Definition
The two subparts of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 61, that contain the specific federal rules for sport pilots and sport pilot flight instructors. Subpart J sets out the eligibility, training, knowledge, and skill requirements for the sport pilot certificate. Subpart K sets out the corresponding requirements for a flight instructor with a sport pilot rating, including who may train and endorse sport pilot applicants.
Plain English
These are the two sections of the federal aviation rules that say what a person must do to become a sport pilot, and what a flight instructor must do to be allowed to teach sport pilots.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA sport pilot training and instructor materials when the handbook points to the exact rules that govern sport pilot certificates, privileges, limits, and instructor requirements.
Derivation
CFR stands for Code of Federal Regulations, the official collection of U.S. federal rules. Title 14 covers aeronautics and space. Part 61 covers the certification of pilots and instructors. Within Part 61, the rules are broken into lettered subparts, each covering a specific certificate or rating. Subparts J and K are the two that deal with sport pilots and their instructors.
Why Pilots Care
They set the specific rules that determine who can fly light-sport aircraft, what training is required, and what limits apply, directly affecting both new pilots and instructors in this category.
Analogy
A regulation citation works like an address. “14 CFR” is the large legal area, “part 61” is the building, and “subparts J and K” are the specific rooms to look in.
Intuition Check
“Part” and “subpart” do not mean physical parts of an aircraft here. They mean numbered sections of federal regulations.
Example Sentence 1
Before signing off her student for the practical test, the instructor reviewed 14 CFR part 61 subpart J to confirm all aeronautical experience requirements had been met.
Example Sentence 2
Under 14 CFR part 61 subparts J and K, sport pilots may fly light-sport aircraft during daylight hours with a valid driver’s license in place of a medical certificate.