FAR 61.316 — Sport Pilot Aircraft Limits
FAR 61.316 sets the performance and design limits for aircraft a sport pilot may fly: stall speed, seats, gear, propeller, and cabin requirements.
In Plain English
FAR 61.316 defines what kind of aircraft you can fly as pilot in command with a sport pilot certificate. The rule limits you to simpler, slower aircraft to match the reduced training required for the certificate.
Since its original certification, the aircraft must meet all of these:
- Stall speed (Vs1) of no more than 45 knots CAS — except airplanes, which may stall up to 59 knots CAS at max takeoff weight and most critical CG.
- Maximum 2 seats, except airplanes, which may have up to 4 seats.
- Non-pressurized cabin (if it has a cabin).
- Gyroplanes: fixed-pitch, semi-rigid, teetering, two-blade rotor.
- Powered aircraft (not balloons/airships): partial power loss must not compromise directional control, and the design must allow a controlled descent after a partial or total powerplant failure.
- Helicopters: must carry the simplified flight controls designation.
- Gliders: fixed or retractable landing gear allowed.
- Powered aircraft (not gliders): fixed landing gear and a fixed, ground-adjustable, or automated controllable-pitch propeller.
Under paragraph (b), you may fly an aircraft with retractable gear or an airplane with a manual controllable-pitch propeller only if you've completed the training and endorsement in § 61.331. Knowing these limits keeps you legal and inside the privileges of your certificate.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.316§ 61.316 What are the performance limits and design requirements for the aircraft that a sport pilot may operate?
(a) If you hold a sport pilot certificate, you may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that, since its original certification, meets the following requirements:
(1) A maximum stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed without the use of lift-enhancing devices (V) of not more than 45 knots CAS, except for airplanes, which must have a Vspeed of not more than 59 knots CAS at the aircraft's maximum certificated takeoff weight and most critical center of gravity.
(2) A maximum seating capacity of two persons, except for airplanes, which may have a maximum seating capacity of four persons.
(3) A non-pressurized cabin, if equipped with a cabin.
(4) For gyroplanes, a fixed-pitch, semi-rigid, teetering, two-blade rotor system.
(5) For powered aircraft other than balloons or airships, the loss of partial power would not adversely affect directional control of the aircraft and the aircraft design must allow the pilot the capability of establishing a controlled descent in the event of a partial or total powerplant failure.
(6) For helicopters, they must be certificated with the simplified flight controls designation.
(7) For gliders, fixed or retractable landing gear.
(8) For powered-aircraft other than a glider, fixed landing gear except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.
(9) For powered-aircraft other than a glider, a fixed, ground-adjustable, or an automated controllable pitch propeller except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) If you hold a sport pilot certificate, you may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that has retractable landing gear or an airplane with a manual controllable pitch propeller if you have met the training and endorsement requirements specified in § 61.331.
[Docket FAA-2023-1377, Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35215, July 24, 2025]
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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1As a sport pilot, what's the maximum stall speed of an airplane you may fly, and how is it measured?
Per FAR 61.316, an airplane must have a Vs1 of no more than 59 knots CAS at maximum certificated takeoff weight and the most critical center of gravity. Other aircraft categories are limited to 45 knots CAS.
Q2Can a sport pilot fly an aircraft with retractable landing gear or a manual controllable-pitch propeller?
Yes, but only if the pilot has completed the training and received the endorsement required by § 61.331, as allowed under FAR 61.316(b).
Q3What are the seating and cabin pressurization limits for aircraft a sport pilot may operate?
Under FAR 61.316, the aircraft must have a non-pressurized cabin (if equipped) and a maximum of two seats, except airplanes, which may have up to four seats.
Studying for a checkride?
§61.113 Privileges & Limits
Private pilot compensation, pro-rata sharing, and BasicMed limits
§61.57 Recent Flight Experience
90-day passenger, night, and instrument currency rules
§61.89 Student Pilot Limitations
Solo student limits: no passengers, no compensation, minimum visibility
§61.51 Pilot Logbooks
Logging training, aeronautical experience, and recency for certificates
§61.23 Medical Certificate Duration
First-, second-, and third-class medical requirement and validity periods
Instrument Rating Requirements
IFR eligibility and aeronautical experience
Related Sections in Part 61