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Pilot Privileges · Explainer

Sport pilot night flying: what you need besides an endorsement

Night privileges under 14 CFR 61.329 take category-and-class night training, a medical basis beyond a driver’s license and an instructor endorsement, and the aircraft’s own limitations must also permit night flight.

By MOSAIC BriefPublished Last human review Sources checked
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Can you fly at night on a sport pilot certificate? Not on the certificate alone. Night flying takes three things: night training, a medical basis beyond a driver’s license, and an instructor’s logbook endorsement. The aircraft must also be allowed to fly at night.

Why night is treated separately

Section 61.315(c) bars a sport pilot from acting as pilot in command at night except as provided in § 61.329. Sport pilot privileges historically did not include night operations; adding them in the MOSAIC final rule, the FAA said additional night training, an instructor endorsement and additional medical qualifications are necessary. “Night” has a defined meaning in 14 CFR 1.1: the time between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight, as published in the Air Almanac, converted to local time.

What “category and class” means

The training and endorsement are tied to your category and class, which section 1.1 defines for pilot privileges. A category is a broad classification of aircraft, such as airplane or glider. A class is a classification within a category of aircraft having similar operating characteristics, such as single engine, land or free balloon. The FAA said it tied night privileges to category and class because of the unique pilot skills needed to operate different aircraft at night, so night training and an endorsement for one category and class do not cover another.

The three parts of 61.329

Training. You need 3 hours of night flight training in the specific category and class from an authorized instructor. It must include at least one night cross-country flight “with a landing at an airport of at least 25 nautical miles from the departure airport, except for powered parachutes,” and at least 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop at night. Read that wording as written: the rule text states no substitute requirement for powered parachutes, so a powered-parachute pilot should ask the instructor how the FAA applies it. Night training earned toward a higher certificate may count toward the hours only for the same category and class.

A medical basis. You need either a part 67 medical certificate or to meet the conditions of 61.113(i), which FAA guidance calls BasicMed. Where 61.316 conflicts with 61.113(i), 61.316 controls. The 61.113(i) route also requires a valid U.S. driver’s license and meeting 61.23(c)(3), and you must have the completed examination checklist and the course-completion certificate available in your logbook. What follows is a summary, not the full test. Section 61.23(c)(3) includes a recent medical education course and a comprehensive medical examination, but also further conditions: for example, having held a part 67 medical certificate at some point since July 14, 2006, being under a State-licensed physician’s care if you have been diagnosed with a condition that may affect flying, and limits on your most recent medical certificate and any special-issuance or denied application. Read the full text.

Daytime is different. By day, a sport pilot in a powered aircraft may use either a medical certificate or a U.S. driver’s license. A license used that way carries the 61.23(c)(2) conditions: comply with the license’s restrictions and any court or administrative order on operating a motor vehicle; have been found eligible for at least a third-class medical at the most recent application, if one was made; not have the most recent medical suspended or revoked or the latest special issuance withdrawn; and not know or have reason to know of any medical condition that would make you unable to operate a 61.316 aircraft safely. Glider and balloon sport pilots need no medical certificate by day but need a night option at night. A driver’s license alone is not enough at night.

An endorsement. This is a logbook entry from an authorized instructor certifying that you meet the training requirements and are proficient in operating the aircraft at night in the category and class. Holding a higher certificate does not remove the need for it when you fly on sport pilot privileges at night.

Night currency and other limits

The FAA said night currency under 61.57(b) continues to apply to all pilots, and section 61.57 has its own rules for carrying passengers at night, so read it in full. The other 61.315(c) limits also remain, including no more than one passenger, no flight when visibility is below 3 statute miles, and no flight without visual reference to the surface.

The aircraft has to allow it too

The endorsement is a pilot privilege. Whether an aircraft may fly at night depends on its operating limitations and equipment, and 61.315(c) bars flying contrary to any operating limitation on the airworthiness certificate. Experimental aircraft must be operated VFR, day only, unless otherwise specifically authorized, and a light-sport category aircraft must be operated according to its operating instructions and equipment list. Section 91.209 also requires lighted position lights from sunset to sunrise. Sample night limitations printed in FAA Order 8130.2L (effective January 30, 2026) are historical context only; the limitations actually issued with a given aircraft control.

