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Upgrading from Sport Pilot to Private, do I need a Student Certificate again?

Asked by: 2457 views Student Pilot

I am contemplating to upgrade my Sport Pilot license to Private. This question is not about recognition of CFI hours from previous training but I am wondering if I need to get a Student Pilot Certificate again. I intend to take training in my ELSA for most of the dual hours but at some point I think it would be advisable to get some hours in a 172 and maybe a PA28 to get a better idea of how they differ from my ELSA. 
Wouldn't flying these types of aircraft solo require a different certificate than my Sport Pilot license? Do I therefore need to get a Student Pilot Certificate again if I want to get this additional experience in heavier-than-LSA airplanes?

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1 Answers



  1. Kris Kortokrax on Nov 17, 2016

    You already have a pilot certificate (Sport Pilot). The FAA will not issue you a Student Pilot certificate. You may only hold one pilot certificate (unless your second certificate is a Private Pilot certificate based on a foreign pilot license).

    You merely need instruction in the aircraft and then a 61.31 (d)(2) endorsement to allow you to act as PIC of an aircraft for which you are not rated.

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