Monday, March 14, 2005

Introduction

Introduction

In order to become a Sport Pilot there are a number of steps to take. These include preparing yourself for the Knowledge (Written) and Practical (Flight) tests as well as registering and preparing your aircraft for Airworthiness Certification. You may also obtain Certification as a Repairman to inspect your own aircraft. I have written 5 Guides, one for each of these subjects plus a "Short List" which is the basic list of study materials needed to prepare for the Knowledge Test. In addition I have an "After the Transition" Guide to help you maintain your certificates. These Guides take you step by step through the processes for each of the subjects. They have embedded links to all of the available forms, study materials, FAA Orders, AC's, handbooks and other materials you will need. Some links will be to web sites where information will be available to study online, such as the AIM. Most links will be to PDF files that you can right click and download to your own computer and print out for easier study, if you desire. Before you go through this process, I want you to know that there are a lot of little steps. It may seem like there is too much to accomplish. But if you take it step by step, you WILL succeed and get to your goal. If you begin now, and don't give up, you CAN do it. The 5 Guides are:

SP Knowledge Test Guide "The Short List"
Sport Pilot Knowledge Test Guide
Sport Pilot Oral and Practical Test Guide
Sport Pilot Aircraft Certification Guide
Sport Pilot Repairman Certification Guide

Maintaining Your Privileges

New! Sport Pilot Flight Instructor Guide

To navigate and find your way around to these guides you may click on the titles above to look at them or go to the websites. The first 3 titles are on this site. Click on the 3 titles in the margin to the right. The other 2 titles are on a separate blog here:

SP Training Blog 2
(The titles are in the margin at the end of the blog)

UL Pilots Transitioning to Sport Pilot
The transition period for UL pilots to transition to SP is over. If you missed the deadline you are in many ways lucky. You may now complete the required training at your leisure. Your properly logged UL hours, obtained while a member of an UL organization still count toward a Sport Pilot certificate. You will be required to meet all the flight training and flight experience requirements to become a sport pilot. This will only mean that you will be a totally prepared applicant with a depth of knowledge and experience that will serve you well when you arrive for your knowledge and practical tests.

Note: Those who have transitioned to SP, and wish to become SP CFI's, still have until Jan 32, 2008 to do so.

NOTE:

ASC has put together a good quick outline of the major steps needed to become a SP, with a summary of the costs. They will even send you the one paper form you need. It is here:

http://www.aerosports.org/saving_on_sp.htm


Saturday, February 19, 2005

Knowledge Test Short List

SP Knowledge Codes List
(From 174 Question Bank)
With Associated Study Materials

(From AC60-25F)
I took the Knowledge Test Question Bank for Sport Pilots and associated the Subject Matter Knowledge Codes with the study areas from Reference Materials listed in AC60-25F. This creates a list of the particular chapters of the listed reference materials needed to study for the Sport Pilot Knowledge Test. All clickable links of online materials or downloadable files are in blue. When you have clicked on a location the link turns purple.

Reference MaterialKnowledge Code/No. of Questions/Section of Reference Material

14 CFR part 1 —Definitions and Abbreviations
A01 2 General Definitions

14 CFR part 39 —Airworthiness Directives
A13 1 Airworthiness Directives

14 CFR part 61 —Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors
A20 5 General
A29 1 Ground Instructors - error

14 CFR part 91 —General Operating and Flight Rules
B07 8 General
B08 9 Flight Rules - General
B09 2 Visual Flight Rules
B11 1 Equipment, Instrument, and Certificate Requirements
B13 1 Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and Alterations

NTSB 830 —Rules Pertaining to the Notification and Reporting of Aircraft Accidents or Incidents and Overdue Aircraft, and Preservation of Aircraft Wreckage, Mail, Cargo, and Records
G11 1 Initial Notification of Aircraft Accidents, Incidents, and Overdue Aircraft
G12 1 Preservation of Aircraft Wreckage, Mail, Cargo, and Records
G13 3 Reporting of Aircraft Accidents, Incidents, and Overdue Aircraft

FAA-H-8083-1 —Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook
H102 1 Effects of Weight

FAA-H-8083-3 —Airplane Flying Handbook [Superceded by FAA-H-8083-3A]
H548 1 Airport Traffic Patterns and Operations

FAA-H-8083-9 —Aviation Instructor's Handbook
H239 1 Positive Exchange of Flight Controls

AC 61-23 - Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge [Superceded by FAA-H-8083-25]
H311 2 Aircraft Documents, Maintenance, and Inspections
H312 1 The Pitot-Static System and Associated Instruments
H317 3 Airplane Performance
H320 1 Weather Briefings
H325 1 Aviation Weather Reports, Forecasts, and Weather Charts
H331 2 Radio Communications
H334 1 Collision Avoidance
H335 1 Controlled Airspace
H338 1 Other Airspace Areas
H342 2 Basic Calculations
H344 1 Dead Reckoning

Flight Manuals and Other Documents
H935 1 Airplane Flight Manuals

Aircraft PerformanceH946 1 Takeoff and Landing Performance

NavigationH981 1 Latitude and Longitude (Meridians and Parallels)
H982 2 Effect of Wind
H983 1 Basic Calculations
H984 2 Pilotage
H986 1 Flight Planning

Aeromedical FactorsH994 1 Environmental and Health Factors Affecting Pilot Performance

Aeronautical Decision Making
H996 6 The Decision-Making Process
H998 2 Factors Affecting Decision Making

AC 00-6A - Aviation Weather
I21 1 Temperature
I22 1 Atmospheric Pressure and Altimetry
I23 1 Wind
I24 1 Moisture, Cloud Formation, and Precipitation
I25 2 Stable and Unstable Air
I26 2 Clouds
I28 4 Turbulence
I30 3 Thunderstorms
I36 1 Glossary of Weather Terms

AC 00-45E - Aviation Weather Services
I54 1 The Aviation Weather Service Program
I55 1 Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR)

AIM - Aeronautical Information Manual (Online)
J03 2 Airport Lighting Aids
J04 1 Air Navigation and Obstruction Lighting
J05 13 Airport Marking Aids and Signs
J08 5 Controlled Airspace
J09 3 Special Use Airspace
J10 1 Other Airspace Areas
J11 5 Service Available to Pilots
J13 7 Airport Operations
J14 1 ATC Clearance/Separations
J18 1 Arrival Procedures
J21 1 Emergency Procedures - General
J22 2 Emergency Services Available to Pilots
J23 1 Distress and Urgency Procedures
J27 4 Wake Turbulence
J28 1 Bird Hazards, and Flight Over National Refuges, Parks, and Forests
J29 1 Potential Flight Hazards
J31 12 Fitness for Flight

Other Documents (Order from NACO)J34 1 Airport/Facility Directory
J37 10 Sectional Chart

ADDITIONAL ADVISORY CIRCULARSL05 8 AC 60-22, Aeronautical Decision Making
L34 1 AC 90-48C, Pilots’ Role in Collision Avoidance
M52 2 AC 00-2, Advisory Circular Checklist

Note:This comprises the minimum list of study materials you will need to study in preparation for the Sport Pilot Knowledge Test.

If you would like to download a copy of this file there are two methods. First, you can click on the envelope icon and email a copy to yourself (or others). Second, you can right click and download a PDF file here:

Sport Pilot Knowledge Test "The Short List"

Free PDF (Adobe) Reader

Saturday, January 29, 2005

SP Practical Test Guide

Sport Pilot Practical (Flight) Test Preparation Guide

What is this test?
The FAA Oral and Practical test is a comprehensive examination of all your aeronautical knowledge, and of your aeronautical skills, but more importantly, it is a measurement of how well you incorporate them together. It is a test of the practical combination of all your skills and knowledge. You need to correlate the different types of knowledge you have. It has two main parts. The oral test is taken on the ground prior to the practical (flight) portion of the test. During this portion, the DPE is required to test you on portions of the Knowledge tests where you answered incorrectly.

