1.5.1 Ultralight Vehicles #

An ultralight aircraft [Figure 1-20] is referred to as a vehicle because the FAA does not govern it if it:

• Is used, or intended to be used, by a single occupant.
• Is used for recreation or sport purposes.
• Does not have an airworthiness certificate.
• If unpowered, weighs less than 155 pounds.
• If powered, weighs less than 254 pounds empty, excluding floats and safety devices intended for deployment in a potentially catastrophic situation.
• Has a fuel capacity not exceeding 5 gallons.
• Is not capable of more than 55 knots calibrated airspeed at full power in level flight.
• Has a power-off stall speed not exceeding 24 knots calibrated airspeed.

Ultralight vehicles do not require any form of pilot license or certification if they are flown within the 14 CFR part 103 operating rules, which generally limit the ultralight vehicle to uncontrolled airspace and prohibit flight over populated areas. Every person flying an ultralight should be familiar with the rules specified in 14 CFR part 103.

1.5.2 Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) Category #

In 2004, the FAA approved a new pilot certificate and aircraft category program to allow individuals to join the aviation community by reducing the training requirements that affect the overall cost of learning to fly. The Sport Pilot Certificate was created for pilots flying lightweight, simple aircraft, and offers limited privileges. The category of aircraft called the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) includes Airplane (Land/Sea), Gyroplane, Airship, Balloon, Weight-Shift Control (Land/Sea), Glider, and Powered Parachute. [Figure 1-21]

In order for an aircraft to fall in the Light Sport Category, it must meet the following criteria:

• The maximum gross takeoff weight may not exceed 1,320 pounds, or 1,430 pounds for seaplanes. Lighter-than-air maximum gross weight may not exceed 660 pounds.
• The maximum stall speed may not exceed 45 knots, and the maximum in-flight speed in level flight with maximum continuous power is no greater than 120 knots.
• Seating is restricted to a single- or two-seat configuration only.
• The powerplant may be only a single reciprocating engine (if powered), but may include rotary or diesel engines.
• The landing gear must be fixed, except on gliders or aircraft intended for operation on water.
• The aircraft may be manufactured and sold ready-to-fly under a new special LSA category, and certification must meet industry consensus standards. The aircraft may be used for sport, recreation, flight training, and aircraft rental.
• The aircraft will have an FAA registration N-number and may be operated at night if properly equipped and the pilot holds at least a private pilot certificate with a minimum of a third-class medical.

1.5.3 Pilot Certifications #

The type of intended flying will influence what type of pilot’s certificate is required. Eligibility, training, experience, and testing requirements differ depending on the type of certificate sought. [Figure 1-22]

1.5.4 Sport Pilot #

To become a sport pilot, the student pilot is required to have the following hours depending upon the aircraft:

• Airplane: 20 hours
• Powered Parachute: 12 hours
• Weight-Shift Control (trikes): 20 hours
• Glider: 10 hours
• Rotorcraft (gyroplane only): 20 hours
• Lighter-Than-Air: 20 hours (airship) or 7 hours (balloon)

To earn a Sport Pilot Certificate, one must:

• Be at least 16 to become a student sport pilot (14 for glider).
• Be at least 17 to test for a sport pilot certificate (16 for gliders).
• Be able to read, write, and understand English.
• Hold a current and valid driver’s license as evidence of medical eligibility.

1.5.5 Recreational Pilot #

To become a recreational pilot, one must:

• Be at least 17 years old (16 to be a private glider pilot or to be rated for free flight in a balloon).
• Be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Pass the required knowledge test.
• Meet the aeronautical experience requirements.
• Obtain a logbook endorsement from an instructor.
• Pass the required practical test.
• Hold a third-class medical certificate issued under 14 CFR part 67 — except for gliders and balloons, where medical eligibility is not required.

As a recreational pilot, cross-country flight is limited to a 50 NM range from the departure airport, but is permitted with additional training per 14 CFR 61.101(c). Additional limitations include flight during the day only, and no flying in airspace where communications with air traffic control are required.

The aeronautical experience requirements for a recreational pilot are 30 hours of flight time, including at least: 15 hours of dual instruction, 2 hours of en route training, 3 hours in preparation for the practical test, and 3 hours of solo flight.

1.5.6 Private Pilot #

A private pilot is one who flies for pleasure or personal business without accepting compensation for flying, except in some very limited, specific circumstances. The Private Pilot Certificate is held by the majority of active pilots. It allows command of any aircraft (subject to appropriate ratings) for any noncommercial purpose, and gives almost unlimited authority to fly under VFR. Passengers may be carried, and flight in furtherance of a business is permitted; however, a private pilot may not be compensated in any way for services as a pilot, although passengers can pay a pro rata share of flight expenses, such as fuel or rental costs. If training under 14 CFR part 61, experience requirements include at least 40 hours of piloting time, including 20 hours of flight with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flight. [Figure 1-23]

1.5.7 Commercial Pilot #

A commercial pilot may be compensated for flying. Training for the certificate focuses on a better understanding of aircraft systems and a higher standard of airmanship. The Commercial Certificate itself does not allow a pilot to fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC); commercial pilots without an instrument rating are restricted to daytime flight within 50 nautical miles (NM) when flying for hire.

A commercial airplane pilot must be able to operate a complex airplane, as a specific number of hours of complex (or turbine-powered) aircraft time is among the prerequisites, and at least part of the practical examination is performed in a complex aircraft. A complex aircraft must have retractable landing gear, movable flaps, and a controllable-pitch propeller. See 14 CFR 61.31(c) for additional information. [Figure 1-24]

1.5.8 Airline Transport Pilot #

The airline transport pilot (ATP) is tested to the highest level of piloting ability. The ATP Certificate is a prerequisite for acting as pilot in command (PIC) of scheduled airline operations. The minimum pilot experience is 1,500 hours of flight time. In addition, the pilot must be at least 23 years of age, be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language, and be “of good moral standing.” [Figure 1-25]