Learn to Fly

Sport pilot training is perfectly geared towards new flyers as the rule changes have dramatically lowered the cost and time necessary to learn to fly. There are no more hassles or excuses. So get to it.

Step 1: Pre-Qualification
Do you qualify? To get licensed, sport pilots must be at least 17 years of age, in good health, and possess a valid driver’s license. No FAA medical certificate is required.

Step 2: Flight School Selection
Powrachute has a large network of instructors that are more then willing to get you started. If you want to get started flying sooner however, just find a professional flight school that provides Sport Pilot training with an available and well-maintained LSA Powered Parachute trainer plane. Selecting the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) is important as the instructor serves as your coach and mentor. Choose wisely by looking for one that is both experienced and compatible with your sense of fun and adventure. The cost for powered parachute flight training can vary depending on the instructor, lessons, materials, plane rental and fuel. Don’t choose schools or instructors on price alone, find one that meets your schedule, location and who come highly recommended. To find a Sport Pilot instructor in your area, contact Powrachute or visit the EAA website at http://www.sportpilot.org/instructors/.

Step 3: Pilot Training
Start your training. You’ll learn to fly a simple PPC in uncongested airspace during daytime hours. For a Sport Pilot, the FAA requires a minimum of 10 hours of in-flight training.
You and your instructor’s schedule determine the pace of the training schedule. It can be completed in as little as one week’s time, or spread out over a period of multiple weeks.

Step 4: FAA Testing
At some time during your flight training, you’ll take a standardized written FAA test administered by a national testing agency (LaserGrade and CATS) at a nearby location.
When you have met the minimum of 10 hours of flight training plus your solo time, passed the FAA written test, and your instructor believes you are ready, you will be scheduled for FAA Practical Test (oral and flying) with an FAA designated Sport Pilot Examiner.
FAA Practical Test
. This final requirement is your checkride. The test first involves an oral exam review followed by an actual flight test with the student at the controls to satisfactorily demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competency to perform tasks in Practical Test Standards.

Step 5: Certification
Upon passing your checkride, the FAA Examiner will issue your Sport Pilot License. Should you later desire to obtain a higher-rated license, all of your hours spent before and after your SPL will be applicable if you have trained with a CFI with those higher ratings. In addition, CFI endorsements can be obtained to increase your pilot privileges, such as flying in controlled airports and controlled airspace.