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Flight Training · Lowest Barrier to Entry

Sport Pilot
Certificate

The fastest, most affordable path to becoming a licensed pilot. No FAA medical required — just a valid U.S. driver's license. Train in the Cessna 162 Skycatcher and be flying solo in weeks.

No FAA Medical 20 hrs Minimum Cessna 162 Part 61
20Min. Flight Hours
35–40Avg. Hours to Cert.
~$5,500Est. Total Cost
16Min. Age
Driver's LicenseMedical Req.

Overview

The Fastest Way to Fly

The Sport Pilot certificate is the most accessible entry point into aviation. With only 20 hours minimum flight time and no FAA medical certificate required, it's designed to get motivated students in the air quickly and affordably.

At Harford Air, Sport Pilot training is conducted in the Cessna 162 Skycatcher — a modern Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) with a Garmin G300 glass cockpit.

Sport Pilots may fly Light Sport Aircraft during the day, in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), and within U.S. airspace with appropriate endorsements.

1

Discovery Flight

Start with an intro flight in the Cessna 162.

2

Ground Study

Prepare for the FAA Sport Pilot knowledge test.

3

Dual Instruction

Learn maneuvers, takeoffs, landings, navigation, and emergency procedures.

4

Solo Flights

Build confidence and complete required solo tasks.

5

Written Test

Pass the FAA knowledge exam.

6

Checkride

Complete the oral and practical test with an examiner.

FAA Requirements

What You Need

20 Hours Total Flight TimeNational average is 35–40 hours.
15 Hours Dual InstructionWith a Harford Air CFI in a Light Sport Aircraft.
5 Hours Solo FlightIncluding a solo cross-country of at least 75 nm.
2 Hours Flight Training to Checkride AreaWithin 60 days of the checkride.
Valid U.S. Driver's LicenseNo FAA medical certificate required.
Pass FAA Written Test40-question Sport Pilot knowledge exam.
Pass Oral & Practical CheckrideWith an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner.
Age 16 Minimum16 to solo; 17 to earn the certificate.

Sport Pilot Privileges

  • Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) only
  • During daylight hours only
  • In Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)
  • With one passenger
  • Below 10,000 ft MSL or 2,000 ft AGL

Aircraft & Rates

Train in the Skycatcher

You'll train in our Cessna 162 Skycatcher — a modern, purpose-built light sport aircraft with a Garmin G300 glass cockpit. It is economical, responsive, and ideal for Sport Pilot training.

AircraftSoloDual
Cessna 162 Skycatcher$114/hr$179/hr
CFI FeeIncluded above

Ready to Take Flight?

Start with a discovery flight in the C162 to see if sport pilot training is right for you.

Book a Discovery Flight Contact Us