A hypothetical example

Imagine you own an aircraft and have just received your night endorsement. Does that make your aircraft eligible for night flight? No. The endorsement addresses you as the pilot, while the aircraft’s own operating limitations, operating instructions and equipment must permit night flight. So read the limitations issued with that aircraft, check its equipment, and make sure your endorsement matches its category and class.

Before a night flight

Confirm that you meet the pilot, medical, currency and aircraft requirements described above. Review your endorsement and medical records, and read the operating limitations issued with your aircraft. Sport-pilot-rated instructors should also confirm they have completed the 61.329 night experience and endorsement for that category and class before teaching at night.

Sources and claims checked

Where each claim was checked (32 references)

Each claim below was checked against the source shown. A source’s displayed update date does not show which paragraph changed.

ClaimSourceWhereChecked
A sport pilot may not act as pilot in command at night except as provided in 14 CFR 61.329.Sport-pilot night operations: 14 CFR 61.329 with 14 CFR 1.1 (night), 61.57, 61.113(i)/61.23(c), 91.205(c), 91.209, 91.151, 91.155, 91.157, 91.319, 91.327, 91.9, MOSAIC preamble and FAA Order 8130.2L Appendix D14 CFR 61.315(c)(5)
FAA guidance says sport pilot privileges historically did not include night operations.AC 61-146 - Pilot Certification and Operations for Sport Pilots, Flight Instructors with a Sport Pilot Rating, and Simplified Flight ControlsAC 61-146 ¶3.7
In the MOSAIC final rule the FAA said additional night training, an authorized instructor qualifying endorsement and additional medical qualifications are necessary.Sport-pilot night operations: 14 CFR 61.329 with 14 CFR 1.1 (night), 61.57, 61.113(i)/61.23(c), 91.205(c), 91.209, 91.151, 91.155, 91.157, 91.319, 91.327, 91.9, MOSAIC preamble and FAA Order 8130.2L Appendix DMOSAIC final rule preamble, 90 FR 35103
14 CFR 1.1 defines night as the time between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight, as published in the Air Almanac, converted to local time.14 CFR 1.1 - General definitions14 CFR 1.1 "Night"
For airman certification, ratings, privileges and limitations, 14 CFR 1.1 defines a category as a broad classification of aircraft, with examples including airplane, rotorcraft, glider and lighter-than-air.14 CFR 1.1 - General definitions14 CFR 1.1 "Category" (1)
For airman certification, ratings, privileges and limitations, 14 CFR 1.1 defines a class as a classification of aircraft within a category having similar operating characteristics, with examples including single engine, multiengine, land, water, gyroplane, helicopter, airship and free balloon.14 CFR 1.1 - General definitions14 CFR 1.1 "Class" (1)
The FAA said it required night training and proficiency specific to category and class in recognition of the unique pilot skills needed to operate various aircraft at night, so the training and endorsement are conducted in the specific category and class privilege the pilot intends to operate.Sport-pilot night operations: 14 CFR 61.329 with 14 CFR 1.1 (night), 61.57, 61.113(i)/61.23(c), 91.205(c), 91.209, 91.151, 91.155, 91.157, 91.319, 91.327, 91.9, MOSAIC preamble and FAA Order 8130.2L Appendix DMOSAIC final rule preamble, 90 FR 35104
Because the training and the endorsement are each written for a specific category and class, night training and an endorsement for one category and class do not cover another.14 CFR 61.329 - Obtaining privileges to operate an aircraft at night (sport pilot)14 CFR 61.329(a), (c)
14 CFR 61.329(a) requires 3 hours of night flight training in the specific category and class from an authorized instructor.14 CFR 61.329 - Obtaining privileges to operate an aircraft at night (sport pilot)14 CFR 61.329(a)
The training must include at least one night cross-country flight with a landing at an airport of at least 25 nautical miles from the departure airport, except for powered parachutes (quoted as written in the rule).14 CFR 61.329 - Obtaining privileges to operate an aircraft at night (sport pilot)14 CFR 61.329(a)(1)
The training must include at least 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop at night.14 CFR 61.329 - Obtaining privileges to operate an aircraft at night (sport pilot)14 CFR 61.329(a)(2)
