Ultralight Flight Instructors
On January 31, 2007, the Ultralight Instructor program was phased out and now all flight instructors must be FAA certificated flight instructors (CFI) to teach ultralight pilots. If you are looking for an ultralight instructor, you must find a FAA certificated flight instructor (CFI) who was experience in the ultralight looking aircraft. If you want to teach people in ultralights, you must get your FAA certified flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating (CFIS) to teach ultralight pilots in two place “ultralight looking” light sport aircraft. All two place ultralight trainers were also transitioned to light sport aircraft. Now there are no more two place ultralight trainers, only single place ultralights and two place light-sport aircraft that look like ultralights.
If you were a fixed-wing Ultralight instructor who was registered with an FAA-recognized training exemption holder EAA, ASC or USUA on or before September 1, 2004, you can use your flight time towards your Certified Flight Instructor certificate with a Sport Pilot rating (CFIS) per FAR 61.52 to teach sport pilot applicants in airplane light-sport aircraft (LSA). You will receive credit for your aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, and aeronautical experience requirements. The FAA’s only requirement is that you demonstrate that you have the knowledge and ability to exercise the privileges of a sport pilot instructor. In addition, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Request your training records. Obtain a copy of your ultralight pilot records from the FAA-recognized organization you are registered with.
- Meet minimum flight time requirements, FAR 61.411. Your ultralight time can count towards this per FAR 61.52.
- Have a current and valid sport pilot certificate or higher for the category/class you want CFIS.
- Successfully pass a FAA sport pilot instructor knowledge test and a Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) knowledge test administered by a FAA testing facility.
- Be trained and recommended by a CFIS for the checkride (3 hours minimum 60 days before checkride)
- Successfully pass a FAA sport pilot instructor practical test, which includes oral and flight test administered by a sport pilot flight instructor examiner.
See Become a sport pilot instructor for more details.
