Regulations last checked for updates: Feb 12, 2026

Title 14 - Aeronautics and Space last revised: Dec 19, 2026
§ 61.403 - What are the age, language, and pilot certificate requirements for a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating?

To be eligible for a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating you must:

(a) Be at least 18 years old.

(b) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. If you cannot read, speak, write, and understand English because of medical reasons, the FAA may place limits on your certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of aircraft.

(c) Hold at least a sport pilot certificate with category and class ratings or privileges, as applicable, that are appropriate to the flight instructor privileges sought.

[Docket FAA-2001-11133, 69 FR 44875, July 27, 2004, as amended by Amdt. 61-124, 74 FR 42562, Aug. 21, 2009; Docket FAA-2023-1377, Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35218, July 24, 2025]
authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, 44701-44703, 44707, 44709-44711, 44729, 44903, 45102-45103, 45301-45302
source: Docket 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 14 CFR 61.403