How many hours must a student pilot have for airplanes to qualify for a Sport Pilot Certificate?

To qualify for a Sport Pilot Certificate, a student pilot must have a minimum of 20 hours of flight training. This requirement includes at least 15 hours of flight training with an instructor and a minimum of 5 hours of solo flight time. The Sport Pilot Certificate is designed to make flying more accessible while ensuring safety and basic competency, which is why the regulations set these specific hour requirements.

The distinction between the Sport Pilot Certificate and other pilot certificates reflects the intention to streamline the certification process for less complex aircraft and a more limited operational scope.