Definition
A specific section of the Federal Aviation Regulations that sets out, in table form, what a sport pilot must do to act as pilot in command of a light-sport aircraft. It tells the pilot which training, endorsements, and proficiency checks are required depending on whether they already hold a higher pilot certificate and whether they are flying the same category and class of aircraft they were trained in or a different one.
Plain English
This is the rule that lays out, step by step, what a sport pilot has to do before they can legally fly a particular light-sport aircraft. It covers training, instructor sign-offs, and proficiency checks, and it changes depending on whether the pilot is moving to a different type of aircraft or already holds a higher certificate.
Context Anchor
Seen in sport pilot training when checking what a sport pilot may fly, what limits apply, and what instructor sign-offs are required.
Derivation
The reference breaks down as: 14 CFR is Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (the section of federal law covering aeronautics and space); part 61 covers certification of pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors; section 61.303 is the specific paragraph dealing with sport pilot privileges and limitations. Reading the citation tells you exactly where in the rulebook to look.
Why Pilots Care
Keeps sport pilots within the legal boundaries of their certificate and avoids unintentional regulatory violations.
Intuition Check
Do not read “part” and “section” as casual words here. In this citation, they are exact legal address markers that point to a specific FAA rule.
Example Sentence 1
Before flying the new light-sport airplane, the pilot reviewed 14 CFR part 61, section 61.303 to confirm what endorsements were needed.
Example Sentence 2
Compliance with 14 CFR part 61, section 61.303 confirmed that the light-sport airplane fell within the pilot's privileges.