Regulation Text
§ 61.301 What is the purpose of this subpart and to whom does it apply?
(a) This subpart prescribes the following requirements that apply to a sport pilot certificate:
(1) Eligibility.
(2) Aeronautical knowledge.
(3) Flight proficiency.
(4) Aeronautical experience.
(5) Endorsements.
(6) Privileges and limits.
(b) Other provisions of this part apply to the logging of flight time and testing.
(c) This subpart applies to applicants for, and holders of, sport pilot certificates. It also applies to holders of recreational pilot certificates and higher, as provided in § 61.303.
[Docket FAA-2001-11133, 69 FR 44869, July 27, 2004, as amended by Amdt. 61-125, 75 FR 5221, Feb. 1, 2010]
Research Notes
Research Notes — § 61.301 Sport Pilot Subpart Applicability
Governing Rulemaking
Docket FAA-2001-11133 — Sport Pilot / Light Sport Aircraft Final Rule (69 FR 44869, July 27, 2004). The entire Subpart J framework was created by this single rulemaking, effective September 1, 2004. It established a new, simplified pilot certificate path targeting recreational flyers. Source: Federal Register 69 FR 44869.
AIM Cross-Reference
AIM Chapter 1 (Air Navigation) and Chapter 7 (Safety of Flight) apply to sport pilots operating under VFR. Sport pilots are not exempt from AIM guidance on airspace, weather minimums, or emergency procedures. Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual.
AC Cross-Reference
AC 61-65K — Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors. Appendix J covers sport pilot endorsement standards. Source: FAA AC 61-65K.
Scope of This Subpart
§ 61.301(c) extends Subpart J applicability beyond sport pilot certificate holders: recreational pilots and pilots holding higher certificates may also fly light-sport aircraft (LSA) subject to § 61.303 operating rules. This is a frequently misunderstood provision — Subpart J is not exclusive to sport pilot certificate holders.