Glims private vs sport pilot license#

If you operate under BasicMed, then you are limited to flying aircraft no greater than 6,000 lbs. This can be increased with additional training/certifications. If you hold a third-class medical certificate and PPL, you can fly any aircraft up to a maximum weight of 12,500 lbs. With an SPL, you are only able to fly light-sport aircraft (LSA), which includes small airplanes, gliders, powered parachutes, trikes, balloons, and airships.Īircraft in the LSA category must weigh fewer than 1,320 pounds, have a maximum speed of no greater than 120 knots, have no more than two seats, and only fixed instead of retractable landing gear. Single and/or Multi-Engine Aircraft, Land, or Seaplane ratings are also open to private pilots.

Glims private vs sport pilot license#

Additional RatingsĪ sport pilot license is ineligible for additional ratings, although it’s worth noting that hours logged in a light-sport aircraft can contribute towards higher certifications.Ī private pilot license is eligible for an instrument rating, which allows flight under instrument flight rules. While the flight hour requirements stay the same, some schools offer programs that let you get your private pilot license in 2 weeks. Note that while it usually takes most pilots 4-6 months to get a private pilot license (2-3 months for a sport pilot license), there is an option to get it much faster. The slight variation in hours depends on whether you enroll in a Part 61 or Part 141 school (Part 141 requires fewer hours).īoth Part 61 and Part 141 flight schools require 20 instructor hours, but Part 141 requires 5 hours of solo flight compared to 10 hours of solo flight under Part 61.Ī written knowledge and practical test (checkride) must also be passed.Īs you might expect, both of the tests for a PPL are more challenging, though enrolling in what in our opinion is the best online ground school makes things much easier.īoth licenses require you to already hold a student pilot certificate. A written knowledge and practical test (checkride) must also be passed.Ī minimum of 35-40 flight hours is required for a PPL. Flight HoursĪ minimum of 20 flight hours is required to be eligible for an SPL, including 15 instructional hours, and 5 solo flight hours.

Privileges also last five years, compared to a BasicMed physical examination that is required every four years.įurthermore, considering that a pilot can only operate under BasicMed if they have been issued a medical certificate anytime after July 14th, 2006, this will rule out many student pilots. Therefore, when it comes to a PPL, if you are able to pass the FAA medical exam to be issued with a third-class medical certificate, you will definitely want to go down this route. Must not operate VFR or IFR above 18,000 feet MSL (no class A operations).While there are certain benefits to BasicMed, including approval from a primary care doctor, and less hassle, money, and time spent waiting for FAA approval, a private pilot flying under BasicMed runs into the following limitations: However, if you want to earn a private pilot license and are able to pass an FAA medical exam, you will probably want to (and might have to) get a third-class medical certificate instead. Medical Requirementsīoth a private pilot and sport pilot license can be issued with just BasicMed (an SPL can also be issued with just a U.S.

There is no maximum age requirement for either license. The minimum age to be eligible for either a private pilot or sport pilot license is 17 years old (16 for gliders and balloons). 9 Differences Between a Sport Pilot License & Private Pilot License Age However, keeping your current lifestyle, commitments, and long-term goals in mind, once you know the key differences between the two, including requirements, cost, and privileges and limitations, the choice usually becomes much clearer. It can be tough deciding whether getting a sport license or private pilot license is the better path to go down.