Light Sport Aircraft-Sets of Aircraft
Choose the set of Light Sport aircraft in which you would like to take your practical test, which will be endorsed in your logbook upon successful completion of the test. You will then be authorized to operate all aircraft within that set. Note: A checkout in any make and model of aircraft that is new to you is always a good idea. Here is a link to the Light-Sport Aircraft sets:

Light Sport Aircraft Sets

Bookwork preparation for the Test
The Oral and Practical (Flight) Test that you will take with an FAA DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner will test your flying skills. The Oral and Practical Test will also call on much of the knowledge you gained while studying for the knowledge test (See my Sport Pilot Knowledge Test Guide). In fact, many of the publications listed below will be the same ones. In addition, you will need some additional publications related just to the practical test. They are mostly in PDF format. A free Adobe Acrobat Reader is available on the Adobe website. (Click on the blue text to download).

Also note that the oral portion of the test will incorporate some of the Knowledge Test material and the DPE will be required to test you on areas of the knowledge test that you answered incorrectly.

Here is a list of links to publications that will aid you in preparing for the practical (flight) test for Sport Pilot:

The Practical Test Standards
The first and most important document you will need is a copy of the PTS or Practical Test Standards for the category of Sport aircraft that you want to take your practical test in. Here is a link to the locations for all the PTS's.

FAA Practical Test Standards

Here are links for the individual PTS's:

FAA-S-8081-29, Sport Pilot Practical Test Standards for Airplane, Gyroplane, Glider, and Flight Instructor with Change 1
FAA-S-8081-30, Sport Pilot Practical Test Standards for Airship, Balloon, and Flight Instructor with Change 1
FAA-S-8081-31, Sport Pilot Practical Test Standards for Weight Shift Control, Powered Parachute, and Flight Instructor with Change 1

Private Pilot Weight-shift or Powered Parachute PTS
If you are interested in certification as a Private Pilot Weight-shift or Powered Parachute here is the link to the PTS for those:

FAA-S-8081-32, Private Pilot Practical Test Standards for Powered Parachute and Weight Shift Control

I will go through the list for the Airplane, Gyroplane, Glider and Flight Instructor categories as they are grouped together, in one PTS. The same process can be used for other categories of aircraft, but you will need to look at their PTS's for the recommended list of publications and study aids. Note that the list includes study materials for all three aircraft types and for the Flight Instructor for these types. I haven't made separate lists. You must determine what does and doesn't apply to you.

How to Study
Some examiners have given me advice about how to prepare for the test. The single best piece of advice I received was this. Be prepared! You cannot be prepared unless you have read, studied and understood the PTS completely. Another very good suggestion concerned how to look at the tasks listed in the PTS. Take each task listed in the PTS and turn it into a question. Here is an example. Section I, Task A concerns certificates and documents as shown below. Take each item listed and turn it into a question and then find the answer. 1 a. might be "What are the SP certificate
privileges, limitations, and currency experience requirements?" 1 b. might be "What medical eligibility is required to fly as a SP?" Etc.

I. AREA OF OPERATION: PREFLIGHT PREPARATION
A. TASK: CERTIFICATES AND DOCUMENTS
REFERENCES: 14 CFR parts 43, 61, 91; FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; AFM/POH/FAA Operating Limitations.
Objective. To determine that the applicant exhibits knowledge of the elements related to certificates and documents by:
1. Explaining—
a. certificate privileges, limitations, and currency experience requirements.
b. medical eligibility.
c. pilot logbook or flight records.
2. Locating and explaining—
a. airworthiness and registration certificates.
b. operating limitations, placards, instrument markings, and flight training supplement.
c. weight and balance data and/or equipment list, as applicable. I


What to Study
In the PTS is a list of publications to use to study for the Practical Test. These are also useful for preparing for the knowledge test. Almost all of these documents and handbooks and manuals are free for download from the FAA website or the information is online on their site or others. Here is the list with embedded links. Either click on the link to go there or right click to download (where applicable):

Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations
The first three items are the codes of federal regulations that govern us. Look at Parts 43, 61 and 91. They can be found at this link:

Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (The main link)

14 CFR part 43 Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration -
14 CFR part 61 Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors -
14 CFR part 91 General Operating and Flight Rules -

All the following AC (Advisory Circulars), and more, are available at the following FAA site:

FAA AC (Advisory Circular) List (The main link)

Click on the individual AC to download. Some are multiple files.

AC 00-6A Aviation Weather -
AC 00-45E Aviation Weather Services -
AC 61-65D Certification: Pilot and Flight Instructors and Ground Instructors -
AC 61-67C Stall and Spin Awareness Training -
AC 61-84B Role of Preflight Preparation -
AC 61-134 General Aviation Controlled Flight Into Terrain Awareness -
AC 90-23F Aircraft Wake Turbulence -
AC 90-48C Pilots’ Role in Collision Avoidance -
AC 90-66A Recommended Standard Traffic Patterns and Practices for Aeronautical Operations At Airports Without Operating Control Towers -
AC 91-13C Cold Weather Operation of Aircraft -
AC 91-69A Seaplane Safety for FAR Part 91 Operations -
AC 120-51E Crew Resource Management Training -

Click on the links for these handbooks. Some are multiple files.

FAA-H-8083-1 Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook –
FAA-H-8083-9 Aviation Instructors Handbook
FAA-H-8083-13 Glider Flying Handbook –
FAA-H-8083-13 Glider Flying Handbook addendum
FAA-H-8083-21 Rotorcraft Flying Handbook
FAA-H-8083-23 Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Flying Handbook –
FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

Forms

FAA Form 8710-11 Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application

FAA Form 8710-11

Some of the above handbooks may be obtained from the Government Printing Office. (GPO) Get a print copy here:

Government Printing Office

AIM Aeronautical Information Manual – (Online)
AFD Airport Facility Directory - (Buy it here)
NOTAM's Notices to Airmen – Latest months NOTAM's (Online)
How to use NOTAMS (Online guide to NOTAMS)

Note: The latest NOTAM's (for a pending flight) can be obtained at 1-800-WXBRIEF

Other:
Pilot Operating Handbook/FAA-Approved Flight Manual - Aircraft Mfg.
Aeronautical Navigation Charts - Local FBO or NACO (National Aeronautical Charting Office) (Buy them here)
Seaplane Supplement – Aircraft Mfg.

Other Aids
You will, of course, need your E6B computer and Protractor/Plotter which you obtained for the Knowledge Test. These can be picked up at a local FBO or bought online.

A valuable aid, not listed in the PTS, but valuable for practicing the flight maneuvers is called "Visualizing Flight Maneuvers". It is available in "Red" edition for low wing and "Blue" is for high wing aircraft. Buy online or at local FBO.

