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14 CFR · Part 61

14 CFR § 61.405

What tests do I have to take to obtain a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating?

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Read in Subpart K
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

To obtain a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating you must pass the following tests:

(a)

Knowledge test. Before you take a knowledge test, you must receive a logbook endorsement certifying you are prepared for the test from an authorized instructor who trained you or evaluated your home-study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in § 61.407. You must pass knowledge tests on—

(1)

The fundamentals of instructing listed in § 61.407(a), unless you meet the requirements of § 61.407(c); and

(2)

The aeronautical knowledge areas for a sport pilot certificate applicable to the aircraft category and class for which flight instructor privileges are sought.

(b)

Practical test. (1) Before you take the practical test, you must—

(i)

Receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who provided you with flight training on the areas of operation specified in § 61.409 that apply to the category and class of aircraft privileges you seek. This endorsement certifies you meet the applicable aeronautical knowledge and experience requirements and are prepared for the practical test;

(ii)

If you are seeking privileges to provide instruction in an airplane or glider, receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor indicating that you are competent and possess instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures after you have received flight training in those training areas in an airplane or glider, as appropriate, that is certificated for spins;

(2)

You must pass a practical test—

(i)

On the areas of operation listed in § 61.409 that are appropriate to the category and class of aircraft privileges you seek;

(ii)

In an aircraft representative of the category and class of aircraft for the privileges you seek;

(iii)

In which you demonstrate that you are able to teach stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures if you are seeking privileges to provide instruction in an airplane or glider. If you have not failed a practical test based on deficiencies in your ability to demonstrate knowledge or skill in these areas and you provide the endorsement required by paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, an examiner may accept the endorsement instead of the demonstration required by this paragraph. If you are taking a test because you previously failed a test based on not meeting the requirements of this paragraph, you must pass a practical test on stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery instructional competency and proficiency in the applicable category and class of aircraft that is certificated for spins.

Referenced By

Advisory Circulars (1)

  • 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 61.40714 CFR 61.409

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)