The Hamilton Pilot Training System is a comprehensive program for learning to fly and passing your FAA tests. You’ll easily progress through the materials in a logical and sequential order as summarized here.
You simply follow the Lesson Plans in the “Sport Pilot Training Syllabus”. The Lesson Plans tells you what materials to use as you progress through the training program under your Instructors guidance. Following is how you progress through the training system.
Stage 1
First Flights – Learn to Fly
You start by watching the DVD’s and filling in the work sheets as you watch the DVD’s. You’ll start reading selected chapters in the “Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge” and the “Visualized Flight Maneuvers” blue books. This stage provides the basic maneuvers for learning how to fly and the foundation of aeronautical knowledge.
Stage 2
Flight Maneuvers and Aeronautical Knowledge – To Solo
You’ll continue with additional chapters in the “Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge” and the “Visualized Flight Maneuvers” books. This stage gets you to “Solo” in a Light Sport Aircraft.
Stage 3
Student Pilot – Regulations – To Cross Country
You’ll begin to use the “FAR/AIM” book and finish the “Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge” book. You’ll begin to use the flight computer and plotter. At this stage you become proficient at “Pilot in Command” and learn to fly cross-country.
Stage 4
Sport Pilot FAA Test Preparation
You’ll use the “Sport Pilot Test Prep” book and/or the Sport Pilot “Prepware” to study for the first FAA test you must take, the Sport Pilot General Written Knowledge test.
You’ll then use the “Sport Pilot Check Ride” book, as well as the FAA “Sport Pilot Practical Test Standards” (PTS) to get ready for your Check Ride (or Practical Test as the FAA calls it) to obtain your FAA Sport Pilot certificate and log book endorsement. This stage is complete when you pass your FAA Practical Test and obtain your Sport Pilot license.
The “Appendix E” of the “Sport Pilot Training Syllabus” outlines what to study and especially what not to study in the three books –
- “Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge”
- “Visualized Flight Maneuvers”
- “FAR/AIM”
Stage 5
Additional Endorsements
Additional endorsements for towered airports and higher speed fixed-wing aircraft.
Course Objective
The objective of this syllabus is for the student to gain the necessary aeronautical skill, knowledge and experience to meet the requirements of a Sport Pilot Certificate with a log book endorsement in either an Airplane, Weight Shift Control, or Powered Parachute.
Prerequisites
The student must be able to read, speak, and understand the English language, meet the physical standards with a drivers license or a third class medical certificate. Must possess a valid FAA Student Pilot Certificate to solo. Student must be 16 years old to solo, and 17 years old to gain Sport Pilot Certification.
Experience Requirements for a Sport Pilot Certificate Include:
- Airplanes and Weight Shift Control Aircraft – 20 hours of flight time including 15 hours of instruction with an authorized instructor and 5 hours of solo instruction.
- Powered Parachutes – 12 hours of flight time including 10 hours of instruction with an authorized instructor and 2 hours of solo instruction.
Sport Pilot Certification Course
The Sport Pilot Certificate is made up of 2 requirements: Aeronautical Skill and Aeronautical Knowledge. This syllabus is written to satisfy both requirements. The syllabus is in four Stages, containing Modules. Each stage should be completed 30 days, not to be more than 90 days. Each Module contains both a flight and ground lesson. This presents an integrated flight training process and will promote easier learning and a more efficient training program. Ideally, the ground lesson will be completed prior to the flight. Each flight lesson must include a pre- and post-flight briefing.
Lesson Plan and Testing Procedures
Each module contains homework associated with the ground lessons and flight lessons. The instructor goes through the lesson plans and checks off the specific items the student must accomplish before moving on to the next lesson. A Stage Exam is included with each stage, testing the student on both the ground and flight training material covered throughout the stage. This exam must be passed with a minimum score of 80%, and reconciled to 100%, in order to proceed to the next Stage. It is essential the completion standards of each flight lesson be completed before the next flight lesson.
Minimum Requirements
The minimum times necessary for the syllabus to qualify for a sport pilot license are minimum times. It generally it takes more time than this to become a confident and competent pilot. Many factors play into the finishing flight time: frequency of flying, cooperative weather, airplane and instructor scheduling, and lapses in the flight training process. It is recommended the student fly at least twice a week. This type of schedule produces the most efficient training, and cuts down on review time. If there is a lapse in between flights, it may be necessary to review maneuvers; use the optional review flights accompanying each Stage for this purpose. The student should feel comfortable performing each task in all previous modules before progressing to the next stage.
Materials required for the Sport Pilot Certification Course
- The Learn to Fly DVD/book package for either the Fixed Wing Airplane*, Weight Shift Control*, or Powered Parachute*.
- Weather to Fly for Sport Pilots, as well as a Sport Pilot Logbook.
- Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge*
- FAA Sport Pilot Practical Test Standards: Sport Pilot*
For Airplane, Weight-Shift Control, Powered Parachute & Flight Instructor - ASA FAR/AIM* book (updated annually)
- Flight computer (E6-B* or CX-2 Pathfinder*)
- ASA Ultimate Rotating Plotter*
- Sport Pilot Checkride book and DVD Combo*
- Sectional for local area (purchase locally)
- Airport/Facility Directory for local area (purchase locally)
- Training Task Log* (used by Instructor)
All of the materials listed are available in the Kits listed below for exceptional convenience and savings.
The Training Syllabus references the Materials above and when to use the materials throughout the Training course. Instructors using this Training Syllabus must ensure current Practical Test Standards are upheld. All of the materials listed are available in the Kits listed below for exceptional convenience and savings. Click here for the Sport Pilot Training Syllabus outline.
Sport Pilot Instructor Kits
Instructor kits for the Sport Pilot Certified Flight Instructor (CFIS) to teach Sport Pilot and Sport Pilot CFIS applicants to help them applicant”Ace” their FAA Knowledge (written) and Practical (checkride) exams.
- Sport Pilot Instructor Kit, Fixed Wing Aircraft
- Sport Pilot Instructor Kit, Weight-Shift Control Trike
- Sport Pilot Instructor Kit, Powered Parachute
Kits for Sport Pilot Applicants
Kits to provide to your Sport Pilot applicants to help them Ace” their FAA Knowledge and Practical (checkride) exams. (You can offer these as part of your course, purchase seperately, or recommend they purchase them from Adventure Productions.)
Training Kits
- Sport Pilot Student Kit, Fixed Wing Aircraft
- Sport Pilot Student Kit, Weight-Shift Control Trike
- Sport Pilot Student Kit, Powered Parachute
Test Prep Kit
Kits for Sport Pilot CFI Applicants
Kits to provide your Sport Pilot Certified Flight Instructor (CFIS) applicants to help them “Ace” their FAA Knowledge and Practical (checkride) exams. (You can offer these as part of your course, purchase seperately, or recommend they purchase them from Adventure Productions.)
Training Kits
- Sport Pilot CFI Applicant Kit, Fixed Wing Aircraft
- Sport Pilot CFI Applicant Kit, Weight-Shift Control Trike
- Sport Pilot CFI Applicant Kit, Powered Parachute
Test Prep Kits
