Sport Pilot
Practical Test $375.00
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q. Prior to taking the practical test, what aeronautical experience must I have?
A. The specific aeronautical experience requirements are outlined in 14 CFR part 61 or a letter from an Ultralight organization.
2. Q. Must I provide the aircraft for my practical test?
A. You may take the test in our aircraft or provide your own airworthy aircraft with equipment relevant to the AREAS OF OPERATION required for the practical test.
3. Q. What papers and documents must I present prior to my practical test?
A. The applicant will be asked to present:
(1) FAA Form 8710-11, Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating, with the flight instructor’s recommendation;
(2) an Airman Test Report with a satisfactory grade;
(3) a medical certificate or Driver’s license
And(if applicable)a Student Pilot Certificate endorsed by a flight instructor for solo, solo cross-country (airplane), and for the make and model aircraft to be used for the practical test;
(4) the pilot log book records; and
(5) a graduation certificate from an FAA-approved school (if applicable).
The applicant will be asked to produce and explain the:
(1) aircraft’s Registration Certificate;
(2) aircraft’s Airworthiness Certificate;
(3) aircraft’s operating limitations or FAA-approved aircraft flight manual (if required);
(4) aircraft equipment list;
(5) required weight and balance data;
(6) maintenance records; and
(7) applicable Airworthiness Directives.
4. Q. What pilot maneuvers are required on the practical test, and how will my performance of these operations be evaluated?
A. If a detailed explanation of the required pilot maneuvers and performance standards is desired, refer to the sport pilot practical test standards (PTS). The practical test standards may be purchased from the U.S. Government Printing Office, bookstores, or Rainbow Aviation Services
5. Q. What is the minimum age requirement for a Sport Pilot Certificate
A. An applicant must be 17 years of age.
6. Q. When can I take the sport pilot practical test?
A. 14 CFR part 61 establishes the ground school and flight experience requirements for the Sport Pilot Certificate. However, your flight instructor can best determine when you are qualified for the practical test. Your instructor should take you through a practice practical test.
7. Q. Where can I take the practical test?
A. Due to the varied responsibilities of the FSDO’s, practical tests are given by sport pilot examiners designated by the FAA. You should schedule your practical test by an appointment to avoid conflicts and wasted time. Rainbow Aviation has both a Sport Pilot Instructor and an examiner.
8. Q. Is there any charge for taking the practical test?
A. Since an FAA-designated pilot examiner serves without pay from the government for conducting practical tests and processing the necessary reports, the FAA-designated pilot examiner is allowed to charge a reasonable fee. We charge $375.00 for the practical exam. $125.00 an hour for flight training in prep for the exam.
9. Q. May I exercise the privileges of my pilot certificate immediately after passing my practical test or must I wait until I receive the actual pilot certificate?
A. The examiner will issue a temporary pilot certificate which is effective for a specific time period. This temporary pilot certificate is issued to a qualified applicant after successful completion of the practical test pending a review of qualifications and the issuance of a permanent certificate by the Administrator. The permanent certificate is issued to an applicant found qualified, and a denial is issued to an applicant found not qualified.
10. Q. Is there a charge for the pilot certificate?
A. There is no charge for any original certificate issued by the FAA. The FAA does charge to replace any pilot or medical certificate.