Requirements:
- You must be 16 years old to solo, 17 years old to take your checkride.
- Read, write, and understand English.
- You must possess a valid US driver’s license.
- Complete a written test and practical test.
- Complete the following minimum requirements.
20 Hours Minimum Flight Time
The FAA requires this to consist of 15 hours minimum of flight training with an instructor (Dual Instruction) and 5 hours minimum of solo flying in a single engine airplane. See a breakdown of what your flying requirements look like:
15 Hours Dual Flight Instruction Including:
- 2 hours of cross country flight training in a single engine airplane
- 2 hours of flight training in a single engine airplane within the 60 days prior to the practical test (a.k.a your “checkride”).
5 Hours Solo Flight Time Including:
- 1 solo cross-country of at least 75nm including:
- a full stop landing at a minimum of 2 points
- one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 25nm between takeoff and landing
- 10 take-offs and landings to a full-stop with a complete lap in the traffic pattern for each
What airplanes in our fleet can you fly?
Cessna 152’s and 172’s
Piper Archer’s
Citabria
Cost Breakdown
Standard Rate
| Description | Rate | Hours | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airplane – Dual | $165 | 15 | $2475 |
| Airplane – Solo | $165 | 5 | $825 |
| Airplane – Checkride | $165 | 2 | $330 |
| Flight Instruction | $109 | 15 | $1,635 |
| Ground Instruction | $109 | 10 | $1,090 |
| Online Ground School | $299 | — | $299 |
| Examiner Fee** | $1,000 | — | $1,000 |
| Total | $7,654 | ||
*As of May 2026
**Fee varies by examiner
****Airplane rate based on Piper Archer
*****Overall cost will depend on student performance. The listed price is only an estimate based on the minimum required hours.
Premium Club
| Description | Rate | Hours | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airplane – Dual | $140 | 15 | $2100 |
| Airplane – Solo | $140 | 5 | $700 |
| Airplane – Checkride | $140 | 2 | $280 |
| Flight Instruction | $109 | 15 | $1,635 |
| Ground Instruction | $109 | 10 | $1,090 |
| Online Ground School | $299 | — | $299 |
| Examiner Fee** | $1,000 | — | $1,000 |
| Subtotal | $7,104 | ||
| 1.5 Hours Free Instruction | -$133.50 | ||
| Total | $6.970.50 | ||
*As of May 2026
**Fee varies by examiner
***Premium Club buy in $399, Monthly dues $79
****Airplane rate based on Piper Archer
*****Overall cost will depend on student performance. The listed price is only an estimate based on the minimum required hours.
Elite Club
| Description | Rate | Hours | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airplane – Dual | $140 | 15 | $2100 |
| Airplane – Solo | $140 | 5 | $700 |
| Airplane – Checkride | $140 | 2 | $280 |
| Flight Instruction | $109 | 15 | $1,635 |
| Ground Instruction | $109 | 10 | $1,090 |
| Online Ground School | $299 | — | $299 |
| Examiner Fee** | $1,000 | — | $1,000 |
| Subtotal | $7,104 | ||
| 1.5 Hours Free Instruction | -$133.50 | ||
| 10% Instruction Discount | -$256.15 | ||
| Total | $6,714.35 | ||
*As of May 2026
**Fee varies by examiner
***Elite Club buy in $499, Monthly dues $129
****Airplane rate based on Piper Archer
*****Overall cost will depend on student performance. The listed price is only an estimate based on the minimum required hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Sport Pilot Certificate?
It’s a streamlined FAA license that allows you to fly small, two-seat light sport aircraft during daylight hours under good weather conditions.
How many flight hours are required?
You must log at least 20 total hours, including 15 hours of dual instruction and 5 hours of solo flight time.
Is a medical certificate required?
No FAA medical certificate is needed if you hold a valid U.S. driver’s license and meet its health standards.
Can I fly cross-country with a Sport Pilot license?
Yes, you’ll complete at least one solo cross-country over 75 NM with two landings. You may fly cross-country under Sport Pilot rules within approved airspace.
Can I fly at night with a Sport Pilot license?
Yes, with proper training and endorsement from a certified flight instructor you may fly at night.
Can I fly into class B, C, D airspace?
Yes, with proper training and endorsement from a certified flight instructor you may fly into controlled airspace.
Can I fly a tailwheel airplane?
Yes, with tailwheel training and endorsement from a certified flight instructor you may fly tailwheel airplanes if they meet the requirements for light sport aircraft.
Can I fly a retractable gear/complex airplane?
Yes, with complex aircraft training and endorsement from a certified flight instructor you may fly retractable gear airplane if they meet the requirements for light sport aircraft.
I hold a Private Pilot license; can I fly with sport pilot privileges?
Yes, as long as you have a valid US driver’s license and have not had your medical certificate revoked or deferred.
Does Lake Elmo Aero rent to Sport Pilots?
Yes! Our fleet of Cessna 152’s, 172’s, Piper Archers, and Citabria meet the certification for light sport category and are available for rent!