The text of 61.329(a)(1) states no separate or substitute requirement for powered parachutes in place of the 25-nautical-mile landing.14 CFR 61.329 - Obtaining privileges to operate an aircraft at night (sport pilot)14 CFR 61.329(a)(1)
Night flight training received while obtaining a higher-grade certificate may count toward the 61.329 time, but only toward the same category and class of sport pilot night privileges sought; the pilot must still obtain the 61.329(c) endorsement regardless of holding a higher-grade certificate.AC 61-146 - Pilot Certification and Operations for Sport Pilots, Flight Instructors with a Sport Pilot Rating, and Simplified Flight ControlsAC 61-146 ¶3.7.1.2
An authorized instructor must supply the endorsement, and a sport-pilot-rated flight instructor may not provide training in an aircraft at night unless that instructor has completed the 61.329 night experience and endorsement requirements for the category and class in which the instructor teaches.Sport-pilot night operations: 14 CFR 61.329 with 14 CFR 1.1 (night), 61.57, 61.113(i)/61.23(c), 91.205(c), 91.209, 91.151, 91.155, 91.157, 91.319, 91.327, 91.9, MOSAIC preamble and FAA Order 8130.2L Appendix D14 CFR 61.415(n)
The medical basis in 61.329(b) is either a medical certificate issued under part 67 or meeting the conditions of 61.113(i); where 61.316 conflicts with 61.113(i), the sport pilot must comply with 61.316.14 CFR 61.329 - Obtaining privileges to operate an aircraft at night (sport pilot)14 CFR 61.329(b)
FAA guidance calls the 61.113(i) conditions the BasicMed conditions and limitations.AC 61-146 - Pilot Certification and Operations for Sport Pilots, Flight Instructors with a Sport Pilot Rating, and Simplified Flight ControlsAC 61-146 ¶3.7.3
The 61.113(i) pathway requires a valid U.S. driver's license, meeting 61.23(c)(3), and having available in the logbook the completed medical examination checklist and the certificate of course completion.Sport-pilot night operations: 14 CFR 61.329 with 14 CFR 1.1 (night), 61.57, 61.113(i)/61.23(c), 91.205(c), 91.209, 91.151, 91.155, 91.157, 91.319, 91.327, 91.9, MOSAIC preamble and FAA Order 8130.2L Appendix D14 CFR 61.113(i), (i)(3)
The 61.23(c)(3) requirements for using a driver's license include a medical education course within the 24 calendar months before acting as pilot in command and a comprehensive medical examination from a State-licensed physician within the 48 calendar months before acting as pilot in command.14 CFR 61.23 - Medical certificates: Requirement and duration14 CFR 61.23(c)(3)(i)(C)-(D)
A person must hold either a part 67 medical certificate or a U.S. driver's license when exercising sport pilot privileges in an aircraft meeting the 61.316 limits, other than a glider or balloon.14 CFR 61.23 - Medical certificates: Requirement and duration14 CFR 61.23(c)(1)(ii)
A person using a U.S. driver's license while exercising sport pilot privileges must comply with the license's restrictions and any judicial or administrative order on operating a motor vehicle; have been found eligible for at least a third-class medical certificate at the most recent application (if one was made); not have the most recent medical certificate suspended or revoked or the most recent special issuance authorization withdrawn; and not know or have reason to know of any medical condition that would make the person unable to operate a 61.316 aircraft safely.14 CFR 61.23 - Medical certificates: Requirement and duration14 CFR 61.23(c)(2)(i)-(iv)
A person is not required to hold a medical certificate when exercising the privileges of a sport pilot certificate with privileges in a glider or balloon, but at night 61.23(c)(1)(vi) brings sport pilot night privileges under the 61.113(i) conditions and limitations.14 CFR 61.23 - Medical certificates: Requirement and duration14 CFR 61.23(b)(2); 61.23(c)(1)(vi)
A driver's license alone is not enough at night, because 61.329(b) requires a part 67 medical certificate or the 61.113(i) conditions, and the 61.113(i) conditions require more than a license (61.23(c)(3) requirements and logbook documents).14 CFR 61.329 - Obtaining privileges to operate an aircraft at night (sport pilot)14 CFR 61.329(b); 61.113(i)
