|
Operating as a Sport Pilot Instructor
What does an existing CFI (under subpart H) need to do to instruct sport pilot students?
Simply stated, a current CFI may train sport pilot candidates, within the category/class listed on the CFI's certificate, without showing further proficiency. Obviously, you will need to become familiar with the sport pilot rules under 61 subpart J. EAA has a 19 page PDF file of the rule you can download or view.
Also, we encourage you to sign up for our database of instructors willing to teach sport pilots.
A sport pilot wants me to conduct a flight review (BFR), can I do this?
Yes, all pilots must comply with the requirement for a flight review under §61.56. There is no difference in the endorsement an instructor would give for a flight review for sport pilot. A medical certificate is not a requirement for completion of a flight review. If he is a private pilot operating as a sport pilot, the flight review can be done in any aircraft for which he is rated. If he is “only” sport pilot, it will have to be conducted in an aircraft that meets the definition of a light-sport aircraft.
You should just give a standard flight review endorsement, as spelled out in FAA advisory circular AC 61-65E, appendix 1, item 55, as follows:
"I certify that (First name, MI, Last name), (pilot certificate), (certificate number), has satisfactorily completed a flight review of § 61.56(a) on (date).
S/S [date] J.J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-00"
I’m a current CFI but would like to instruct as a sport pilot instructor (under subpart K) so that I can use my drivers license in lieu of a third class medical. What do I need to do?
Assuming your most recent medical application was not denied, withdrawn, or revoked, you can “drop down” and operate as a sport pilot instructor. You will need to operate within the privileges and limitation of a CFI-SP. See §61.429 which specifically addresses this situation.
I’m a current CFI under subpart H that wants to instruct in both powered parachutes and weight shift control aircraft. What do I need to do?
First step is to conduct a proficiency check to add the pws or ppc privilege at the Sport Pilot level. Once the pilot privilege is obtained then the flight instructor privilege can be added.
You will need to add the appropriate category/class privilege at the CFI-Sport Pilot level. Note that this is a privilege and not a rating; as such you will not have to pass a checkride but a proficiency check.
Current CFIs who wish to instruct in aircraft they are not currently rated, such as powered parachutes or weight-shift control aircraft must add the privilege at the sport pilot instructor level by proficiency check in accordance with FAR 61.419 as described below.
(a) Receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who trained you on the applicable areas of operation certifying you have met the aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency requirements for the additional category and class flight instructor privilege you seek;
(b) Successfully complete a proficiency check from an authorized instructor other than the instructor who trained you for the additional category and class flight instructor privilege you seek;
(c) Complete an application for those privileges on a form and in a manner acceptable to the FAA and present this application to the authorized instructor who conducted the proficiency check; and
(d) Receive a logbook endorsement from the instructor who conducted the proficiency check certifying you are proficient in the areas of operation and authorized for the additional category and class flight instructor privilege. | 
