The Difference between Private Pilot, Recreational Pilot and Sport Pilot Certificates

Private pilot, Sport Pilot, Recreational… What's the difference between these different certificates?! Each certificate has different pathways, different requirements and different privileges. So what pilot certificate is right for you? Let's discuss the differences between private pilot, recreational pilot and sport pilot certificates:

Private Pilot Certificate 

This is the most popular certificate due to the fact that it provides the most privileges and is required if you want to be an instrument pilot (fly in cloudy weather) or become an airline pilot. Once you have a private pilot certificate you can either add ratings such as tail-wheel aircraft, high performance aircraft, technologically advanced aircraft (TAA), float plane and more. So it allows you to be able to fly a wide variety of aircraft and carry up to 6 passengers. This certificate requires more hours (40hrs) than a sport or recreational certificate which means it costs more and as a private pilot you are required to have a 3rd class medical certificate.

Recreational Pilot Certificate

A recreational pilot certificate is considered a slight step below a private pilot because there are a few more limitations. With a recreational pilot certificate a pilot is limited to aircraft with 180 horsepower and 4 seats. Recreational pilots can only fly during the day with visibility 3 SM or more in remote areas that are Class E or G airspaces at altitudes up to 10,000 ft MSL or 2000 ft above ground level (AGL), whichever is higher. A recreational pilot can fly in other airspaces with an endorsement from an authorized instructor. Although a recreational pilot can fly aircraft with up to 4 seats they are only allowed to carry 1 passenger. You are still required to obtain a 3rd class medical certificate and you only need a total of 30 hours training as a minimum.

So although there are many restrictions, a recreational pilot is perfect for someone who just wants to fly with a family member or friend in safe and uncongested areas at low altitudes. If you choose to get a recreational pilot certificate and change your mind about wanting a private pilot certificate you can simply complete the remaining requirements for training and upgrade your certificate. However, you will have to take another checkride and therefore it makes since just to get a Private Pilot license if you have any doubt. This is one reason why recreational pilot certificates are the least common.

Sport Pilot Certificate

Another step below the recreational pilot certificate is the sport pilot certificate. This Certificate was made for people who want to fly a small, lighter, and easier to fly airplane. The airplane must be a light sport aircraft (LSA) which means it cannot have more than two seats and must be less than 1,320 lbs and fly at or lower than 120 knots max airspeed. You ARE allowed to carry a single passenger but the weight and balance aspects of LSA aircraft usually make it pretty difficult to do so. All other limitations of a sport pilot certificate are the same as a recreational pilot n that they can only fly in remote areas in Class E or G airspaces in the daytime at altitudes up to 10,000 ft MSL or 2,000 ft AGL, whichever is higher. A sport pilot certificate holder may fly in other airspaces and different aircraft categories with additional add on endorsements.

So why would anyone want a sport pilot certificate? The big advantage is that a sport pilot certificate does NOT require a medical certificate but only a valid and current US driver's license. Furthermore, for this certificate you only need a minimum of 20 hours of flight time. Because you don't need a medical certificate a sport pilot may be perfect for someone who has always dreamed of flying and lives out in uncongested areas of the US.

In Conclusion

In conclusion the right pilot certificate for you depends on basically two things; how you want to use it and whether you can pass a 3rd class medical exam. If you just want to fly around some crop fields below 2000' AGL by yourself then a sport pilot might be right for you. If you can't pass a medical certificate, then a sport pilot might be right for you (read here about what a 3rd class medical exam is like and what might disqualify you).

However, if you can pass a medical exam and you want to take passengers and have the flexibility of flying in any airspace, at night, in advanced and high powered aircraft or even float planes... then a private pilot might be right for you. Finally, if you want to be an airline or IFR pilot... a private pilot is right for you.

All 3 of these certificates require the following:

1. 17 years of age
2. Be able to speak, read, write, and understand English
3. Receive logbook endorsements from authorized instructor who verifies aeronautical knowledge and preparedness for the FAA test
4. Pass the FAA knowledge test
5. Receive flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who conducted the required training.
6. Pass the required practical test on the areas of operation that apply
7. Comply with the appropriate sections that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought

Depending what your situation is, one of these certificates will be better than the others. It is important to know what your goals are to understand which certificate is best for you!