What Is a Sport Pilot Certificate?
The Sport Pilot Certificate is the FAA’s most accessible pathway to becoming a certificated pilot. Designed for recreational and personal use, it allows you to fly light aircraft without a traditional FAA medical exam—just a valid U.S. driver’s license.
Thanks to the 2025 MOSAIC rule update, the Sport Pilot certificate is now more capable than ever, giving you access to a wider range of aircraft and endorsements.
✅ Why Choose the Sport Pilot Path?
- No FAA medical required (fly with a driver’s license)
- Lower cost than Private Pilot certification
- Fewer hours required—get certified in as little as 20 hours
- Fly LSA and legacy aircraft like Piper Cherokees and Cessna 182s (with endorsements)
- Train at your own pace—perfect for busy schedules
- Enjoy flying for fun with one passenger, under day VFR conditions
- Night flying, retractable gear, and constant-speed props allowed with endorsements
👤 Who Is This For?
The Sport Pilot Certificate is ideal for:
- Pilots with medical concerns or no current FAA medical
- Retirees and recreational flyers
- Drone and ultralight pilots ready to step up
- Aviation enthusiasts testing the water before going full Private or Commercial
- Anyone who wants to experience the joy of flight—on their own terms
🆕 What Changed with MOSAIC?
The Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule expanded Sport Pilot privileges significantly in 2025. Key updates include:
| Before | Now |
|---|---|
| Max 1,320 lbs | No hard weight limit—performance-based rules |
| 2-seat aircraft only | 4-seat aircraft allowed (2 occupants max) |
| Fixed gear only | Retractable gear allowed (with endorsement) |
| Fixed-pitch prop only | Constant-speed prop allowed (with endorsement) |
| No night flying | Night flight allowed (with endorsement + medical) |
💸 What Does It Cost?
At Summit Wings Aviation, Sport Pilot training is structured to be affordable and efficient:
- Estimated total cost: $5,500–$8,000
- Flight instruction: ~20–30 hours
- Ground instruction: ~10 hours
- Aircraft rental: Modern, reliable light-sport aircraft
🔁 Can I Upgrade Later?
Absolutely. Your training time counts toward Private Pilot certification, and many Sport Pilots go on to earn additional ratings after falling in love with flying.
All training is one-on-one with a Certified Flight Instructor and tailored to your pace and goals.