The FAA is not really quite ready to start certifying student sport pilots, but until it is ready, it has an ad hoc procedure in place, EAA reported last week. For now, aspiring airmen can use the standard application form and just write in “Sport Pilot” under “Other.” Inspectors and examiners will get complete instructions for dealing with the new pilots in January, but for now, the FAA says, they are required to brief the applicant about the limitations of a sport pilot student. In addition, inspectors and examiners should discuss the limitations of the certificate with flight instructors who are providing training to sport pilot students.