I also include the following for your entertainment:

FAA-H-8083-27a, Student Pilot Guide
FAA-H-8083-19 (Plane Sense) w/ Editorial Changes

Commercial Aids and Publications
I have ordered and looked at a couple of publications that prepare you for the practical test. Gleim, ASA, King and others produce and offer these study aids. Among them are the ASA Sport Pilot Checkride DVD and Manual produced by Paul Hamilton. After I watched the DVD and read the manual I became convinced that the PTS alone may not be adequate preparation for the test. Here is why. The FAA practical test is a very specific test. It has very particular methods you must use and specific tolerances you must not exceed. It requires you to use clearing turns before maneuvers, to visually scan for traffic throughout the test and to use proper radio communications while navigating and flying the aircraft. Many UL pilots, including long time BFI's may not have had all of these elements as a daily part of their flying experience. The practical test requires you to "Put it all together." Former UL pilots and BFI's don't have the benefit of having recently completed a training course or curriculum as new SP applicants will have done (Although, now that the transition is over, they will have met all of the SP requirements for training and experience) . Because of this, I recommend that they take advantage of any and all materials that can be obtained, in order to be properly prepared. Here are links:
Gleim has a number of study aids including books, CD's, complete kits and an online study course. Their site is here:

Gleim

ASA also has a line of study materials:

ASA

King Schools has some good materials too:

King Schools

ASA FAR/AIM Study List
I have typed a copy of the ASA Suggested Sport Pilot Study List for the FAR/AIM, which includes all the FAR Parts and Subparts and their divisions, as well as, all the AIM Chapters and Chapter divisions that are recommended for study. This amounts to 211 items and I have embedded links for each of them so you can click on the link and go to it. The link is here:

FAR/AIM Study List

Flight Preparation for the Test
Part of the preparation for the practical test is making sure you are prepared for the flight portion of the test. The practical test standards tell you what tasks you must be prepared to perform, but even if you are an experienced pilot, it may be a good idea to get some dual instruction to fine tune your skills. It can even be a good idea to take a practice practical with an instructor or examiner, before you go for the real thing.


EAA Instructor List

The EAA maintains a list of instructors who are members of EAA or NAFI and also consent to be listed. The list is here:

http://www.sportpilot.org/instructors/

Weight-Shift Control Flight Instructor List

There is no single place that lists all available SP (And other) instructors. For Trikes (WSC), Dan Cooper has started, and is maintaining and updating, a list of SP instructors. The list is in the form of a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. It is here:

http://magictrikes.us/files/instructors.xls

Maneuvers for the Test
The flight portion of the test includes certain maneuvers that you must perform within specified standards and tolerances as described in the PTS. Amy Wiley SP CFI, DAR and Chuck Wales SP DPE, have some graphical descriptions for these maneuvers on their website at the following links.

SP PPC maneuvers:

http://wileywales.com/sport_maneuvers.html

A PDF file with maneuvers shown and explained

http://wileywales.com/SportPilotadvanced.pdf

Who will give me the test?
A DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner) will give you the Oral and Practical Test. DPE's are private persons who are designated by the FAA to administer the tests. They may charge a reasonable fee for their services. The DPE must me qualified to give you the particular test you require. The DPE must be qualified to give you Sport Pilot testing. The FAA trains and certifies SFIE's (Sport Flight Instructor Examiners) and SPE's (Sport Pilot Examiners). SFIE's can administer the test for Sport Flight Instructors in addition to the Sport Pilot test that the SPE's can administer.
Note: To become a Private Pilot you will need to hold at least third class medical certificate.

Note: Click on the examiners name (If in blue) to go to a page describing his background, availability for training and testing, and other information.

(SPE) Sport Pilot Examiner
(SFIE) Sport Pilot FI Examiner
(PE) Private Examiner


AIRPLANE CATEGORY

AL, Enterprise
Cooper, Albert F.
(334) 347-5480
alcooper@ala.net
SPE SFIE

AL, Enterprise
Johnston, John A.
(888) 801-4002
flysafe@earthlink.net
SPE

AL, Prattville
Baker, James H.
(334) 358-1004
flyingjimb@charter.net
SPE SFIE

AK, Wasilla
Reinders, Paul J.
(907) 373-6473
paaual@juno.com
SPE SFIE

AR, Fort Smith
Bell, Charles E.
(479) 462-4956
SPE SFIE

AR, Hot Springs
High, William R.
(501) 627-4514
skyhog@aristotle.net
SPE SFIE

AR, Jonesboro
Vaughan, David O.
(870) 935-1872
vaughan-d@sbcglobal.net
SPE SFIE

AZ, Avondale
Brandt, Terry W.
(602) 739-0554
tbrandt33@earthlink.net
SPE SFIE

AZ, Mesa
Miller, Matthew R.
(480) 688-4130
matt@falconaviation.com
SPE SFIE

AZ, Phoenix
Michaels, Richard D.
(623) 225-7939
rmichaels3@yahoo.com
SPE SFIE

CA, Alameda
Fields, Louis B.
(510) 635-3752
lfields654@aol.com
SPE SFIE

CA, Corning
Carpenter, Brian J.
(530) 824-0644
info@rainbowaviation.com
SPE SFIE

CA, Julian
Keane, Julie A.
(760) 703-1967
JKAviation@gmail.com
SPE

CA, Redondo Beach
Thornburgh, Jon P.
(800) 971-8710
Jon@JonThornburgh.com
SPE SFIE

CA, Sacramento
Bardin, William D.
(916) 488-2359
billbardin@surewest.net
SPE SFIE

CA, Santa Ana
Carlson, Evelyn
(949) 852-8850
LC@Sunriseaviation.com
SPE

CA, San Diego
Leonard, David W.
(619) 274-0804
dleonard@aircommedia.com
SPE SFIE

CA, Santa Rosa
Reinders, Paul J.
(707) 545-6473
paaual@juno.com
SPE SFIE

CA, Wrightwood
Comperini, Robert G.
bob@fly-ul.com
SPE

CO, Alamosa
Fleming, James D.
(719) 580-0225
jfleming@mountainairoxygen.com
SPE

CO, Aurora
Chitiea, Andrew D.
(303) 690-9995
drewchitiea@comcast.net
SPE

CO, Canon City
Baird, Earl D.
(719) 275-0703
deanbaird@msn.com
SPE

CO, Centennial
Ehlinger, Jr., Robert E.
(303) 796-9632
jan_bob1@comcast.net
SPE

CO, Colorado Springs
French, Frederick L.
(719) 528-7111
flf450@aol.com
SPE SFIE

CO, Colorado Springs
Mortenson, Lyle P.
(719) 332-1716
FAADPE@aol.com
SPE SFIE

CO, Erie
Cameron, Beverly J.
(303) 665-6352
jabjcameron@msn.com
SPE SFIE

CO, Greeley
Taylor, John F.
(970) 203-9880
jack@theflyingschool.com
SPE SFIE

CO, Lakewood
Callender, David D.
(303) 819-3266
dcallender@earthlink.net
SPE

CO, Loveland
Carpenter, Alan B.
(970) 227-3819
alancarpenter9@aol.com
SPE SFIE

CT, Danbury
Debany, Anthony L.
(914) 888-1682
tdebany@gmail.com
SPE

FL, Auburndale
Brown, Jon K.
(863) 956-2243
seaplane@gate.net
SPE SFIE

FL, Boynton Beach
Littlefield, Larry
(561) 379-5169
SPE SFIE

FL, Brooksville
Ouellette, Wayne F.
(207) 341-7898
devon41@aol.com
SPE

FL, Daytona Beach
Clegg, Stephen A.
(386) 451-8978
sclegg767@aol.com
SPE SFIE


FL, Flagler Beach
Wacker III, Alfred G.
(386) 517-7216
tripp@ryanseaplanes.com
SPE SFIE

