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  5. § 61.316
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14 CFR · Part 61

14 CFR § 61.316

What are the performance limits and design requirements for the aircraft that a sport pilot may operate?

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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, since its original certification, meets the following requirements:

(1)

A maximum stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed without the use of lift-enhancing devices (VS1) of not more than 45 knots CAS, except for airplanes, which must have a VS1 speed of not more than 59 knots CAS at the aircraft's maximum certificated takeoff weight and most critical center of gravity.

(2)

A maximum seating capacity of two persons, except for airplanes, which may have a maximum seating capacity of four persons.

(3)

A non-pressurized cabin, if equipped with a cabin.

(4)

For gyroplanes, a fixed-pitch, semi-rigid, teetering, two-blade rotor system.

(5)

For powered aircraft other than balloons or airships, the loss of partial power would not adversely affect directional control of the aircraft and the aircraft design must allow the pilot the capability of establishing a controlled descent in the event of a partial or total powerplant failure.

(6)

For helicopters, they must be certificated with the simplified flight controls designation.

(7)

For gliders, fixed or retractable landing gear.

(8)

For powered-aircraft other than a glider, fixed landing gear except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.

(9)

For powered-aircraft other than a glider, a fixed, ground-adjustable, or an automated controllable pitch propeller except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.

(b)

If you hold a sport pilot certificate, you may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that has retractable landing gear or an airplane with a manual controllable pitch propeller if you have met the training and endorsement requirements specified in § 61.331.

Referenced By

Advisory Circulars (2)

  • AC 61-146
  • AC 61-65K

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

Regulations Referenced

14 CFR 61.331

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)