What aeronautical experience must I have to apply for a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating?

This regulation sets the aeronautical experience requirements for becoming a flight instructor with a sport pilot rating. The specific experience you need depends on which aircraft category and class you want to teach in—such as airplane (land or sea), weight-shift control, powered parachute, glider, or airship.

The regulation itself doesn't list the actual hour requirements; instead, it references a table that breaks down the specific experience needed for each category and class. These requirements are generally less extensive than those for a traditional flight instructor certificate, reflecting the more limited scope of sport pilot instruction.

This matters because you must accumulate the appropriate flight time and meet the specific prerequisites for your chosen aircraft type before you can apply for the certificate. You cannot teach in categories or classes for which you haven't met the corresponding experience requirements, even if you hold the sport pilot instructor certificate in another category.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*