FL, Jacksonville
Link, Robert J.
(904) 472-9225
Robbierjl@aol.com
SPE SFIE

FL, Jacksonville
Schamel, Walter S.
(863) 521-2865
wsschamel@aol.com
SPE SFIE

FL, Lakeland
Brown, Charles S.
(863) 660-9206
SPE SFIE

FL, Panacea
Fitzgerald, Alton D.
(850) 984-5190
alsplanes@comcast.net
SPE SFIE

FL, Pensacola
Omer, Jack L.
(850) 474-0390
jomer0390@bellsouth.net
SPE

FL, Port Orange
Dunham, Bruce W.
(386) 290-7575
SPE SFIE

FL, Port Orange
Raskey, Robert V.
(386) 788-5336
bobraskey@cs.com
SPE SFIE

FL, Sebring
Sikkema, Romke P.
(863) 655-5100
Flylairs@earthlink.net
SPE SFIE

FL, Winter Haven
Kochan, Janeen A.
SPE SFIE

GA, Hahira
Tyre, Danny J.
(229) 794-3938
tyre@mchsi.com
SPE

GA, Marietta
Methvin, Jr., Ben
(770) 315-6244
adakb@aol.com
SPE SFIE

IA, Burlington
Tomkins, Carrol D.
(319) 754-1781
SPE

IA, Clive
Rand, Louis H.
(515) 238-4236
lou-rand@juno.com
SPE

IA, Des Moines
Weir, Thomas L.
(515) 988-7519
lwpilot@mchsi.com
SPE

IA, De Witt
Frazier, Chris A.
(563) 391-5650
chris.a.frazier@carveraero.com
SPE

IA, Durango
Anderson, Richard D.
(563) 557-7152
SPE

IA, Madrid
Younger, Connie R.
(515) 795-2306
cylk@iowatelecom.net
SPE

IA, Sheldon
Muecke, Elmer O.
(712) 324-3626
SPE

IA, Sigourney
Wilkening, Richard A.
(641) 622-3947
dakota@liso.com
SPE

IA, Sioux City
Prescott, George
(712) 276-6423
SPE

IA, Vail
Hawley, Charles F.
(712) 677-2730
SPE

ID, Boise
Miller, Arlyn E.
(208) 891-0133
arlynm@aol.com
SPE

ID, Boise
Ross, Robert K.
(208) 939-4546
BobKRoss@fiberpipe.net
SPE

ID, Caldwell
Hunt, Darin J.
(208) 989-8604
SPE

ID, Caldwell
Miller, Richard D.
(208) 250-0731
rdmencore@wmconnect.com
SPE

ID, Driggs
Soyland, Eric I.
(208) 201-0376
ericsoyland@hotmail.com
SPE SFIE

ID, Filer
Van-Orden, Sherrell
(208) 731-3311
vano@cable1.net
SPE

ID, Meridian
Curtis, Scott T.
(208) 863-4833
examinr@msn.com
SPE SFIE

ID, Meridian
Herbert, Gregory W.
(208) 870-9040
SPE

ID, Nampa
Iverson, Gary L.
(208) 463-4700
gliverson@aol.com
SPE

ID, Sun Valley
Sessa, Ronald M.
(208) 622-8812
sess1_83354@yahoo.com
SPE

IL, Antioch
Schmelzer, Robert M.
(847) 838-4314
flitexams@aol.com
SPE

IL, Peoria
Cramer, Donald L.
(309) 697-8166
SPE

IL, McLeansboro
Widick, Leland L.
(618) 643-2744
lwidick@mvn.net
SPE

IL, St. Charles
Shadle, David L.
(630) 513-0991
piperpilot1@sbcglobal.net
SPE

IN, Griffith
Timm, Carl V.
(219) 923-1533
CTIMM58178@aol.com
SPE

KS, Leavenworth
Van Wormer, Willard D.
(913) 727-6072
wvanwormer@sbcglobal.net
SPE SFIE

KS, Olathe
Shetterly, Gregory W.
(913) 486-8498
gshetterly@planetkc.com
SPE SFIE

KS, Roeland Park
Grotewohl, Christopher L.
(913) 645-6667
cgrotewohl@kc.rr.com
SPE SFIE

LA, Natchitoches
Rice, Clifford H.
(318) 357-8307
CHRice1@Bellsouth.net
SPE

LA, Prairieville
Whatley, Sammy W.
(225) 673-3008
AirWhatley@cox.net
SPE

MA, Ipswich
Wade, Robert L.
(508) 878-9302
wade6643@juno.com
SPE SFIE

MA, Middleboro
Haselman, Robert K.
(508) 947-0203
rhaselman0203@comcast.com
SPE SFIE

MA, North Egremont
Stewart, Stewart D.
(413) 281-6788
info@dsflight.com
SPE SFIE

MA, Plymouth
Somerville, Thomas F.
(508) 746-7259
SPE SFIE

MD, Easton
Phillips, Frank
(410) 770-5836
frankp@friendly.net
SPE SFIE

MD, Solomons
Capozzi, Anthony J.
(443) 624-3001
tony.capozzi@faadpe.com
SPE SFIE

ME, Easton
Trask, John H.
(207) 488-6875
dpwd25a@prodigy.net
SPE

ME, Naples
Build, Mary S.
(207) 693-5138
mbuild@pivot.net
SPE

MI, Jackson
Frazier, David A.
(517) 740-1404
dave_frazier@sbcglobal.net
SPE

MI, Mendon
Burpee, Mark K.
(269) 496-9301
mark@destinationflight.com
SPE SFIE

MI, Waterford
Plentis, II, Walter
(248) 766-6830
waltp@voyager.net
SPE

MN, Andover
Mack, Barbara A.
(763) 862-9985
SPE SFIE

MO, Boonville
Bradley, David D.
(660) 882-7441
SPE

MO, Creve Coeur
Pujji, Harvinder S.
(314) 795-4943
harry.ctr.Pujji@faa.gov
SPE SFIE

MO, Greenwood
Miller, Travis L.
(816) 540-6177
SPE AFIE

MO, Holts Summit
Derendinger, Michael L.
(573) 896-8115
SPE SFIE

MO, Marshall
Dyer, Samuel C.
(660) 886-7393
SPE

MO, St. Louis
Meyer, Edwin J.
(314) 434-7562
ejmeyer@gtw.net
SPE

MO, University City
Teipen, John A.
(314) 863-5941
John@Teipen.com
SPE SFIE

MO, Webb City
Piacentini, Glenn
(417) 623-1331
gapflyboy@hotmail.com
SPE SFIE

MS, Columbus
Stanback, Bradley
(662) 425-9155
bstanback@cableone.net
SPE SFIE

NC, Morgantown
Carswell, Joseph C.
(828) 433-0015
josephcarswell@hotmail.com
SPE SFIE

