If you are headed towards obtaining your pilot's license then the very first term you need to get used to is the Federal Aviation Administration. They are the governing body that sets all the rules and regulations attached to obtaining your pilots license. One of the very newest pilot categories is the certified Sport Pilot. Every variation of pilots has their own privileges and restrictions. The Sport Pilot category has some great advantages over the Private Pilot category when it comes to obtaining the license because it takes less time and is not as expensive.

The Sport Pilot will have the option of learning to fly various aircraft that come into the light sport category such as airplanes, glider and aircraft lighter than air, which means balloons or airships. This category will also include the options of weight-shift aircraft as well as powered parachutes. Therefore, you can see there are several options when it comes to choices of air born travel. This particular pilot license has become so popular that it is expected to eventually include gyroplanes.

Many people are quite surprised when they hear the age requirement for learning to fly various aircraft. If its gliders the would be pilot is interested in they can start their training at 14 years of age and quality to apply for the test at the age of 16. In respect to the other aircraft, training can start at the age of 16, but they will not be qualified to attempt the test until the age of 17.

For the majority of Pilot licenses some category of medical certification is required. In the case of the Sports Pilot, it is deemed that if you are healthy enough to have a valid driver's license then you are healthy enough to fly the aircraft that comes under the Sports Pilot category. Therefore, no special medical certificates are required. One demand is that the individual must be able to read and write fluent English. If English is not your first language and you have difficulty with it then you will want to take an English course prior to your Sport Pilot training.

So far, we have told you all of the benefits of becoming a Sport Pilot. With these privileges also come some restrictions. Not following them can mean your license will be suspended or even evoked.

Restriction 1
You will never be able to fly into airspace that is controlled by air traffic control towers. This is the airspace around the airports.

Restriction 2
You are not permitted to fly outside of the United States. Therefore, your Sports license is only applicable in this country.

Restriction 3
You are not allowed to fly at night. Your flying hours start at dawn and end at dusk.

Restriction 4
You are not allowed to fly above 10,000 feet.

Restriction 5
Weather conditions are critical. You can only fly on clear days. If you are not able to have a clear view of the earth then you are not permitted to fly.

Restriction 6
You are only allowed to have one passenger at a time.

These are current restrictions. It is very important that you learn every one of the restrictions at the time of obtaining your license.