The recreational pilot certificate sits between the sport pilot and private pilot certificates. It requires fewer hours than a private certificate but comes with more restrictions. Here is how it compares and who it suits.
This is part of our How to Become a Pilot guide. Most people choose either sport pilot or the full private certificate instead.
What the recreational certificate is
The recreational pilot certificate lets you fly small single-engine airplanes for personal use, with a minimum of about 30 flight hours, fewer than the 40 required for a private certificate. Unlike sport pilot, it does require an FAA medical certificate.
The limitations
- Carry no more than one passenger
- Fly small aircraft (generally up to 180 horsepower and four seats)
- Day, visual flight rules only
- Fly within 50 nautical miles of your departure airport, unless you receive additional training and an endorsement
- No flight in airspace requiring communication with air traffic control without an endorsement
How it compares
Sport pilot is cheaper and needs no medical but limits you to light-sport aircraft. The recreational certificate allows somewhat more capable airplanes but requires a medical and still restricts where and how you fly. The private certificate removes most of these limits and is what the majority of students ultimately pursue.
Who it is right for
The recreational certificate suits pilots who want to fly a standard training airplane close to home, for fun, with one passenger, and who are comfortable with its limits. In practice, many students skip it and go straight for the private certificate, since the extra training is modest and the freedom is much greater.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours does a recreational certificate take?
A minimum of about 30 hours, compared with 40 for a private certificate.
Do you need a medical?
Yes, unlike sport pilot, the recreational certificate requires an FAA medical certificate.
Can you carry passengers?
One passenger, in daytime visual conditions.
Should I get a recreational or private certificate?
Most students choose the private certificate because the extra training is modest and it removes most restrictions.