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  5. § 61.315
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14 CFR · Part 61

14 CFR § 61.315

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

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Read in Subpart J
Part 61 Contents
  • Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 73: Robinson Helicopter Company, Robinson R-22/R-44 Special Training and Experience Requirements
  • Subpart A: General
  • Subpart B: Aircraft Ratings and Pilot Authorizations
  • Subpart C: Student Pilots
  • Subpart D: Recreational Pilots
  • Subpart E: Private Pilots
  • Subpart F: Commercial Pilots
  • Subpart G: Airline Transport Pilots
  • Subpart H: Flight Instructors Other than Flight Instructors With a Sport Pilot Rating
  • Subpart I: Ground Instructors
  • Subpart J: Sport Pilots
  • Subpart K: Flight Instructors With a Sport Pilot Rating
  • Appendix A to Part 61: Airman Certification Standards and Practical Test Standards
(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).

Referenced By

Interpretations of This Section (2)

  • Allen (Terrafugia), 2012
  • Gilbert, 2011

Advisory Circulars (2)

  • AC 61-142
  • AC 61-146

Documents that cite this section, found in their catalog metadata or text. Listed by date, not by significance.

Regulations Referenced

14 CFR 61.31614 CFR 61.32914 CFR 61.32514 CFR 61.32714 CFR 61.33114 CFR 61.31

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

Primary Source

  • Official Source (14 CFR · Part 61)