Regulation Text
§ 61.409 What flight proficiency requirements must I meet to apply for a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating?
You must receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the following areas of operation for the aircraft category and class in which you seek flight instructor privileges:
(a) Technical subject areas.
(b) Preflight preparation.
(c) Preflight lesson on a maneuver to be performed in flight.
(d) Preflight procedures.
(e) Airport, seaplane base, and gliderport operations, as applicable.
(f) Takeoffs (or launches), landings, and go-arounds.
(g) Fundamentals of flight.
(h) Performance maneuvers and for gliders, performance speeds.
(i) Ground reference maneuvers (except for gliders and lighter-than-air).
(j) Soaring techniques.
(k) Slow flight (not applicable to lighter-than-air and powered parachutes).
(l) Stalls (not applicable to lighter-than-air, powered parachutes, and gyroplanes).
(m) Spins (applicable to airplanes and gliders).
(n) Emergency operations.
(o) Tumble entry and avoidance techniques (applicable to weight-shift-control aircraft).
(p) Post-flight procedures.
Research Notes
Research Notes — § 61.409 Flight Proficiency Areas
Proficiency Areas by Aircraft Category
§ 61.409 lists the specific flight proficiency areas required for each aircraft category and class for which sport pilot instructor privileges are sought. These areas are evaluated during the practical test and must be demonstrated both from the pilot's perspective and from a teaching perspective — the examiner is assessing both your personal flying skills and your ability to instruct others in those skills.
Shared Areas Across Categories
Common areas across most sport pilot instructor categories include: preflight preparation and procedures, airport operations (or takeoff/landing site operations), takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds, performance maneuvers, ground reference maneuvers, navigation, slow flight and stalls, emergency operations, and post-flight procedures. The specific list varies by aircraft category — a glider instructor's proficiency areas differ from those of a weight-shift control instructor.
Demonstration of Teaching Ability
A critical aspect of the practical test is that the applicant must demonstrate the ability to instruct — not just perform. The DPE or examiner evaluates how the applicant explains concepts, provides demonstrations, and corrects student errors. The flight instructor PTS/ACS for sport pilot instructors includes specific evaluative criteria for instructional ability, not just task performance. FAA guidance: Aviation Instructor's Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9B).
Practical Test Standards (PTS) Reference
The current PTS for sport pilot instructors is available at the FAA Test Standards page. Sport pilot instructor practical tests are conducted to the same standards of proficiency as solo flight in the applicable aircraft, with the additional requirement of demonstrating instructional competence. Applicants should download and study the PTS for their specific category before the checkride.
Amendment History
AOA Notes
These notes correspond to the highlighted phrases in the regulation text above. Each one flags something worth knowing — a common misread, a checkride gotcha, or a practical pro tip.
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AOA's Decoded pages are plain-English interpretation for training and reference. They are not legal advice and do not replace the official regulation. Always confirm current requirements against the authoritative source before acting.
CFI Commentary
Highlighted phrases in the regulation text above link to instructor notes at the bottom of this page. Look for the amber or blue highlights — each one flags a gotcha or a pro tip worth knowing.