61.316 in Class B, C, or D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, or to, from, through, or at an airport having an operational control tower, you must receive and log ground and flight training. The authorized instructor who provides this training must provide a logbook endorsement that certifies you are proficient in the following aeronautical knowledge areas and areas of operation:

(a) The use of radios, communications, navigation system/facilities, and radar services.

(b) Operations at airports with an operating control tower to include three takeoffs and landings to a full stop, with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern, at an airport with an operating control tower.

(c) Applicable flight rules of part 91 of this chapter for operations in Class B, C, and D airspace and air traffic control clearances.

[Docket FAA-2001-11133, 69 FR 44869, July 27, 2004, as amended by Docket FAA-2023-1377, Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35218, July 24, 2025]

§ 61.327 - Are there specific endorsement requirements to operate an aircraft based on VH?

(a) Except as specified in paragraph (c) of this section, if you hold a sport pilot certificate and you seek to operate an aircraft meeting the performance limits and design requirements of § 61.316 that is an airplane with a VH less than or equal to 87 knots CAS you must—

(1) Receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in an airplane that has a VH less than or equal to 87 knots CAS; and

(2) Receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who provided the training specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section certifying that you are proficient in the operation of aircraft that is an airplane with a VH less than or equal to 87 knots CAS.

(b) If you hold a sport pilot certificate and you seek to operate an aircraft meeting the performance limits and design requirements of § 61.316 that has a VH greater than 87 knots CAS you must—

(1) Receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in an aircraft that has a VH greater than 87 knots CAS; and

(2) Receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who provided the training specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section certifying that you are proficient in the operation of aircraft with a VH greater than 87 knots CAS.

(c) The training and endorsements required by paragraph (a) of this section are not required if you have logged flight time as pilot in command of an airplane with a VH less than or equal to 87 knots CAS prior to April 2, 2010.

[Docket FAA-2007-29015, 75 FR 5222, Feb. 1, 2010; Amdt. 61-125A, 75 FR 15610, Mar. 30, 2010, as amended by Docket FAA-2023-1377, Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35218, July 24, 2025]

§ 61.329 - How do I obtain privileges to operate an aircraft at night?

You may act as pilot in command with a sport pilot certificate during night operations if you:

(a) Receive 3 hours of night flight training in the specific category and class from an authorized instructor that includes—

(1) Conduct at least one cross-country flight during the flight training under paragraph (a) of this section at night, with a landing at an airport of at least 25 nautical miles from the departure airport, except for powered parachutes; and

(2) Accomplish at least 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop at night;

(b) Either hold a medical certificate issued under part 67 of this chapter or meet the conditions of § 61.113(i) and the operation is conducted consistent with this section. Where the requirements of § 61.316 conflict with § 61.113(i), a sport pilot must comply with § 61.316; and

(c) Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that you meet the training requirements in paragraph (a) of this section and are proficient in the operation of the aircraft at night in the category and class which the sport pilot seeks privileges.

[Docket FAA-2023-1377, Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35215, July 24, 2025]

§ 61.331 - How do I obtain privileges to operate an aircraft with retractable landing gear or an airplane with a manual controllable pitch propeller?

(a) If you hold a sport pilot certificate and seek privileges to operate an aircraft with retractable landing gear, you must either—

(1) Satisfy the training and endorsement requirements specified in § 61.31(e), or

(2) Receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in an aircraft that has retractable landing gear and receive an endorsement from the instructor certifying that you are proficient to operate the aircraft.

(b) If you hold a sport pilot certificate and seek privileges to operate an airplane with a manual controllable pitch propeller, you must either—

(1) Satisfy the training and endorsement requirements specified in § 61.31(e), or

(2) Receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in an airplane that has a manual controllable pitch propeller and receive an endorsement from the instructor certifying that you are proficient to operate the airplane.

(c) The training and endorsement required by paragraph (a) of this section is not required for pilots seeking to operate aircraft intended for operation on water with retractable landing gear if the person logged pilot-in-command time in such an aircraft before October 22, 2025.

[Docket FAA-2023-1377, Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35215, July 24, 2025]