Sport Pilot Training

Sport Pilot Training Course Syllabus

Course Overview:
This course is designed to provide comprehensive training for students seeking to obtain a Sport Pilot Certificate. The course covers essential ground school topics and in-flight instruction. The student will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate a light sport aircraft (LSA) under visual flight rules (VFR).

Course Duration:

• Total Flight Hours: 20-40 hours of flight time (including dual instruction and solo flight)
• Ground School Hours: 20-25 hours (can be integrated with flight lessons or conducted separately)
• Timeframe: 2-3 months (depending on the student’s availability and progress)

Phase 1: Introduction to Aviation & Aircraft Systems (Ground School)

Objective:
To introduce the student to the basics of aviation, aircraft systems, and regulatory requirements.

Topics Covered:

1. Introduction to Aviation

   • History of aviation
   • The role of a sport pilot
   • Types of aircraft and airspace classifications

2. Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)

   • Overview of the FAR Part 61 for Sport Pilots
   • Medical requirements
   • Restrictions and privileges of a sport pilot

3. Aircraft Systems and Operations

   • Aircraft structure and components
   • Basic controls: yoke, rudders, throttle, brakes
   • Engine and fuel systems
   • Basic avionics and instruments

4. Weather and Meteorology

   • Weather sources and reports
   • Weather patterns affecting VFR operations
   • Understanding METAR, TAF, and other weather data

5. Aerodynamics

   • Lift, thrust, drag, and weight
   • Four forces of flight
   • Basic flight maneuvers

Phase 2: Basic Flight Training (In-Flight)

Objective:
To develop basic flying skills through hands-on instruction in an LSA.

Flight Hours:
Dual Instruction (20-30 hours depending on student progress)

Flight Training Topics:

1. Pre-flight Procedures

   • Aircraft pre-flight inspection
   • Start-up, taxi, and shut down procedures
   • Run-up checks

2. Basic Aircraft Control

   • Straight-and-level flight
   • Turns (standard and steep)
   • Climbing and descending
   • Use of power and trim

3. Takeoffs and Landings

   • Normal takeoff
   • Short-field and soft-field takeoff
   • Normal landing
   • Soft-field and short-field landings
   • Go-arounds and aborted landings

4. Airspace and Navigation Basics

   • Identifying and understanding airspace boundaries
   • Using sectional charts
   • Basic navigation: heading, bearing, and course planning
   • VFR waypoints and landmarks

5. Traffic Patterns and Airport Procedures

   • Understanding and flying in the traffic pattern
   • Radio communication protocols (ATIS, clearance delivery, tower, ground)
   • Standard and non-standard traffic patterns

Phase 3: Advanced Flight Training and Cross-Country (In-Flight)

Objective:
To further refine piloting skills with an emphasis on cross-country navigation, emergency procedures, and advanced maneuvers.

Flight Hours:
Dual Instruction and Solo (5-10 hours)

Flight Training Topics:

1. Cross-Country Flight

   • Planning and executing a cross-country flight
   • VFR flight planning tools and techniques
   • Diversion and emergency procedures
   • Navigating using VOR, GPS, and landmarks

2. Emergency Procedures

   • Engine-out procedures and forced landings
   • Power-off and power-on stalls
   • Recovery from stalls
   • Emergency communication

3. Night Flight (Optional)

   • Basic night flying techniques
   • Night navigation and weather considerations

Phase 4: Solo Flight and Checkride Preparation

Objective:
To ensure the student can fly independently, demonstrating the skills and decision-making abilities required for solo flight and the FAA practical test.

Flight Hours:
Solo Flights (up to 10 hours, as deemed appropriate by the instructor)

Topics Covered:

1. Solo Flight Preparation

   • Briefing on solo responsibilities and requirements
   • Pre-flight planning for solo flights
   • Self-evaluation and decision-making

2. Checkride Preparation

   • Review of required maneuvers
   • Knowledge test review
   • Practice oral exam questions
   • Preparing for the practical test (checkride) with an FAA examiner

Final Evaluation:

1. End-of-Course Knowledge Test:

   • A written test covering the ground school material (FARs, airspace, weather, etc.)

2. Practical Test (Checkride):

   • A flight test with an FAA examiner to demonstrate proficiency in the required maneuvers, emergency procedures, and decision-making skills.

Course Materials:

• Textbook: Sport Pilot Operations Manual or similar reference
• Flight Logbook: For recording flight hours and flight training details
• Charts and Navigation Tools: Sectional charts, plotter, and E6B flight computer
• Online resources and apps (e.g., SkyVector, ForeFlight, etc.)

Required Equipment:

• Headset with noise-canceling features
• Appropriate clothing (weather-appropriate attire, sunglasses, etc.)
• Kneeboard for navigation and charts
• FAA Medical Certificate (if required)

Certification:

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be eligible to receive their Sport Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA.