Sport Pilot Certificate
Earn your wings faster and more affordably with a Sport Pilot Certificate. Fly light sport aircraft, enjoy recreational flying, and experience the freedom of flight with fewer requirements.
- Only 20 hours flight time required
- Use your driver's license as medical
- Lower training costs
- Fly light sport aircraft
What Can You Do With a Sport Pilot Certificate?
A Sport Pilot Certificate lets you enjoy recreational flying with fewer barriers to entry
Fly a Wide Range of Aircraft
Sport pilots can fly single-engine airplanes with up to four seats and a clean stall speed of 59 knots or less. Thanks to the FAA's 2025 MOSAIC rule, that includes many popular trainers like the Cessna 172, not just traditional light sport aircraft.
Carry One Passenger
Share the experience with a friend or family member. Take one passenger along for scenic flights and day trips.
Daytime VFR Flying
Enjoy beautiful daytime flights in good weather. And under the 2025 MOSAIC rule, you can even add night-flying privileges with an instructor endorsement and a medical or BasicMed.
Driver's License Medical
No FAA medical exam required if you have a valid driver's license. This makes flying accessible to more people.
Lower Operating Costs
Light sport aircraft typically burn less fuel and have lower rental rates, making flying more affordable.
Upgrade Anytime
Your Sport Pilot flight time counts toward a Private Pilot Certificate. Upgrade your certificate whenever you're ready.
Sport Pilot Limitations
Understand what you can and can't do with a Sport Pilot Certificate
Daytime VFR by Default
Sport pilots fly during daylight in good weather. Under the FAA's 2025 MOSAIC rule, you can add night privileges with training, an instructor endorsement, and a medical or BasicMed.
One Passenger Maximum
You can carry yourself plus one passenger, even in a four-seat aircraft. Perfect for sharing flights with a friend.
Aircraft Eligibility by Stall Speed
Limited to single-engine airplanes with up to four seats and a clean stall speed of 59 knots or less. Features like retractable gear or a constant-speed propeller require additional endorsements.
Altitude Restriction
Maximum altitude of 10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher.
Controlled Airspace Needs an Endorsement
Flying in Class B, C, or D airspace requires additional training and a one-time instructor endorsement.
Want More Privileges?
Your Sport Pilot flight time counts toward a Private Pilot Certificate. Many students start with Sport Pilot and upgrade later.
Requirements & Prerequisites
Sport Pilot has the simplest requirements of any pilot certificate
Age Requirements
- 16 years old to fly solo
- 17 years old to earn your certificate
Medical Requirements
- Valid US driver's license (in most cases)
- No FAA medical exam required
- Must not have had a medical denied/revoked
English Proficiency
- Ability to read, speak, and understand English
No Experience Needed
- Start with zero flight experience
- We teach you everything from the ground up
The driver's license medical option is one of the biggest advantages of Sport Pilot training.
What's Included in Your Training
A streamlined training program focused on recreational flying skills
Ground School
Learn the essentials of flight
- Sporty's Sport Pilot online course
- Aerodynamics fundamentals
- Weather basics
- Navigation principles
- FAA regulations for sport pilots
- Aircraft systems
- Safety procedures
Flight Training
Hands-on flying in light sport aircraft
- Basic flight maneuvers
- Takeoffs & landings
- Pattern work
- Local area navigation
- Emergency procedures
- Solo flight experience
Checkride Prep
Final preparation for your FAA practical test
- Written exam preparation
- Oral exam practice
- Airman Certification Standards (ACS) review
- Mock checkrides
- Final stage check
Key Milestones
First Flight
Day 1Take the controls for the first time
First Solo
12-18 hoursFly by yourself
Solo Practice
15-25 hoursBuild confidence and skills
Checkride
20-30 hoursPass your FAA practical test
Transparent Pricing
Sport Pilot is the most affordable path to becoming a certificated pilot
Flight Training
$5,800Ground Training
$949Materials & Third-Party Fees
$1,225-1,625Costs vary based on how quickly you progress. The low estimate reflects finishing at the FAA 20-hour minimum with strong self-study; most students land near the typical figure.
