Sport Pilot Certification

The Sport Pilot Certificate is the fastest and most affordable way to earn your wings. At Atlas Aviation in Tampa, we provide a complete training program designed to get you flying safely and confidently in Light Sport Aircraft (LSA)while keeping time and costs manageable.

Prerequisites

Before starting your training, you must:

  • Be at least 17 years old at the time of your checkride.

  • Hold at least a valid U.S. driver’s license (in most cases, no FAA medical exam required).

  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.

Training Hours

FAA minimums for the Sport Pilot Certificate are:

  • 20 total flight hours

    • 15 hours of dual instruction with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

    • 5 hours of supervised solo flight

  • Training includes:

    • Cross-country navigation

    • Takeoffs, landings, and maneuvers

    • Basic emergency procedures

👉 Average training time: Most students require 30–35 hours to be fully proficient before the checkride.

Costs

At Atlas Aviation, we provide transparent pricing for Sport Pilot training:

  • Aircraft rental (LSA): starting at $XXX/hour wet (fuel included)

  • Instructor time: $XXX/hour

  • Ground school: $XXX (online or classroom options available)

  • Books, materials & supplies: approx. $300

  • FAA written exam fee: $175

  • FAA checkride (practical exam) fee: $600–$800 (paid to the examiner)

👉 Estimated total cost: $6,500 – $8,500, depending on aircraft choice, study habits, and training frequency.

Examinations

To earn your certificate, you must pass two exams:

  1. FAA Knowledge Test – a multiple-choice written exam on regulations, weather, navigation, and aerodynamics.

  2. Practical Test (Checkride) – with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), including:

    • Oral exam (1–2 hours of questions on flight planning, airspace, and safety).

    • Flight test (1.0–1.5 hours in the aircraft demonstrating proficiency).

Benefits of a Sport Pilot Certificate

  • Lower Training Requirements – Compared to the Private Pilot Certificate, the Sport Pilot requires fewer hours and lower costs.

  • Medical Flexibility – Most students only need a valid driver’s license (no FAA medical exam required).

  • Quickest Path to the Sky – You can earn your license in as little as a few months.

  • Counts Toward Higher Certificates – All hours logged can be applied toward a Private Pilot or higher certification in the future.

  • Affordable Recreational Flying – Great for flying locally, taking a passenger, and enjoying aviation without a long training commitment.