The sport-pilot certificate is designed for people who want to experience flight but don't need or want to progress further, though the hours flown as a sport pilot do count toward other ratings and certificates.
The sport-pilot certificate is designed for people who want to experience flight but don't need or want to progress further, though the hours flown as a sport pilot do count toward other ratings and certificates. The private certificate requires students to build 40 hours minimum flight time, made up of different types of flying: solo hours, night hours, cross-country, etc. FAA studies show that most pilots earn their private certificate in an average of 65-70 hours nationwide. This is mostly due to today's more complex airspace, regulations and cockpit technology.