NC, Trenton
Henley, Johnny J.
(252) 229-9703
johnny@henleyaviation.com
SPE SFIE

NE, Silver Creek
Cuba, Frank A.
(308) 548-8301
collrev@hamilton.net
SPE

NH, Center Harbor
Huey, Alfred M.
(603) 279-7999
alhuey@metrocast.net
SPE SFIE

NJ, Woolwich Township
Grenfell, Henry
(610) 521-7710
n48hg@yahoo.com
SPE

NM, Las Cruces
McCoy, Robert W.
(505) 642-3026
mccoyr@zianet.com
SPE

NV, Las Vegas
Kelly, Justin C.
(702) 683-3766
jckelly@mac.com
SPE SFIE

NY, Argyle
Bovey, Dick J.
(518) 638-9723
argyleair@earthlink.net
SPE

NY, Fredonia
Nalbone, Louis J.
(716) 366-6938
SPE SFIE

NY, Ithaca
Bezner-Kerr, Wayne
(607) 339-9043
wayne@first-light.net
SPE SFIE

NY, Ithaca
St. George, David P.
(607) 257-1313
david@myfbo.com
SPE SFIE

OH, Kettering
Walden, James C.
(937) 602-4628
jaswalden@aol.com
SPE SFIE

OH, Lebanon
Lane, John M.
(513) 932-8848
SPE SFIE

OH, Westerville
Belford, Richard F.
(800) 992-2376
cptrick@ix.netcom.com
SPE

OK, Cushing
Downs, Earl C.
(918) 225-7374
oklahomaaviator@earthlink.net
SPE SFIE

OK, Mustang
Weaver, Marty
(405) 808-7116
martin-weaver@sbcglobal.net
SPE SFIE

OK, Tulsa
Romanek, Lee W.
(918) 664-9204
SPE SFIE

OR, Hood River
Sandercock, Arthur G.
(541) 386-1742
greg46@gorge.net
SPE

OR, Independence
Borchers, Lee A.
SPE

OR, Lake Oswego
Wiley, David H.
(503) 636-4930
wileyseaplanes@comcast.net
SPE

OR, Selma
Bleadon, Robert W.
(541) 597-4770
Pilotswife@direcway.com
SPE SFIE

OR, Veneta
Povenmire, King
(541) 915-5151
king@kpflight.com
SPE

PA, Beaver Falls
Bobeck, Thomas W.
(724) 847-1652
cfiaim1@verizon.net
SPE SFIE

PA, Edinburg
Haski, Martin A.
(724) 652-5546
haski@pathway.net
SPE SFIE

PA, Kutztown
Tarola, Jr., Arthur R.
(610) 762-9909
artairsports@aol.com
SPE

PA, Lower Burrell
Kijowski, Thomas C.
(724) 294-2359
kijowski@salsgiver.com
SPE SFIE

PA, Moon Township
Johnson, David R.
(505) 385-3288
callairs@higherspeed.net
SPE SFIE

PA, Thorndale
Nelson, William R.
(215) 284-6208
wrnrv4@verizon.net
SPE

PA, Warminster
Smith, Paul
(215) 284-6477
psmithdyl@comcast.net
SPE

PR, Carolina
Echegoyen, Jorge L.
(787) 724-1890
pro_pilot_333@yahoo.com
SPE SFIE

PR, Rosario
Mari, Carlos M.
(787) 834-5738
marijet@coqui.net
SPE SFIE

SC, Myrtle Beach
Marlowe, Billy M.
(843) 222-5303
marlowem@sc.rr.com
SPE

SC, Orangeburg
Joye, Caroll W.
(803) 534-9177
joyeavai@bellsouth.net
SPE SFIE

SD, Rapid City
Dunmire, Barry I.
(605) 362-0137
bdunmire@busav.com
SPE

SD, Rapid City
Summers, Charles M.
(605) 343-6521
rapidtrail@aol.com
SPE

TN, Collierville
Gardner, Karen
(901) 218-6246
karen@pilotcheckrides.com
SPE SFIE

TN, Germantown
McIver, Michael T.
(901) 336-5205
mmciver@midsouth.rr.com
SPE

TN, Mt. Juliet
Smotherman, Gary M.
(615) 444-4275
gms208@hotmail.com
SPE SFIE

TN, Paris
Battles, Richard
(731) 336-0384
batt0384@yahoo.com
SPE SFIE

TN, Springville
Swor, Larry T.
(731) 352-7278
tjswor@hotmail.com
SPE SFIE

TX, Amarillo
Kelly, Paul L.
(806) 467-1133
flyingkairport@amaonline.com
SPE SFIE

TX, Fort Worth
Fournier, Louis
(817) 680-5743
lkfournier@yahoo.com
SPE SFIE

TX, Justin
Mountain, Jeff
(817) 938-3184
pilot99@verizon.net
SPE SFIE

TX, La Porte
Hyde, Jr., Clifford L.
(281) 464-6524
cliffhyde@hotmail.com
SPE SFIE

TX, Perryton
Walker, Bobby H.
(806) 202-0292
music777@valornet.com
SPE

TX, Roanoke
Zipperer, Richard P.
(817) 431-6960
rzipperer@verizon.net
SPE

TX, Trophy Club
Owsley, Robert
(817) 239-7171
bob.owsley@gmail.com
SPE SFIE

WI, Fontana
Bair, Jim
(262) 745-3299
JimBair@SportAviationUnlimited.com
SPE SFIE


WEIGHT SHIFT CONTROL CATEGORY

AZ, Chandler
Johnson, Eric W.
WSCexaminer@hotmail.com
SPE SFIE

AZ, Phoenix
Michaels, Richard D.
(623) 225-7939
rmichaels3@yahoo.com
SPE SFIE PE

AZ, Vail
Bungard, Neil J.
(520) 203-1276
bungard@flash.net
SPE

CA, Redondo Beach
Thornburgh, Jon P.
(800) 971-8710
Jon@JonThornburgh.com
SPE SFIE

CA, Sacramento
Huckle, Michael B.
(916) 561-0300
M230683@hotmail.com
SPE

CA, Santa Monica
Liknaitzy, Matthew
(310) 251-7560
matt@lasportaviation.com
SPE

DE, Millsboro
Ballantyne, John L.
(301) 898-0126
ballantyneaviation@earthlink.net
SPE SFIE

FL
Mulberry
Wolf, Donald J.
(863) 608-0091
x49Trike@aol.com
SPE

IL, Batavia
Hudetz, Michael L.
(630) 879-6568
michaelhudetz@msn.com
http://www.airsportster.com/index2.html
SPE

MA, Stow
Albright, Robert T.
(978) 897-5220
robatbluesky@hotmail.com
SPE SFIE

ME, Westbrook
Wallace, Peter M.
(207) 329-4991
sp.examiner@yahoo.com
SPE SFIE

NY, Ithaca
Bezner-Kerr, Wayne
(607) 339-9043
wayne@first-light.net
SPE SFIE

NV, Reno
Hamilton, Paul D.
(775) 747-0175
paul@weathertofly.com
http://www.sport-pilot-training.com/
SPE SFIE

OK, Mustang
Weaver, Marty
(405) 808-7116
martin-weaver@sbcglobal.net
SPE SFIE

OR, Portland
Beaman, John H.
(503) 860-2558
cloudbase@sconnections.com
SPE SFIE

TX, Baytown
Burgoon, Charles E.
(713) 775-5996
cburgoon@msn.com
SPE SFIE

VA, Forest
Sipantzi, Terri Lee
terri@precisionwindsports.com
http://precisionwindsports.com/
SPE

WI, Fontana
Bair, Jim
(262) 745-3299
JimBair@SportAviationUnlimited.com
SPE SFIE

POWERED PARACHUTE CATEGORY

CA, Apple Valley
Dietro, Phillip C.
(760) 242-3359
igotafly.me@verizon.net
SPE

CO, Pleasant View
Wales, Charles B.
(970) 562-3096
wiley@fone.net
SPE

FL
Boynton Beach
Littlefield, Larry L.
(561) 379-5169
SPE SFIE

IL, Greenville
Beisswenger, Roy C.
(618) 664-9706
Roy@easyflight.com
SPE SFIE

IL, Peotone
Leon, James M.
(815) 529-3000
jleon123@ameritech.net
SPE SFIE

IN, Argos
Snead, Charles R.
(574) 540-9038
gemini@culcom.net
SPE

KS, Emporia
Tevis, Don E.
(620) 342-3598
empair@myadvantageplus.com
SPE

KS, Hutchinson
Yoder, Morris
(620) 662-5507
myskyview@netzero.net
SPE SFIE

LA, Walker
Ducote, Kendall J.
(225) 954-2515
kendall@lapowerchutes.com
SPE SFIE

ME, Westbrook
Wallace, Peter M.
(207) 329-4991
sp.examiner@yahoo.com
SPE SFIE

MI, Mendon
Burpee, Mark K.
(269) 496-9301
mark@destinationflight.com
SPE SFIE

MO, Monett
McClurg, Ralph W.
(417) 849-0245
rmcclurg@mo-net.com
SPE

OK, Mustang
Weaver, Marty
(405) 808-7116
martin-weaver@sbcglobal.net
SPE SFIE

OH, Cortland
Allen, Donald T.
(330) 924-0491
nella@ohiohills.com
SPE

UT, Sandy
Stanley, Dennis S.
(801) 816-0472
a10dss@comcast.net
SPE

UT, St. George
Scheffel, Frederick C.
(435) 656-0800
fredrick@infowest.com
SPE SFIE

