Ultralight Pilot
But Not an U/L Assoc
Member before
Sep '04
Steps to become
a Sport Pilot
In this scenario, to become a Powered Parachute Sport Pilot, you must...
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Be at least 17 years old |
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Be able to clearly Read, Speak, Write & Understand English |
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Hold a valid U.S. State driver’s license or a current FAA third-class medical certificate |
With the above requirements met, you have two Options and the steps to obtain your Sport Pilot certificate are...
OPTION ONE
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If it is prior to January 2007, then consider immediately joining an Ultralight Organization. This is not mandatory, but it will allow you to have an Ultralight Instructor (BFI/UFI) give you training toward your SP certificate, as well as a CFI. But normally, BFI's are a little cheaper per hour.
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Obtain training toward your SP certificate. At least 3 of the required 10 hours of dual should be with a CFI, while they prepare you for your Practical Test. And this training needs to be within 60 days of taking the Practical test.
If you were not a member of an U/L association before Sept 2004, then you will need 10 hours of DUAL endorsed log-time. For instance, you could become a U/L association member, then get 7-hours of logbook endorsements showing dual instruction in an 2-seat ultralight trainer from a current BFI/AFI/UFI/UFIE. And then get the additional 3-hours of logbook endorsement from a CFI showing that you have prepared for the Practical for at least 3 hours. (Note: the CFI endorsement must be within 60-days of taking your Practical test.)
You will also need training for your Cross-Country flight and a solo cross-country flight.
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Obtain a copy of your Ultralight pilot records from your registering organization [EAA, ASC or USUA]
Note: You only need to have been a pilot (you were not required to have been or be a BFI/UFI to meet the requirement to get this letter.
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Prepare for your SP Knowledge (computer) test. You can do this online or with an Instructor.
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Obtain the required endorsement from the online institute or the Instructor to take your Knowledge test.
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Pass an FAA Sport Pilot Knowledge test (at least a 70% grade)
The Knowledge Test is a 40-question computer test that you will need to take at an established institute (i.e., like your local college).
This test is around $90 and will require that you appear with picture ID and your U/L Association letter.
[Click here for Testing Institutes - call them to setup your appointment.]
Obtain the required 8710-11 endorsement from a CFI to take your Practical test.
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Pass an FAA sport pilot practical (flight) test
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Be prepared for the exam
(I.e., Review & Practice the tasks in the PTS (Practical Test Standards - you can download this or buy the PTS book for $5); Talk to a SP-CFI or the Examiner to obtain training, if you feel that this is needed -
Make an appointment with a SP Examiner
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Complete form 8710-11
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Complete the Practical check-list
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Arrive at the appointed time with the Checklist completed and Pass the Exam
Note: The passing criteria are explained in the PTS. Also note that the Oral section of the Practical must be completed before the Flight Tasks. The Examiner will mail the completed forms to the FAA. However, I recommend that you have copies made of the documents for your records (i.e., the Assoc. Letter, and your Knowledge test results)
OPTION TWO
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Get your SP Student certificate (These can be gotten from an Examiner or your local FSS.
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Obtain training toward your SP certificate.
You will need 10 hours of DUAL endorsed log-time with a CFI in an 'N'#d PPC.
You will also need training & endorsements for your Cross-Country flight and a solo cross-country flight.
And then get the logbook endorsement from a CFI showing that you have prepared for the Practical for at least 3 hours.
(Note: the CFI endorsement must be within 60-days of taking your Practical test.)
-
Prepare for your SP Knowledge (computer) test. You can do this online or with an Instructor.
-
Obtain the required endorsement from the online institute or the Instructor to take your Knowledge test.
-
Pass an FAA Sport Pilot Knowledge test (at least a 70% grade)
The Knowledge Test is a 40-question computer test that you will need to take at an established institute (i.e., like your local college).
This test is around $90 and will require that you appear with picture ID and your endorsement.
[Click here for Testing Institutes - call them to setup your appointment.]
Obtain the required 8710-11 endorsement from a CFI to take your Practical test.
-
Pass an FAA sport pilot practical (flight) test
-
Be prepared for the exam
(I.e., Review & Practice the tasks in the PTS (Practical Test Standards - you can download this or buy the PTS book for $5); Talk to a SP-CFI or the Examiner to obtain training, if you feel that this is needed -
Make an appointment with a SP Examiner
-
Complete form 8710-11 (your Examiner will have this form or you can download a copy from the FAA website)
-
Complete the Practical check-list
-
Arrive at the appointed time with the Checklist completed and Pass the Exam
Note: The passing criteria are explained in the PTS. Also note that the Oral section of the Practical must be completed before the Flight Tasks. The Examiner will mail the completed forms to the FAA. However, I recommend that you have copies made of the documents for your records (i.e., the Assoc. Letter, and your Knowledge test results)
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So, I hope you were a member before Sept 2004. But if not I can ask my CFI friends to help you with the additional logbook and endorsements/training.
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"UL-PPC Guide & Training Manual" are