Regulation Text
§ 61.307 What tests do I have to take to obtain a sport pilot certificate?
To obtain a sport pilot certificate, you must pass the following tests:
(a) Knowledge test. You must pass a knowledge test on the applicable aeronautical knowledge areas listed in § 61.309. Before you may take the knowledge test for a sport pilot certificate, you must receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who trained you or reviewed and evaluated your home-study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in § 61.309 certifying you are prepared for the test.
(b) Practical test. You must pass a practical test on the applicable areas of operation listed in §§ 61.309 and 61.311. Before you may take the practical test for a sport pilot certificate, you must receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who provided you with flight training on the areas of operation specified in §§ 61.309 and 61.311 in preparation for the practical test. This endorsement certifies that you meet the applicable aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency requirements and are prepared for the practical test.
[Docket FAA-2001-11133, 69 FR 44869, July 27, 2004, as amended by Docket FAA-2023-1377, Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35213, July 24, 2025]
Research Notes
Research Notes — § 61.307 Required Tests for Sport Pilot Certification
Two-Gate Structure: Knowledge Then Practical
§ 61.307 establishes the same two-gate testing structure used for all pilot certificates: (1) pass the knowledge test with an instructor endorsement, then (2) pass the practical test with an instructor endorsement certifying you are ready. The knowledge test result is valid for 24 months toward the practical test. Source: 14 CFR § 61.39 — Prerequisites for Practical Tests.
Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot
The sport pilot knowledge test is administered by an FAA-approved testing center. The test covers the aeronautical knowledge areas in § 61.309. A passing score is 70% or higher (FAA standard for all pilot knowledge tests). Source: FAA Knowledge Test Information.
Home-Study Course Option
§ 61.307(a) explicitly allows home-study courses as an alternative to instructor-provided ground training for the knowledge test endorsement. This is a practical nod to the sport pilot program's low-cost, accessible philosophy. The home-study course must be reviewed and evaluated by an instructor who certifies it covers the § 61.309 areas. Source: 14 CFR § 61.307 via eCFR.
Sport Pilot ACS
The practical test is conducted per the Sport Pilot – Airplane Airman Certification Standards (ACS) or the applicable ACS for the category/class sought. The ACS replaced the old Practical Test Standards (PTS) and defines risk management and knowledge elements in addition to flight tasks. Source: FAA Airman Certification Standards.
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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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.