WA, Vancouver
Maas, Douglas W.
(360) 896-8916
maas0755@comcast.net
SPE

WI, Wautoma
Curry, Sean J.
(920) 787-1810
curry1@vbe.com
SPE SFIE

GLIDER CATEGORY

AZ, Avondale
Brandt, Terry W.
(602) 739-0554
tbrandt33@earthlink.net
SPE SFIE

AZ, Chandler
Jobusch, Anthony J.
(480) 705-5135
flyboyaj@yahoo.com
SPE SFIE

CA, Redondo Beach
Thornburgh, Jon P.
(800) 971-8710
Jon@JonThornburgh.com
S[E SFIE

CO, Colorado Springs
French, Frederick L.
(719) 528-7111
flf450@aol.com
SPE SFIE

CO, Colorado Springs
Mortenson, Lyle P.
(719) 332-1716
FAADPE@aol.com
SPE SFIE

CO, Monument
Snyder, Jr., Quay C.
(719) 481-4140
qsnyder@aviationmedicine.com
SPE

ID, Driggs
Soyland, Eric I.
(208) 201-0376
ericsoyland@hotmail.com
SPE SFIE

IL, South Beloit
Ruprecht, Judy L.
(815) 389-9414
JL_Ruprecht@hotmail.com
SPE

KS, Leavenworth
Van Wormer, Willard D.
(913) 727-6072
wvanwormer@sbcglobal.net
SPE SFIE

MA, Plymouth
Somerville, Thomas F.
(508) 746-7259
SPE SFIE

MD, Easton
Phillips, Frank
(410) 770-5836
frankp@friend.ly.com
SPE SFIE

MO, Greenwood
Miller, Travis L.
(816) 540-6177
SPE SFIE

MO, University City
Teipen, John A.
(314) 863-5941
John@Teipen.com
SPE SFIE

OH, Lebanon
Lane, John M.
(513) 932-8848
SPE SFIE

OR, Lake Oswego
Wiley, David H.
(503) 636-4930
wileyseaplanes@comcast.net
SPE

OR, Veneta
Povenmire, King
(541) 915-5151
king@kpflight.com
SPE

PA, Moon Township
Johnson, David R.
(505) 385-3288
callairs@higherspeed.net
SPE SFIE

SD, Rapid City
Summers, Charles M.
(605) 343-6521
rapidtrail@aol.com
SPE

TN, Cordova
Dee, Stephen W.
(901) 757-8784
spatiald@aol.com
SPE SFIE

TX, Marfa
Compton, Jr. Francis
(800) 667-9464
FBCompton@aol.com
SPE SFIE

VA, Chester
Meade, Raymond L.
(804) 796-2002
raymeade@att.net
SPE

VA, Windsor
Mathias, Linda B.
(757) 242-3491
lbmathias@verizon.net
SPE SFIE

WV, Keyser
Holland, Marvin R.
(304) 788-0403
ptd00711@mail.wvnet.edu
SPE SFIE

GYROPLANE CATEGORY

AR, Searcy
Menzie, Ronald J.
(501) 766-6456
ronsgyro@starban.net
SPE

AZ, Avondale
Brandt, Terry W.
(602) 739-0554
tbrandt33@earthlink.net
SPE SFIE

AZ, Avondale
Mayfield, III, James P.
arizonarotors@cox.net
SPE SFIE

OK, Mustang
Weaver, Marty
(405) 808-7116
martin-weaver@sbcglobal.net
SPE SFIE

OR, Lake Oswego
Wiley, David H.
(503) 636-4930
wileyseaplanes@comcast.net
SPE

PA, Moon Township
Johnson, David R.
(505) 385-3288
callairs@higherspeed.net
SPE SFIE

The FAA has classes scheduled throughout this year to increase the available pool of Examiners. Keep an eye on their website for additions here (At bottom of page. Listed by aircraft category):

FAA Sport Pilot Examiner and Sport Pilot Instructor Examiner Listing

Update 7 Jan 2006
The FAA has continued to add Examiners in all categories of aircraft to their listings above, and continue to do so. My listings may not be up to date and you should go to the FAA pages at the link above for the latest lists.

I have contacted a number of the SPEs in the above list and asked about the training and testing options they will offer. A copy of the above list (as a Word document) with links to webpages with their responses is located here:

SPE List with Training and Testing Availability

I recommend that you develop and use checklists for all phases of flight including preflight and postflight. DPE's will be looking for this. Use the aircraft manufacturer's recommendations as a basis but personalize it for the way you like to do things.

In addition, the PTS lists all the areas you must be proficient in during the practical test. Read and study it and use it for a training syllabus for the areas of operation and tasks you will be required to perform.

Jim Bair is a Sport Pilot SPE and SFIE who has put together a good page on what to expect when you go for your Practical Test. It is on his website here (Click on Pilot Examiner at the bottom of the page):

http://www.sportaviationunlimited.com/

An Examiner by the name of Bob Schmelzer has sent me a document, with
good advice to an applicant facing a practical test. The link to it is
here:

http://www.sportpilot.info/sp/SPPract.doc

This may seem like a lot of publications to study and a lot of learning to accomplish, but if you take it step by step and study a portion of it each day, you will meet your goal. Much of this is material that will serve you in the knowledge (written) test. Try to schedule your course of study so you reach peak performance and knowledge just before you are scheduled for the actual test with the DPE.

Forms and Documents
You will need a filled out copy of FAA form 8710-11, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application, to give to the Examiner when you arrive for the test.

FAA Form 8710-11

Sport Pilot Examiners Handbook
I also have read the Sport Pilot Examiners Handbook. It tells you everything the DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner) will do while examining you. It will give you valuable insights into the process. A link to it is here:

Sport Pilot Examiners Handbook FAA Order 8710.7

NOTE: AC 00-2, Advisory Circular Checklist, transmits the status of all FAA advisory circulars (AC's), as well as FAA internal publications and miscellaneous flight information such as Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Airport/Facility Directory, knowledge test study guides, and other material directly related to a certificate or rating. The checklist is available on the Internet at:

AC 00-2, Advisory Circular Checklist

SP Knowledge Test Guide

Sport Pilot Knowledge (Written) Test Preparation Guide
To get your Sport Pilot Certificate you will be required by the FAA to take and pass a Knowledge (Written) Test along with taking and passing an oral and Practical (Flight) Test. This guide covers the process for the Knowledge Test.

Practical (Flight) Test Study Guide
I have also taken the Sport Pilot PTS (Practical Test Standard) and made a similar list of documents, study aids and associated links. This will prepare you for the oral and practical (flight) test. Many of these are the same ones but there are some additions. I will be posting that along with this Knowledge Test document. Update: The Guide is here:

Sport Pilot Oral and Practical (Flight) Test Guide

What is the purpose of this document?
The biggest difficulty I have had, in preparing for the FAA Knowledge test for Sport Pilot, is in finding all the information I need. There are bits and pieces here and there. The FAA's own website has made it no easier for me. What I have needed, is one place where I could find all the necessary documents and study material. In addition, I wanted access to the best training information and I wanted it at the lowest possible cost. The FAA publishes and makes available virtually all the study materials required. Finding it all on their website and elsewhere is a bit of a task. I decided to write one document with links to all the things I needed. In the rest of this study guide I will point you to the links to, and locations of, all of the documents and training material needed to complete this process. My aim is to make it easy for you to download for free from this one document, and acquire elsewhere at minimal cost, the things you need.
Note: I recommend that you take an in-person course to study for this test. The depth of learning you get from the repetition and give and take and question and answer of a classroom setting far exceeds what you can get from home study. But for those who don't have an opportunity for a classroom course or who just want to brush up on their knowledge, this list would be a good place to start.

