| Type of Operations or Privileges | PRIVATE PILOT | RECREATIONAL PILOT | SPORT PILOT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requires FAA medical certificate | YES | YES | Medical or U.S. driver's license and self-certification |
| Aircraft size limitations | Unlimited (certain aircraft will require specific "type" ratings) | 180 hp max, 4 seats max | 1,320 lb max certificate gross weight, 2 seats max |
| Aircraft with retractable landing gear | YES | NO | NO |
| More than 1 passenger may be carried | YES | NO | NO |
| Minimum flight training time required under FAR Part 61 | 40 hours (based on reported averages, it typically takes 70 hours) |
30 hours (based on reported averages, it typically takes 44 hours) |
20 hours (using the averages for Private and Recreational Pilot the typical average could be 33 hours) |
| Flight in Class B, C, or D airspace | YES | Only with additional flight instruction | Only with additional flight instruction |
| Night flight | YES | YES, no passengers and under CFI supervision to obtain additional certificates/ratings | NO |
| Flight outside United States airspace | YES | NO | NO |
| Less than 3 miles visibility | YES, in uncontrolled airspace | NO | NO |
| Sightseeing flights benefiting a charity or community | YES | NO | NO |
*PLEASE CONSULT THE CURRENT REGULATIONS AND THE SPORT PILOT PROPOSAL FOR SPECIFIC DETAILS ON REGULATORY COMPLIANCE