61.329(c) requires a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the pilot meets the training requirements and is proficient in operating the aircraft at night in the category and class in which the sport pilot seeks privileges.14 CFR 61.329 - Obtaining privileges to operate an aircraft at night (sport pilot)14 CFR 61.329(c)
A sport pilot exercising sport pilot privileges at night must have obtained the 61.329 endorsement regardless of whether the pilot holds a higher grade of pilot certificate with a higher class medical.Sport-pilot night operations: 14 CFR 61.329 with 14 CFR 1.1 (night), 61.57, 61.113(i)/61.23(c), 91.205(c), 91.209, 91.151, 91.155, 91.157, 91.319, 91.327, 91.9, MOSAIC preamble and FAA Order 8130.2L Appendix DMOSAIC final rule preamble, 90 FR 35104
The FAA noted that the night currency requirements of 61.57(b) continue to apply to all pilots.Sport-pilot night operations: 14 CFR 61.329 with 14 CFR 1.1 (night), 61.57, 61.113(i)/61.23(c), 91.205(c), 91.209, 91.151, 91.155, 91.157, 91.319, 91.327, 91.9, MOSAIC preamble and FAA Order 8130.2L Appendix DMOSAIC final rule preamble, 90 FR 35199 fn 112
61.315(c) continues to bar a sport pilot from carrying more than one passenger, flying when the flight or surface visibility is less than 3 statute miles, flying without visual reference to the surface, and flying contrary to any operating limitation placed on the airworthiness certificate of the aircraft being flown.Sport-pilot night operations: 14 CFR 61.329 with 14 CFR 1.1 (night), 61.57, 61.113(i)/61.23(c), 91.205(c), 91.209, 91.151, 91.155, 91.157, 91.319, 91.327, 91.9, MOSAIC preamble and FAA Order 8130.2L Appendix D14 CFR 61.315(c)(4), (12), (13), (15)
Operators of experimental-certificate aircraft must operate under VFR, day only, unless otherwise specifically authorized by the Administrator.Sport-pilot night operations: 14 CFR 61.329 with 14 CFR 1.1 (night), 61.57, 61.113(i)/61.23(c), 91.205(c), 91.209, 91.151, 91.155, 91.157, 91.319, 91.327, 91.9, MOSAIC preamble and FAA Order 8130.2L Appendix D14 CFR 91.319(d)(2)
Each person operating an aircraft issued a light-sport category special airworthiness certificate must operate it in accordance with the aircraft's operating instructions, including provisions for necessary operating equipment in the equipment list.Sport-pilot night operations: 14 CFR 61.329 with 14 CFR 1.1 (night), 61.57, 61.113(i)/61.23(c), 91.205(c), 91.209, 91.151, 91.155, 91.157, 91.319, 91.327, 91.9, MOSAIC preamble and FAA Order 8130.2L Appendix D14 CFR 91.327(d)
14 CFR 91.209 prohibits operating an aircraft from sunset to sunrise unless it has lighted position lights.Sport-pilot night operations: 14 CFR 61.329 with 14 CFR 1.1 (night), 61.57, 61.113(i)/61.23(c), 91.205(c), 91.209, 91.151, 91.155, 91.157, 91.319, 91.327, 91.9, MOSAIC preamble and FAA Order 8130.2L Appendix D14 CFR 91.209(a)(1)
FAA Order 8130.2L (effective January 30, 2026) printed standard operating limitations that authorize night flight if the 91.205 instruments are installed, operational and maintained (experimental aircraft) or if allowed by the operating instructions and the 91.205 instruments are installed (light-sport category); this is historical sample wording and a given aircraft's issued limitations control.Sport-pilot night operations: 14 CFR 61.329 with 14 CFR 1.1 (night), 61.57, 61.113(i)/61.23(c), 91.205(c), 91.209, 91.151, 91.155, 91.157, 91.319, 91.327, 91.9, MOSAIC preamble and FAA Order 8130.2L Appendix DOrder 8130.2L App. D, Table D-1 (excerpt in L_NIGHT)
The night endorsement addresses the pilot (61.329 says you may act as pilot in command at night if you meet its conditions), while operating limitations placed on the aircraft's airworthiness certificate are a separate matter, so an endorsement does not itself make an aircraft eligible for night flight.14 CFR 61.329 - Obtaining privileges to operate an aircraft at night (sport pilot)14 CFR 61.329 lead-in; 61.315(c)(15)
Section 61.23(c)(3) also requires that the person have held a part 67 medical certificate at some point after July 14, 2006, be under the care and treatment of a State-licensed physician if diagnosed with a condition that may impact flying, have a most recent medical certificate that cannot have been suspended or revoked, and have a most recent medical application that has not been completed and denied.14 CFR 61.23 - Medical certificates: Requirement and duration14 CFR 61.23(c)(3)(i)(B), (E), (ii)(C), (iv)
Source documents (5)

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