How do I use it?
This document is meant to be a place from which you can obtain all the information you need. I have inserted links to all the documents and study materials so all you have to do is click on them and then download the document. The links are shown in blue. In some cases I have made the link to a location where you have to look through a page or two of documents to choose the one you want. Other times the link takes you to where there are multiple documents that you want as in the case of the AC's and training handbooks. Some documents such as the training handbooks are in multiple files (Many are newly published by the FAA and are in color with charts and photos! I love them!). Some links are to online content such as the federal codes or AIM. The documents are mostly in PDF format. A free Adobe Reader is available on the Adobe website.
It will be your job to download the applicable documents and assemble the study aids and set yourself a regular schedule of reading and studying the material. I recommend that you begin immediately as there is quite a lot of material to cover.

Where do I start?
The first thing you will want to do is to find out the prerequisites for taking the test and the knowledge areas for the subject matter you will need to cover. The FAA publishes a document called the Knowledge Test Guide. The Knowledge Test Guide handles both of these subjects. In addition, the entire testing process is detailed. You need to read and study this document to fully understand the requirements for taking the Knowledge test.
The FAA has not (and will not) publish a Knowledge Test Guide for Sport Pilots. The aeronautical knowledge requirements for a Sport Pilot and those for Recreational or Private Pilots as specified in Part 61 are identical except for one thing. The Sport Pilot is not required to receive training in radio communication procedures. Because of that close relationship I recommend that you use the Knowledge Test Guide for Private and Recreational Pilots. A link to it is here:

FAA-G-8082-17A, Recreational Pilot and Private Pilot Knowledge Test Guide

Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility requirements for a Sport Pilot differ from a Private Pilot or Recreational Pilot and can be found in:

Part 61.23 (Medical certificates: Requirement and duration.)
Part 61.305 (Age and language requirements)

Knowledge Areas
Part 61.309 lists the aeronautical knowledge areas you will have to have to apply for a Sport Pilot certificate. Later in this document I have included this part with a list of study material. See the regulation here:
Part 61.309 (Aeronautical Knowledge Area requirements Sport Pilot)
Part 61.407 lists the aeronautical knowledge areas for a Flight Instructor with a Sport Pilot rating.
Part 61.407 (Aeronautical Knowledge Area requirements Flight Instructor with a Sport Pilot rating)

Where to take the test?
You will have to go to a testing center to take this test. Here is a link to a list of testing centers:

Airman Knowledge Testing Center List

How to qualify to take the test
This document is an FAA matrix that tells you the prerequisites for computer testing. These include age, and authorizations required. Retesting requirements are indicated. The number of questions on the test, allotted time and passing score are also shown.

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Authorization Requirements Matrix

Airman Knowledge Test Question Bank (Sport Pilot)
Below is a link to a sample bank of questions for the Knowledge Test. The numbers above the questions are subject matter knowledge codes (See Subject Matter Knowledge Codes below). The question bank is an invaluable source of information and will point you to the appropriate areas of study. This is the latest one.

Airman Knowledge Test Question Bank (Sport Pilot)

Here is a link to the Question Bank with answers (This is the bank released 4 Nov, 2004) This Question Bank has clickable links (in blue) to the Figures needed to answer the questions. An asterisk indicates the correct answer to each question.

Sport Pilot Question Bank with Answers and Figures

The FAA released a second SP Question Bank on 17 Feb, 2005. Here is a link to that question bank. This Question Bank has embedded links in blue, to each of the supplemental figures required to answer that particular question. The correct answers are NOT given. See it here:

Sport Pilot Question Bank #2 with Figures

(Sport Pilot Instructor/Examiner)
If you take the knowledge test for Sport Pilot Instructor/Examiner, then you need not take the knowledge test for Sport Pilot. This is a savings of time and money if you intend to take the Instructor/Examiner test within the two year limit or if you are going for the instructor certificate. This is the latest one. Here's the link:

Airman Knowledge Test Question Bank (Sport Pilot Instructor/Examiner)

Here is the link to the Question Bank with answers and embedded links to the supplemental figures necessary to answer the questions. The link are indicated in blue.

SP CFI and SPE Question Bank with Answers and Figures

Private Pilot Weight-shift or Powered Parachute
If you are interested in studying for the Private Pilot Powered Parachute/Weight Shift certificates then the sample question bank for them is here:

Airman Knowledge Test Question Bank (Private Pilot Powered Parachute/Weight Shift)

Supplements
There are supplements (graphic and visual aids) that are necessary for understanding and answering the questions in the question bank. They are available from ASA. See the links.

Offers information for obtaining the FAA Computerized Testing Supplements.

ASA

Update 7 Jan 2006
FAA SP Supplemental Figures Available Online
When you take the practice tests online, or study the Question Banks in preparation for taking the SP Knowledge Test, some of the questions refer to supplemental figures. These figures are necessary to be able to answer the questions. The FAA used to post these figures online, but no longer do so. The only way to get them now is to order them from ASA. To aid those who need them in order to study the question banks or take the online tests, Bob Comperini has gone to the trouble of creating 3 web pages of thumbnails and loading all the figures online. These figures are all the figures needed for the SP, SPI and SPE questions. Note: The FAA changes the question bank questions over time and also, more slowly, the associated figures. So these will not all be valid forever. Please let us know if you find questions requiring figures that are not provided. The link is here:

http://www.fly-ul.com/SportPilot/supplement

Figures not in the Supplement can be had here:

Figures not in the Supplement

Note:
Bob Comperini's Fly-UL website is also a treasure trove of Sport Pilot and Ultralight information and links. It is here:

http://www.fly-ul.com/

Subject Matter Knowledge Codes
The subject matter knowledge codes above the questions on the knowledge test, and in the Knowledge Test Question Banks, relate to areas of study, and are listed in AC60-25. The codes are listed next to subjects, and in the chapters of, various FAA Training handbooks and other study aids. If you take a list of the codes and assemble the associated study materials you will have the materials necessary to study for those questions and similar ones for each of those subject areas. A link to the AC showing the codes is here:

Airman Subject Matter Knowledge Codes (AC60-25F)

Aeronautical Knowledge required under Part 61
As an example, I have printed the aeronautical knowledge areas required to apply for a Sport Pilot certificate. I have annotated this list with the appropriate study guide or material for that item listed in parenthesis. The item listed in the first parenthesis is the general study guide and the item listed in the second parenthesis is listed for more detailed study of the subject.

