FAQs

Please take a few minutes to read the following FAQ's and realize the many advantages we can offer you.

Who operates Northwest Flight? 
Northwest Flight is operated by aviation professionals with over 28 years of aviation experience.

How did Northwest Flight get started?
The Northwest Flight program evolved from the impressive growth and popularity of the Light Sport Aircraft segment. We, in turn applied the rental and training concepts that were developed by LSA recognized authorities including Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (LAMA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to name just a few.

What Is Northwest Flight? 
Northwest Flight provides LSA rentals and instruction in new or late-model aircraft for the Sport Pilot Certificate.

 
What type of aircraft does Northwest Flight use?
Currently, we have one new Tecnam Sierra light sport plane but we will add more LSA's as we expand to meet demand.

Sport Pilot for Student Pilots

What is the first step I need to take to become a sport pilot?

You should first consider getting an FAA medical certificate or plan on using your current and valid U.S. driver's license. Additionally, you will need to get a student pilot certificate. Please see the information below for more details on the option you can choose:

FAA medical and the student pilot certificate:

Medical certificates, or "medicals" for short, are required for anyone other than a sport pilot who is acting as pilot in command. There are three kinds of medicals: first, second, and third class, each with its own requirements, duration, and privileges.
Usually the medical certificate and student pilot certificate are combined on one form, FAA Form 8420-2, and are issued by a doctor, called an aviation medical examiner (AME), who has been approved by the FAA to administer the medical exam.
The combination medical/student pilot certificate is easy to carry in your logbook, wallet, or purse and required to be in your possession when you fly solo. The difference between the regular medical certificate and the combination medical and student pilot certificate is that, on the back of the medical/student pilot certificate, there is space for the flight instructor's endorsements that are required for your solo flights.
A medical is not required for operations in a glider or balloon.
Overall, you should consider obtaining a medical prior to investing time and money into your flight training. It is best to find out sooner than later whether you're medically qualified to fly or not.
For more information, read AOPA's subject report, Pilot's Guide to Medical Certification.
Driver's license and the student pilot certificate:

The Sport Pilot rule allows a pilot to fly light sport aircraft without the need for an FAA medical certificate. However, a sport pilot must hold at least a current and valid U.S. driver's license in order to exercise this privilege. The only exceptions are for operations in a glider or balloon, which does not require a driver's license.

 
A person using a current and valid U.S. driver's license must comply with each restriction and limitation imposed by that person's U.S. driver's license and any judicial or administrative order applying to the operation of a motor vehicle. That person must also meet the requirements of 14 CFR 61.23(c)(2), which states the following:

 
Have been found eligible for the issuance of at least a third class airman medical certificate at the time of his or her most recent application (if the person has applied for a medical certificate);

 
Not have had his or her most recently issued medical certificate (if the person has held a medical certificate) suspended or revoked or most recent Authorization for a Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate withdrawn; and

 
Not know or have reason to know of any medical condition that would make that person unable to operate a light sport aircraft in a safe manner.

A student pilot certificate, FAA Form 8710-2, can be obtained from your local flight standards district office (FSDO) or designated pilot examiner (DPE).

 
What are the sport pilot eligibility requirements?

For the sport pilot certificate, you must:
Be at least 17 years old (or 16 years old if you are applying to operate a glider or balloon).
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
Hold at least a third class medical, or hold a current and valid U.S. driver's license for operations in light sport aircraft other than a glider or balloon.
What are the training requirements for becoming a sport pilot?

Training requirements for a sport pilot certificate with airplane category —
A minimum of 20 hours flight time including:
15 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor.
5 hours solo flight.
Flight training must include at least:
2 hours cross-country flight training.
10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop.
One solo cross-country flight of at least 75 nautical miles total distance with a full-stop landing at a minimum of two points and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 25 nautical miles between takeoff and landing locations.
3 hours flight training in preparation for the practical test.
Ground training from an instructor or home-study course.
FAA knowledge test on applicable aeronautical knowledge areas.
FAA practical test for the applicable light sport aircraft privilege.
Sport pilot certificates will be issued without category/class designation — logbook endorsement will be provided for category, class, make and model.
Two new category and class ratings for sport pilots —
Weight-shift-control, land and sea.
Powered parachute, land and sea.
What are the sport pilot privileges and limitations?

