Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find a list of the most common questions prospective pilots ask when seeking out training. You can browse the entire list by simply scrolling down, or you can choose to go to the individual questions. If you have a question that is not found in this list, please don't hesitate to contact us or give us a call!

Q1) What is a Sport Pilot License?
Q2) Is there any benefit to getting a Sport Pilot License over a Private Pilot License?
Q3) Can you show me a comparison of a Sport Pilot to a Private Pilot?
Q4) Is there an age limit?
Q5) Can my Sport Pilot Training count towards a Private Pilot later on if I decide?
Q6) What are the requirements to obtain a Sport Pilot License?
Q7) I have a medical condition, does this disqualify me from learning to fly?
Q8) I have my own two seater airplane can you train me in that?
Q9) I dont have an airplane, what plane do you have that I can train in?
Q10) What is a Light Sport Aircraft?
Q11) What are the safety systems in the aircraft?
Q12) I have a Private Pilot license, however, when my medical certification expires, can I choose not to renew it and qualify myself for a Sport Pilot License?
Q13) Is there a way to try out a lesson to see what flying will be like?
Q14) Can you provide references from some of your past students?
Q15) Will I have more then one instructor?
Q16) Okay, I'm excited now, what do I need to start my flight training?
Q17) How long will it take to get my Sport Pilot license?
Q18) Do you offer Ground School?

Q1) What is a Sport Pilot License?

Due to the popularity of Ultralights and Light Aircraft, the FAA comissioned the creation of a new license in 2005 known as the Sport Pilot certificate. Through the collaborative efforts of many, the FAA was able to come up with lesser requirements for one to enjoy the freedom of flying. The FAA set certain limits regarding the height one could fly, the time one could fly, weight of the aircraft and a few other limitations.

Back to Top

Q2) Is there any benefit to getting a Sport Pilot License over a Private Pilot License?

Yes! The first benefit people notice is the cost. The FAA requires half the training time as it would take for a Private Pilot license saving one thousands of dollars. The other benefit is the airplanes in the Light Sport Aircraft category are much more affordable some just above the price of an SUV

Back to Top

Q3) Can you show me a comparison of a Sport Pilot to a Private Pilot?

Sure! Here ya go!

COMPARISON OF CERTIFICATES
REQUIREMENTS & PRIVILEGES	SPORT	PRIVATE
FAA Medical Certificate	No (U.S. Drivers License)	Yes
Aircraft Size Limitations	1,320 lb. Max Gross Weight Two Seat Max	Unlimited (May Require Type Rating)
Fly Aircraft with Retractable Gear	No	Yes
Fly with More Than One Passenger	No	Yes
FAA Minimum Flight Training Time*	20 Hours	40 Hours
Fly in Classes B, C, or D Airspace	Only With Additional Flight Training	Yes
Night Flying	No	Yes
Fly Outside U.S. Airspace	No	Yes
Fly In Visibility Under 3 Miles	No	Yes (Uncontrolled Airspace)
Sightseeing Flights Benefitting Charity or Community	No	Yes

Back to Top

Q4) Is there an age limit?

In order for a person to receive a Sport Pilot License, the person must be of the age of 17.

However, with a Student Pilot License, one may begin flying as early as the age of 16 (14 for a glider or balloon operation. The Student Pilot Certificate is only required when the person is exercising their solo flight privledges.

Back to Top

Q5) Can my Sport Pilot Training count towards a Private Pilot later on if I decide?

Yes! Absolutely!

Back to Top

Q6) What are the requirements to obtain a Sport Pilot License?

To become a sport pilot, you will require 20 hours of flight time to include 15 hours of dual instruction and 5 hours of solo flight. Ground instruction will also be necessary to learn about aircraft systems, the airspace system, and various aerodynamic and weather topics. Also required is a computer-based knowledge test taken during your flight training, as well as a check-ride with an FAA-appointed examiner that will include an oral and flying test. Study books include all the possible knowledge test questions, so the knowledge test is something anyone with a little spare time can pass.

A Valid US State Drivers License
Be at least 17 years of age
Proficient in the English language
Have good general health
Pass a knowledge test as well as the Practical Test

*International Students, please click here for requirements.

Back to Top

Q7) I have a medical condition, does this disqualify me from learning to fly?

No. However if you held a pilots license from any other category and had your FAA Medical denied, you cannot pursue the Sport Pilot certificate.

Back to Top

Q8) I have my own two seater airplane can you train me in that?

Absolutely! Give us a call or use our contact form to get in touch with us and one of our friendly staff members will get back to you.

Please note: We will only train on aircraft that maintain and have a current N-Number.

Back to Top

Q9) I dont have an airplane, what plane do you have that I can train in?

Evektor Sportstar MAX & Evektor Harmony.

For information regarding these aircraft, check out the Evektor Information page.

Back to Top

Q10) What is a Light Sport Aircraft?

Light Sport Aircraft must have a maximum gross take-off weight of no more than 1320 lbs., no more than two seats, maximum speed of 120 knots (138 mph), stall speed of 45 knots or less and a few other requirements. There are different categories such as Airplane, Weight-Shift, etc. For a detailed description, visit the EAA Sport Pilot website listed on the Links page.

Back to Top

Q11) What are the safety systems in the aircraft?

Some of the safety systems you will find in our planes are 4 point harnesses, audible stall warnings, and some planes even have Ballistic Recovery Shoots (BRS)

Back to Top

Q12) I have a Private Pilot license, however, when my medical certification expires, can I choose not to renew it and qualify myself for a Sport Pilot License?

Yes! Many GA Pilots (General Aviation Pilots) transition their license to a Sport Pilot so as to avoid the lifetime grounding that a medical disqualification can cause. Other simply just want to reduce the cost of having to get a medical each year.

Back to Top

Q13) Is there a way to try out a lesson to see what flying will be like?

Yes! At AB Flight we offer what we call a Discovery Flight which in and of itself counts towards your license.

During this discovery flight which lasts about an hour, you and your instructor will start by performing a preflight inspection and will actually be able to take the controls!

Back to Top

Q14) Can you provide references from some of your past students?

Certainly! Check out our testimonies page.

Back to Top

Q15) Will I have more then one instructor?

No. Your personal instructor will be with you from day one!

Back to Top

Q16) Okay, I'm excited now, what do I need to start my flight training?

A desire to learn. You will need to pass a ground school test which will open you to be able to solo in the plane when that time comes.

Back to Top

Q17) How long will it take to get my Sport Pilot license?

Flight training times can vary. The FAA requires 20 hours of flight training however, for many pilots, the actual training time is around 25 to 30 hours. The extra hours are simply at the wish of the pilot for feeling comfortable and confident that they have the understanding on how to fly a plane.

Back to Top

Q18) Do you offer Ground School?

Yes! We offer the GLEIM Sport Pilot kit which comes with the computer test that one needs to take in order to pass ground school. Click here to order your ground school course and become one step closer to flight!

Back to Top