Build Your Own Estimate
Drag the sliders to see how training choices change your total. Same rates as the table above.
Below the FAA minimum of 20 total flight hours for Sport Pilot (15 dual + 5 solo). Fine if you're bringing logged hours with you; starting from zero, plan on at least 20.
- $299
- $250
- $175
- Aircraft (0 hrs)$0
- Instruction (dual + ground)$0
- Fixed costs + DPE$0
An estimate, not a quote. Your pace and the weather get a vote too.
Talk through your plan with admissionsSport Pilot trains in our light-sport Pipistrel Alpha, and no FAA medical exam is required, just a valid driver's license. Finishing near the 20-hour minimum takes strong self-study; most students land between 25 and 30 hours.
130+ Five-Star Reviews Tell the Story
See Why Pilots Choose Us Over Other Schools
"As parents of a son graduating high-school, we didn't know the first thing about Flight School. We couldn't be happier with our son's experience in the Fast Track Program at US Flight Co. The process was seamless, the instructors were excellent, and he was able to complete his training in a year without sacrificing quality. At 19 years old, he is now a CFII at US Flight Co. A proud moment for our family. Highly recommend!"
"Pursuing a passion for flying is a significant investment of time and money. I did a lot of research before choosing US Flight Co. and I'm really satisfied with my decision. I was pleased to find great facilities, well maintained aircraft, kind and professional staff, and flexible and efficient scheduling. I started with no experience and was able to pass my private pilot check ride with no problem. The instructors are patient and professional and built my knowledge, skills, and confidence in a way that kept it light and fun the whole time."
"After having talked with several different flight schools and also several discovery flights, I chose US Flight Co because they were able to answer my questions and address my concerns with a unique approach rather than cookie cutter answers. They actually listened to me and adapted their training to fit my schedule. Whether you are going all the way to the airlines or just looking into a new hobby, US flight Co and the CFIs are genuinely interested in working with you as an individual."
"I started my aviation journey with US Flight Co last October and have been really pleased with the company as a whole, the administrative team, the instructors (S/O to Josh!!) and the pace of the program. About 8 months in, I'm preparing for my commercial check ride and hope to complete my CFI rating by next month."
"I am currently in the process of obtaining my private pilot's license at US Flight Co, and I couldn't be more impressed. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, making each lesson both informative and enjoyable. The training facilities are top-notch, and the aircraft are well-maintained and modern. I've felt a real sense of progress with every flight, and the team has created a welcoming atmosphere that fosters learning and confidence."
"Us Flight Co is a top flight school in Des Moines. I have been pursuing my private pilots license while finishing my senior year of high school. Because of navigating high school classes I was matched one on one with an instructor. This has been a great match and I appreciate the one on one learning I am receiving. US Flight CO's fleet of aircraft is diverse and expanding. As a student you have plenty of hours for flying and ground instruction. There is also flexibility to work with your school classes or employment hours."
"US Flight Co has been amazing with my aviation journey so far! Started flying at the end of 2024, currently working towards my instrument rating. They have been super flexible and easy to work with, considering I'm in the fast track program with a full time job. Instructors are safe, knowledgeable and fun to fly with. I look forward to continuing my aviation journey with them!"
"I Joined US flight Co about 10 hours into my PPL and have been with them since. My experience has been nothing but positive and they have far exceeded my expectations. They have great Instructors, reliable aircraft, great availability, and most importantly it's all at a very reasonable price. The instructor cadre are very clearly experts in their field and are passionate about ensuring their students are safe pilots and well prepared for their checkride. Aircraft rentals at US flight Co are well priced and well maintained. TLDR: Great people, fantastic instructors all at a reasonable price!"
"I have gone through other schools where I couldn't keep an instructor or the school didn't have their stuff together. US Flight Co has been the complete opposite - professional, organized, and committed to student success."