A sport pilot may:

Share the operating expenses of a flight with a passenger, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenses, or aircraft rental fees. A sport pilot must pay at least half the operating expenses of the flight.
A sport may not act as pilot in command of a light sport aircraft:
That is carrying a passenger or property for compensation or hire.
For compensation or hire.
In furtherance of a business.
While carrying more than one passenger.
At night.
In Class A airspace.
In Class B, C, or D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, and to, from, through, or at an airport having an operational control tower unless you have received ground and flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor in accordance with 61.325 certifying you are authorized to exercise these privileges.
Outside the United States, unless you have prior authorization from the country in which you seek to operate. A sport pilot certificate carries the limitation "Holder does not meet ICAO requirements."
In a passenger-carrying airlift sponsored by a charitable organization.
At an altitude of more than 10,000 feet msl.
When the flight or surface visibility is less than 3 statute miles.
Without visual reference to the surface.
If the aircraft has a maximum forward speed in level flight that exceeds 87 knots CAS, unless having met the requirements of 61.327.
Contrary to any operating limitation placed on the airworthiness certificate of the aircraft being flown.
Contrary to any limitation or endorsement on your pilot certificate, airman medical certificate, U.S. driver's license, or any other limitation or logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor.
Contrary to any restriction or limitation on the sport pilot's U.S. driver's license or any restriction or limitation imposed by judicial or administrative order when using a driver's license to satisfy the requirements of Part 61.
While towing any object.
As a pilot flight crewmember on any aircraft for which more than one pilot is required by the type certificate of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is conducted.
What types of airplanes can I fly?

There are currently more than 21,000 certified airplanes in the standard airworthiness category from seven manufacturers that qualify as light sport aircraft. Standard category airplanes you can fly include, but are not limited to:

Atec Faeta

Flight Design CTLS

Gobosh G700

Evector Sportstar

Additionally, you can find a list of light sport aircraft manufacturers by Google search "light sport aircraft".

What is a light sport aircraft?

A light sport aircraft is defined as:

1,320 pounds maximum takeoff weight for aircraft not intended for operation on water; or
1,430 pounds maximum takeoff weight for aircraft intended for operation on water.
A maximum airspeed in level flight with maximum continuous power (VH) of not more than 120 knots CAS under standard atmospheric conditions at sea level.
A maximum seating capacity of no more than two persons, including the pilot.
A single, reciprocating engine.
A fixed or ground-adjustable propeller if a powered aircraft other than a powered glider.
A nonpressurized cabin, if equipped with a cabin.
Maximum airspeed of 120 knots.
Fixed landing gear, except for an aircraft intended for operation on water or a glider.
Fixed or repositionable landing gear, or a hull, for an aircraft intended for operation on water.
A maximum stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed without the use of lift-enhancing devices (VS1) of not more than 45 knots CAS at the aircraft's maximum certificated takeoff weight and most critical center of gravity.

Sport Pilot for Certificated Pilots

I'm a certificated pilot without a medical. Can I fly as a sport pilot?

Yes. If you already hold at least a recreational pilot certificate and have allowed your medical to expire, you might be able to fly without an FAA medical certificate, even if your most recent medical was a special issuance. Here's what you need to qualify:

You must hold at least a recreational pilot certificate.
You must have a current, valid state-issued driver's license.
Your application for your last FAA medical certificate cannot have been denied.
Your most recent issued medical must not have been suspended or revoked.
If you held a Special Issuance Medical, it must not have been withdrawn.
You can't have a medical condition that makes you an unsafe pilot.
You must be able to self-certify that you are medically fit to fly.
For additional medical FAQs, click here.

What type of certification, recurrent training, and/or proficiency do I need?

As a certified pilot who qualifies to fly with a driver's license, you will need to have:

Category and class ratings for the aircraft being flown.
A current flight review in accordance with 14 CFR 61.56.
Recent flight experience if carrying a passenger.

 
Do I need to perform the flight review in a light sport aircraft?

No. According to 14 CFR 61.56, a flight review must be performed in an aircraft for which the pilot is rated. Rated is interpreted as category and class.

I've already started my flight training toward the private pilot requirements. Can I transfer that flight training time over to the sport pilot certificate requirements?

Yes, you may do this. The FAA has clearly expressed that a student pilot certificate is a student pilot certificate, regardless of which certificate you are pursuing. Keep in mind, however, that a student pilot seeking a sport pilot certificate may not solo in an aircraft or perform the checkride in an aircraft other than a light sport aircraft.

Do I need to perform a checkride to get an additional category and/or class rating?

No, a checkride is not required. Rather, you will need to follow the provisions of 14 CFR 61.321, which requires the following:

Receive a logbook endorsement for meeting aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency requirements.
Complete a proficiency check from an authorized instructor other than the instructor who trained you on the aeronautical knowledge and areas of operation specified.
Complete an FAA Form 8710-11, Airmen Certificate and/or Rating Application, and present it to the instructor who conducted the proficiency check.
Receive a logbook endorsement from the instructor who conducted the proficiency check certifying that you are proficient in the applicable knowledge and areas of operation and that you are authorized for the additional category and class of light sport aircraft.

