Regulation Text
§ 61.405 What tests do I have to take to obtain a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating?
To obtain a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating you must pass the following tests:
(a) Knowledge test. Before you take a knowledge test, you must receive a logbook endorsement certifying you are prepared for the test from an authorized instructor who trained you or evaluated your home-study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in § 61.407. You must pass knowledge tests on—
(1) The fundamentals of instructing listed in § 61.407(a), unless you meet the requirements of § 61.407(c); and
(2) The aeronautical knowledge areas for a sport pilot certificate applicable to the aircraft category and class for which flight instructor privileges are sought.
(b) Practical test. (1) Before you take the practical test, you must—
(i) Receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who provided you with flight training on the areas of operation specified in § 61.409 that apply to the category and class of aircraft privileges you seek. This endorsement certifies you meet the applicable aeronautical knowledge and experience requirements and are prepared for the practical test;
(ii) If you are seeking privileges to provide instruction in an airplane or glider, receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor indicating that you are competent and possess instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures after you have received flight training in those training areas in an airplane or glider, as appropriate, that is certificated for spins;
(2) You must pass a practical test—
(i) On the areas of operation listed in § 61.409 that are appropriate to the category and class of aircraft privileges you seek;
(ii) In an aircraft representative of the category and class of aircraft for the privileges you seek;
(iii) In which you demonstrate that you are able to teach stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures if you are seeking privileges to provide instruction in an airplane or glider. If you have not failed a practical test based on deficiencies in your ability to demonstrate knowledge or skill in these areas and you provide the endorsement required by paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, an examiner may accept the endorsement instead of the demonstration required by this paragraph. If you are taking a test because you previously failed a test based on not meeting the requirements of this paragraph, you must pass a practical test on stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery instructional competency and proficiency in the applicable category and class of aircraft that is certificated for spins.
Research Notes
Research Notes — § 61.405 Required Tests: Knowledge and Practical
Dual Knowledge Test Requirement
Sport pilot instructor applicants must pass TWO knowledge tests: (1) fundamentals of instructing (FOI) — unless exempt — and (2) sport pilot aeronautical knowledge in the applicable category/class. This mirrors the dual-test requirement for traditional flight instructors under § 61.185. The FOI test may be waived if the applicant holds a teacher's certificate or meets similar exemptions (see § 61.407(c)).
Endorsement Required Before Knowledge Test
An authorized instructor must provide a logbook endorsement before the applicant takes the knowledge test. This endorsement confirms the applicant has received instruction on or has evaluated a home-study course covering the aeronautical knowledge areas in § 61.407. The specific endorsement language is found in AC 61-65K, Appendix D.
Practical Test — Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)
The practical test for a sport pilot instructor certificate is administered by a DPE, an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI), or a person designated by the FAA. The practical test evaluates both flight proficiency areas (§ 61.409) and the applicant's ability to teach those areas. The Airman Certification Standards (ACS) or flight instructor practical test standards (PTS) for sport pilot instructors apply — check with your FSDO for the current test standard version for the specific aircraft category/class.
Home-Study Course Option
The regulation explicitly recognizes home-study courses as a valid preparation path. An authorized instructor evaluates the home-study course and provides the required endorsement. This is particularly relevant for sport pilot instructor candidates in remote areas with limited access to in-person ground instruction.
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.
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.