The Recreational Pilot Certificate requires less training and offers fewer privileges than the private pilot certificate. It was originally established for flying small single-engine planes, and has since been largely superceded by the Sport Pilot certificate. It is significantly more restrictive than a private pilot certificate. The holder is restricted to trips no more than 50nm from his field of departure and from operating in the vicinity of airports with a control tower, though these restrictions can be lifted with additional training and endorsements.

The Private Pilot Certificate is the certificate held by the majority of active pilots. It allows command of any aircraft (subject to appropriate ratings/endorsements) for any non-commercial purpose, and gives almost unlimited authority to fly under visual flight rules (VFR). While neither of the two certificates allow the pilot to be compensated for the service of a pilot, one may carry passengers for reasons that are incidental to that of business travel OR passengers may pay a pro rata share of the costs incurred during the flight.

Do you offer a Sport Pilot Certificate?
Yes, however we currently to not have the required aircraft as a part of our training fleet. If you have access or currently own a qualifying aircraft, we can certainly provide the ground and flight instruction required to complete this rating. For additional information, please contact us.