The Private Pilot Certificate is the traditional  starting place for pilot training. In 2004, in an effort to make flying more accessible and less expensive, the FAA created the Sport Pilot Certificate. A sport certificate is a great way to start your flying, but comes with certain limitations such as daytime, good weather flying only in sport category aircraft, which are limited by weight and can carry only two people. If these restrictions are within the type of flying you plan on, or you are unsure if flying is for you, then the sport certificate would be a good choice. If you know already that you want to fly larger aircraft, carry more people, or use an airplane for transportation, you should start with the Private Pilot Certificate. If you should go the sport route and later change your mind, all of the flying that you receive at HOVA is with fully qualfied instructors and your training time can be applied to the Private Pilot Certificate.