14 CFR · Part 61

14 CFR § 61.309

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

This reproduces published FAA reference text for study. It does not replace the current official FAA publication or regulation.

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.

Reflects the eCFR edition current as of July 6, 2026. Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 17, 2026.