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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/sport-max-altitude

What altitude limit applies to a sport pilot acting as pilot in command?

10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher.

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  1. 12,500 feet MSL
  2. 10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher ✔
  3. 18,000 feet MSL

Why: Sport pilots may not act as pilot in command above 10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher. Over tall mountains the 2,000 feet AGL part can let you fly above 10,000 MSL.

Huh, didn't know that: The cap applies to the pilot, so the same airplane could legally climb higher with a different pilot.

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Why did the sport pilot stop climbing? He had reached his ceiling and a very good attitude.
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References

Answer: 10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher. Sport pilots may not act as pilot in command above 10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher. Over tall mountains the 2,000 feet AGL part can let you fly above 10,000 MSL.

  1. 14 CFR 61.315 (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/api/renderer/v1/content/enhanced/current/title-14?part=61&section=61.315
    At an altitude of more than 10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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