Sounds like he has the sport pilot lisence confused with the
recreational lisence. Common mistake.

Sport Pilot is just now barely beginning to catch on in the mainstream
GA comunity. It's going to be quite a while before most schools offer
it in large part due to the lack of available planes that fit the
catagory. That is doubly so in the DC ADIZ as most of the planes now
available that fit the catagory are old 1940's trainers that don't have
an elctrical system required for ADIZ ops.

If you want to be able earn a Sport Pilot ticket at your local airport
in the ADIZ probably yuour best best is to look into buying an early
model Aercoup (later models don't qualify) and find a CFI who will work
with you. Early Aercouops fit the catagory, can suport a mode c
transponder, and are tricycle gear so finding a CFI won't be too hard.
They are also reasonably priced to buy and insure. They were originaly
built in MD so there are a lot around here as well as folks who can help
you find parts and maintain them.

Good luck.

Helen