For the sport pilot certificate, you must:

• Be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old if you are applying to operate a glider or balloon).
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
• Hold at least a third class medical, or hold a current and valid U.S. driver’s license for operations in light-sport aircraft other than a glider or balloon.

Training requirements for a sport pilot certificate with airplane category:

• A minimum of 20 hours flight time including:
  • 15 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor.
  • 5 hours solo flight.
• Flight training must include at least:
  • 2 hours cross-country flight training.
  • 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop.
  • One solo cross-country flight of at least 75 nautical miles total distance with a full-stop landing at a minimum of two points and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 25 nautical miles between takeoff and landing locations.
  • 2 hours flight training in preparation for the practical test.
  • Ground training from an instructor or home-study course.
• FAA knowledge test on applicable aeronautical knowledge areas.
• FAA practical test for the applicable light-sport aircraft privilege.
• Sport pilot certificates will be issued without category/class designation — logbook endorsement will be provided for category and class per FAR 61.317.