§ 61.309. What aeronautical knowledge must I have to apply for a sport pilot certificate?
Except as specified in §61.329, to apply for a sport pilot certificate you must receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course on the following aeronautical knowledge areas:

(a) Applicable regulations of this chapter that relate to sport pilot privileges, limits, and flight operations; (Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations Parts 43, 61 and 91)
(b) Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board; (NTSB 830)
(c) Use of the applicable portions of the "Aeronautical Information Manual" (Online or print version from your local FBO) and FAA advisory circulars (AC's); (Online)
(d) Use of aeronautical charts for VFR navigation using pilotage, dead reckoning, and navigation systems;
(FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)
(Aeronautical Chart, E6B and Protractor/Plotter) Get at local FBO or order online.
(e) Recognition of critical weather situations from the ground and in flight, windshear avoidance, and the procurement and use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts;
(FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)
(AC 00-54 Pilot Windshear Guide)
(AC 00-45E Aviation Weather Service)
(AC 00-6A Handbook of Aviation Weather)
(f) Safe and efficient operation of aircraft, including collision avoidance, and recognition and avoidance of wake turbulence;
(FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)
(AC 90-48C Pilot's Role in Collision Avoidance)
(AC 90-23F Aircraft Wake Turbulence)
(g) Effects of density altitude on takeoff and climb performance;
(FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)
(h) Weight and balance computations;
(FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)
(FAA-H-8083-1 Weight and Balance Handbook)
(i) Principles of aerodynamics, powerplants, and aircraft systems;
(FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)
(j) Stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery techniques, if applicable;
(FAA-H-8083-3 Airplane Flying Handbook)
(AC61-67C Stall and Spin Awareness)
(k) Tumble entry, tumble avoidance techniques for weight-shift-control aircraft category privileges; (NA)
(l) Aeronautical decision making and judgment; and
(FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)
(FAA-H-8083-3 Airplane Flying Handbook)
(AC 60-22 Aeronautical Decision Making)
(m) Preflight action that includes–
(1) How to get information on runway lengths at airports of intended use, data on takeoff and landing distances, weather reports and forecasts, and fuel requirements;
(FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)
(Aeronautical Chart) and (Airport Facility Directory – AFD)
(2) How to plan for alternatives if the planned flight cannot be completed or delays are encountered.
(FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)


Basic List of Publications and Study Aids and Sources:
This is the list of basic study aids from the above Part 61 list.

NPRM and Final Rule - FAA website
14 CFR Federal Regulations - FAA website
AIM (Airman's Information Manual) – FAA website (Online) and FBO (Buy printed version)
FAA Advisory Circulars (AC's) - FAA website
(FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge) - FAA website
(FAA-H-8083-3 Airplane Flying Handbook) - FAA Website
(AC 00-6A Handbook of Aviation Weather)

(NTSB 830) - NTSB website
Aeronautical Chart - FBO or State aeronautical division or NACO (National Aeronautical Charting Office)
E6B - FBO
Protractor/Plotter (Looks like a protractor attached to a ruler) - FBO

In Depth List (from above items) NOTE: These publications are very in depth discussions of the above subjects and are listed only for those that want a lot more info.

AC 00-54 Pilot Windshear Guide
AC 00-45E Aviation Weather Service
AC 90-48C Pilot's Role in Collision Avoidance
AC 90-23F Aircraft Wake Turbulence
AC 61-67C Stall and Spin Awareness
AC 60-22 Aeronautical Decision Making

FAA-S-8083-1 Weight and Balance Handbook


Some additional publications you may also find helpful:

AC 61-84B Role of Preflight Preparation
AC 20-43C Aircraft Fuel Control
AC 00-30B Atmospheric Turbulence Avoidance
AC 120-27D Aircraft Weight and Balance Control

The following Handbooks should also be of help:
FAA-H-8083-27a Student Pilot Guide
FAA-H-8083-19 (Plane Sense) w/ Editorial Changes
A current listing of available/current training handbooks. Also, contains ordering information.

NOTE: AC 00-2, Advisory Circular Checklist, transmits the status of all FAA advisory circulars (AC's),as well as FAA internal publications and miscellaneous flight information such as Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Airport/Facility Directory, knowledge test study guides, and other material directly related to a certificate or rating. The checklist is available on the Internet at:

AC 00-2, Advisory Circular Checklist

Sources
Most or all of the above publications may be available as downloadable files from the FAA website. Some of the files are large (15MB) and require a fast connection to the internet.
Call your local FSDO for more info including publications and videos they may sell or loan.
Check with the Superintendent of Documents (Government Printing Office) for printed versions of some or all of the above publications.

Other Sources of Study Material
Gleim has a number of study aids including books, CD's, complete kits and an online study course. Their site is here:

Gleim

ASA also has a line of study materials:

ASA

King Schools has some good materials too:

King Schools

There is a study guide for SP called the Sport Pilot Encyclopedia. It is here:

www.faaeztest.com

Also:

Sweeney Corp Online Aviation Ground School

It is never too soon to study these subjects as they will make you a better and safer pilot. So let's get started!

Online Practice Tests
Here are a couple of locations where you can take online practice tests for FAA material. The first one has Private Pilot Weight-Shift and PPC as well as Sport Pilot and Instructor.

Exams4Pilots

The second site is for Sporty's FAA practice tests and Study Buddy:

Sporty's

News Flash! Sport Pilot Knowledge Tests Modified
SP Basic Knowledge Tests Now Category Specific

The FAA has instituted category specific knowledge tests for the basic Sport Pilot certificate. Each test will have general SP questions as well as questions that relate to that specific category of aircraft (Such as Fixed-Wing, WSC or PPC). This means that you will have to decide what category of aircraft you are going to take the oral/practical test in, and take the knowledge test for that same category. For those who have already taken the non-category specific test, as long as your test is good (24 months), you may use it for any category. You will not be required to take additional category knowledge tests to get the additional categories endorsed in your logbook when adding categories after you become a SP.

One difficulty for students is that the question bank the FAA has posted on their website does not include the category specific questions so there is no way to correlate the knowledge areas to study from referenced knowledge codes. The only way to assemble an adequate list of study aids is to get the list of reference materials from the PTS (Practical Test Standard). For category specific questions they simply list either “The Powered Parachute Bible” or “Trikes, The Flex-Wing Flyers”. In AC60-25f the particular chapters you need to study, are listed. They are also listed below for your convenience. Remember, this is just the category specific information. You will still need to study general Sport Pilot material.

I understand the FAA is producing new Manuals for you to study for WSC and PPC that will cover the category specific material. Until these are available the only materials available are privately published. This is where the FAA is deriving their questions from until their own material is ready.

For WSC this would be “Trikes, The Flex-Wing Flyers” by Lucien Bartosik and Hal McSwain. Here is a link:

http://www.aerialadventure.net/trikes%20_book_info.htm

For PPC’s it would be “The Powered Parachute Bible” by George A. Begue. Here is a link:

http://thepoweredparachutebible.com/

If you study the following chapters in these books, you will have covered the appropriate material.

The Powered Parachute Bible—Media Max, First Edition
Knowledge Code Chapter No. Chapter Title

H01 3 Airframe
H02 4 Wing
H03 5 Powerplant
H04 6 4-cycle and 2-cycle Engines
H05 7 4-stroke vs. 2-stroke
H06 8 Electrical Output
H07 9 Ignition Systems
H08 10 Oil and Fuel
H09 11 Engine Gauges
H10 12 Propeller
H11 13 Aerodynamics
H12 17 Preflight
H13 18 Operations

Trikes, The Flex-Wing Flyers, H & L Press, Second Edition
Knowledge Code Chapter No. Chapter Title

H20 1 Principles of Flight
H21 2 Weight-Shift Ultralight
H22 3 Effects of Flight Controls
H23 4 Preflight and Postflight
H24 6 Navigation
H25 7 Flight
H26 8 Clothing and Equipment
H27 9 Triking Activities

Note: When the FAA completes their Handbooks and posts them on the net, I will provide links to them. Until then, you will have to obtain a copy of the appropriate privately printed materials, for category specific study.

This information will also be posted on the Sport Pilot Training website at:

http://sptraining.blogspot.com/

Here's a link to the other site with guides for certification of aircraft and repairmen:

SP Training Blog 2