FAR 61.329 — Sport Pilot Night Privileges
FAR 61.329 explains how sport pilots can earn night flying privileges, including 3 hours of night training, cross-country, takeoffs/landings, and endorsement.
In Plain English
FAR 61.329 lays out how a sport pilot can earn the privilege to act as pilot in command at night. By default, sport pilots are limited to daytime operations, so this section provides the path to add night privileges in a specific category and class of aircraft.
To qualify, you must:
- Receive 3 hours of night flight training from an authorized instructor in the same category and class you want to fly at night.
- Complete at least one night cross-country with a landing at an airport at least 25 nautical miles from the departure airport (except for powered parachutes).
- Perform at least 10 takeoffs and 10 full-stop landings at night.
- Hold a part 67 medical certificate or meet the conditions of § 61.113(i) (BasicMed-style provisions). If § 61.316 conflicts with § 61.113(i), § 61.316 controls.
- Get a logbook endorsement from your instructor certifying you meet the training requirements and are proficient at night.
Operationally, this matters because flying a light-sport aircraft at night demands additional skill in navigation, instrument scan, and airport identification — the FAA wants documented proof you've practiced these in the dark before going solo as PIC.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.329§ 61.329 How do I obtain privileges to operate an aircraft at night?
You may act as pilot in command with a sport pilot certificate during night operations if you:
(a) Receive 3 hours of night flight training in the specific category and class from an authorized instructor that includes—
(1) Conduct at least one cross-country flight during the flight training under paragraph (a) of this section at night, with a landing at an airport of at least 25 nautical miles from the departure airport, except for powered parachutes; and
(2) Accomplish at least 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop at night;
(b) Either hold a medical certificate issued under part 67 of this chapter or meet the conditions of § 61.113(i) and the operation is conducted consistent with this section. Where the requirements of § 61.316 conflict with § 61.113(i), a sport pilot must comply with § 61.316; and
(c) Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that you meet the training requirements in paragraph (a) of this section and are proficient in the operation of the aircraft at night in the category and class which the sport pilot seeks privileges.
[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 training do you need to act as PIC at night?
Per FAR 61.329, I need 3 hours of night flight training in the specific category and class from an authorized instructor, including a night cross-country with a landing at an airport at least 25 NM away (except powered parachutes) and 10 night takeoffs and 10 full-stop landings.
Q2What medical requirements apply to a sport pilot operating at night under FAR 61.329?
FAR 61.329(b) requires that I either hold a medical certificate issued under part 67 or meet the conditions of § 61.113(i), and that the operation is consistent with this section. If § 61.316 conflicts with § 61.113(i), I must comply with § 61.316.
Q3How do you document that you're qualified to exercise sport pilot night privileges?
Under FAR 61.329(c), I must receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that I meet the training requirements of paragraph (a) and am proficient operating the aircraft at night in the category and class I'm seeking privileges for.
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