"Absolutely amazing crew of people. Great instructors who are all willing to help, even if they are not your primary instructor. Very relaxed environment and very personable people to train with. If you are looking for quality instruction look no further."
"Went on a discovery Flight here. Super nice facilities and Jaden my instructor was AMAZING! Would highly recommend. You can tell the instructors care and love their jobs! I wouldn't go anywhere else!"
"Having tried both flight schools based in Des Moines, I can honestly say this is the better of the two"
"I'm working to overcome a fear of flying! Jared has been more than helpful and patient with me. I highly recommend US Flight Co for anyone looking to overcome their fears or learn to fly!"
"I took part in the airline fast track program. It has been an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. I have worked with several CFIs and they are all top notch."
"Flight co has been super flexible with my schedule and has a great team of instructors who are very capable and knowledgeable. I had a great experience obtaining my private pilots license with them!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Sport Pilot training
What's the difference between Sport Pilot and Private Pilot?
Sport Pilot requires only 20 hours of minimum flight time (vs 40 for Private), uses a driver's license instead of an FAA medical, and costs significantly less. Private Pilot includes night flying and instrument training paths by default and lets you carry more passengers. Since the FAA's 2025 MOSAIC rule, sport pilots can fly many four-seat aircraft (though still carrying just one passenger) and even add night privileges with an endorsement, so the gap is smaller than it used to be.
Can I use my driver's license instead of getting a medical?
Yes! As long as you have a valid US driver's license and haven't had an FAA medical denied, revoked, or suspended, you can use your driver's license as your medical qualification. This is one of the biggest advantages of Sport Pilot.
What aircraft will I fly for Sport Pilot training?
You'll train in our Pipistrel Alpha Trainers: modern, efficient light sport aircraft with glass cockpits. They're fun to fly, economical, and ideal for sport pilot training.
Can I fly at night with a Sport Pilot Certificate?
Yes, as of the FAA's 2025 MOSAIC rule you can. Night flying requires additional training, an instructor endorsement, and an FAA medical or BasicMed. Without those, sport pilots fly during daylight hours.
Can I upgrade to Private Pilot later?
Absolutely! All of your Sport Pilot flight time counts toward a Private Pilot Certificate. Many pilots start with Sport Pilot and upgrade later when they want more privileges.
Is Sport Pilot right for me?
Sport Pilot is ideal if you want to fly recreationally, prefer lower costs, or you don't want to go through the hassle of getting an FAA medical. If you plan to fly at night, in clouds, or carry more than one passenger, Private Pilot may be a better choice from the start.
How fast can I get my Sport Pilot Certificate?
The FAA minimum is 20 flight hours, and most students finish in 25-35 hours. Flying 3-4 times per week, most earn the certificate in 2-4 months. Training more intensively can shorten that considerably.
What kinds of trips can I take as a Sport Pilot?
You can fly real cross-country trips in daytime VFR weather, take friends on scenic flights, and enjoy the classic '$100 hamburger' run. From Des Moines, sport pilots fly day trips to places like Lake Okoboji, Clear Lake, and river towns along the Mississippi. With a one-time instructor endorsement you can also fly into busier controlled airports (Class B, C, and D), though a handful of the nation's largest hubs remain off-limits to sport pilots.
Have Questions? Talk to Admissions
A real person from our Des Moines team will get back to you within one business day. No pressure, no obligation, just straight answers about training.
How We Can Help
- Get your questions answered by a real pilot
- Schedule a tour of our facility at KDSM
- Map out your training timeline and costs
- Talk through financing options
Connect With Admissions
We'll reach out within one business day
Not Sure? Try a Discovery Flight
Experience flying a light sport aircraft firsthand
A Discovery Flight is a one-hour introductory lesson where you'll actually fly the airplane. You'll take the controls, make turns, and see what light sport flying is really like.
- Pre-flight briefing
- Hands-on flying time
- Post-flight debrief
- Q&A with instructor
Discovery Flight cost is credited toward your training if you enroll.