 
What kind of flying am I limited to as a certificated pilot flying under the sport pilot privilege?

A pilot who is exercising sport pilot privileges may share the operating expenses of a flight with a passenger, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenses, or aircraft rental fees. A sport pilot must pay at least half the operating expenses of the flight.

Recreational pilots:

In addition to complying with the recreational pilot privileges and limitations, a recreational pilot also may not operate a light sport aircraft:

That is carrying a passenger or property for compensation or hire.
For compensation or hire.
In furtherance of a business.
While carrying more than one passenger.
At night.
In Class A airspace.
In Class B, C, or D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, and to, from, through, or at an airport having an operational control tower unless you have received ground and flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor in accordance with 61.325 certifying you are authorized to exercise these privileges.
Outside the United States, unless you have prior authorization from the country in which you seek to operate. A sport pilot certificate carries the limitation "Holder does not meet ICAO requirements."
In a passenger-carrying airlift sponsored by a charitable organization.
At an altitude of more than 10,000 feet msl.
When the flight or surface visibility is less than 3 statute miles.
Without visual reference to the surface.
If the aircraft has a maximum forward speed in level flight that exceeds 87 knots CAS, unless having met the requirements of 61.327.
Contrary to any operating limitation placed on the airworthiness certificate of the aircraft being flown.
Contrary to any limitation or endorsement on your pilot certificate, airman medical certificate, U.S. driver's license, or any other limitation or logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor.
Contrary to any restriction or limitation on the sport pilot's U.S. driver's license or any restriction or limitation imposed by judicial or administrative order when using a driver's license to satisfy the requirements of Part 61.
While towing any object.
As a pilot flight crewmember on any aircraft for which more than one pilot is required by the type certificate of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is conducted.
Private, commercial, or airline transport pilots may not operate a light sport aircraft:

That is carrying a passenger or property for compensation or hire.
For compensation or hire.
In furtherance of a business.
While carrying more than one passenger.
At night.
In Class A airspace.
Outside the United States, unless you have prior authorization from the country in which you seek to operate. A sport pilot certificate carries the limitation "Holder does not meet ICAO requirements."
In a passenger-carrying airlift sponsored by a charitable organization. (This requires the pilot in command to hold a valid and current medical)
At an altitude of more than 10,000 feet msl.
When the flight or surface visibility is less than 3 statute miles.
Without visual reference to the surface.
Contrary to any operating limitation placed on the airworthiness certificate of the aircraft being flown.
Contrary to any limitation or endorsement on your pilot certificate, airman medical certificate, U.S. driver's license, or any other limitation or logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor.
Contrary to any restriction or limitation on the sport pilot's U.S. driver's license or any restriction or limitation imposed by judicial or administrative order when using a driver's license to satisfy the requirements of Part 61.
As a pilot flight crewmember on any aircraft for which more than one pilot is required by the type certificate of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is conducted.
What types of airplanes can I fly?

There are currently more than 21,000 certified airplanes in the standard airworthiness category from seven manufacturers that qualify as light sport aircraft. Standard category airplanes you can fly include, but are not limited to:

Piper J-2 and J-3
Aeronca Champ
Luscombe 8, 8A, 8B, and 8C
Taylorcraft BC, BCS, and BC-65
Ercoupe 415C and 415 CD

What is a light sport aircraft?

A light sport aircraft is defined as:

1,320 pounds maximum takeoff weight for aircraft not intended for operation on water; or
1,430 pounds maximum takeoff weight for aircraft intended for operation on water.
A maximum airspeed in level flight with maximum continuous power (VH) of not more than 120 knots CAS under standard atmospheric conditions at sea level.
A maximum seating capacity of no more than two persons, including the pilot.
A single, reciprocating engine.
A fixed or ground-adjustable propeller if a powered aircraft other than a powered glider.
A nonpressurized cabin, if equipped with a cabin.
Maximum airspeed of 120 knots.
Fixed landing gear, except for an aircraft intended for operation on water or a glider.
Fixed or repositionable landing gear, or a hull, for an aircraft intended for operation on water.
A maximum stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed without the use of lift-enhancing devices (VS1) of not more than 45 knots CAS at the aircraft's maximum certificated takeoff weight and most critical center of gravity

.
What regulations cover the requirements for sport pilots?

14 CFR Part 61, Subpart J is entirely dedicated to sport pilot airman certification, privileges, and limitations.