Do you now fly an ultra light and wish to use
existing experience to become a Sport Pilot?

The Sport Pilot Rule has some good news for you. As a registered ultra light pilot (trained using the EAA, USUA or ASC ultra light program), you may be able to apply your existing ultra light flying time to meet the minimum experience requirements of the Sport Pilot certificate. You will probably fall into one of three different categories with respect to utilizing existing experience.

Were you a registered ultra light pilot prior to September 1, 2004?

A "yes" answer makes you a winner of the "grandfather clause." You may take the Sport Pilot check ride with no further flying experience, if you think you meet all of the flight standards contained in the Sport Pilot Practical Test Standard (The PTS is available for download at www.faa.gov). You may arrange for the flight test by selecting Flight Test Services.

You will need to take the Sport Pilot written exam (knowledge test) and be prepared to pass a thorough oral exam given by the Designated Pilot Examiner. Click on the Ground School Services link to learn more about how you can pass the written test. You will be surprised to learn that it may take only one day of your time and that you will learn a lot more than just the minimum needed to "pass the test."

Click on the Flight Instruction Services link for help in locating a properly qualified flight instructor or training facility. Remember, if you need to solo an aircraft with an "N" number to complete any needed skills, you must obtain a Student Sport Pilot certificate. Click on the Student Pilot Certificate link for more details on this issue.

Did you become a registered ultra light pilot after September 1, 2004?

You made a good choice. All the ultra light flying time you logged as a registered ultra light pilot is credited towards the minimum flight requirements needed to be a Sport Pilot. It may be that you have all the time and experience needed. Perhaps you will need a bit more training to meet the standards contained in the Sport Pilot Practical Test Standard (The PTS is available for download at www.faa.gov). At a bare minimum, you will be required to fly at least 3 hours with a qualified flight instructor who will make sure you are ready for the check ride.

You will need to take the Sport Pilot written exam (knowledge test) and be prepared to pass a thorough oral exam given by the Designated Pilot Examiner. Click on this Ground School Services link to learn more about how you can pass the written test. You will be surprised to learn that it may take only one day of your time and that you will learn a lot more than just the minimum needed to "pass the test."

Click on the Flight Instruction Services link for help in locating a properly qualified flight instructor or training facility. Remember, if you need to solo an aircraft with an "N" number to complete any needed skills, you must obtain a Student Sport Pilot certificate. Click on the Student Pilot Certificate link for more details on this issue.

Are you flying an ultra light, but not a registered ultra light pilot?

You must start from scratch and meet all of the flight time and performance standards contained Sport Pilot Practical Test Standard (The PTS is available for download at www.faa.gov).

You will need to take the Sport Pilot written exam (knowledge test) and be prepared to pass a thorough oral exam given by the Designated Pilot examiner. Click on this Ground School Services link to learn more about how you can pass the written test. You will be surprised to learn that it may take only one day of your time and that you will learn a lot more than just the minimum needed to "pass the test."

Click on the Flight Instruction Services link for help in locating a properly qualified flight instructor or training facility. Remember, if you need to solo an aircraft with an "N" number to complete any needed skills, you must obtain a Student Sport Pilot certificate. Click on the Student Pilot Certificate link for more details on this issue.

Contact Golden Age Aviation

Please feel free to contact us at oklahomaaviator@earthlink.com if you need additional information or have decided to take that important first step to become a Sport Pilot. Our Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (Central time zone) phone number is (918) 225-7374. We are often out of the office, so leave a message and we will return all calls.