FAR/AIM

Scope of Part 61 and key definitions.

• Defines aeronautical experience, flight time, cross-country, solo flight
• Cross-country: flight >50 NM straight-line from origin with landing at another airport
• Night: time between end of evening civil twilight and beginning of morning civil twilight
• Pilot time: flight time or ground training from authorized instructor

You may not exercise the privileges of an airman certificate, rating, endorsement, or authorization that has been surrendered, suspended, revoked, or expired, and you may not exercise airman privileges unless you meet the recency-of-experience and medical requirements of this part for the operation.

• No exercise of privileges if the certificate, rating, endorsement, or authorization is surrendered, suspended, revoked, or expired
• Applies to airman certificates and ratings, flight instructor certificates, foreign pilot certificates, medical certificates, and any U.S. driver's license used to meet a Part 61 requirement
• May not exercise airman privileges unless you meet the appropriate recent-experience and medical requirements of this part, specific to the operation or activity

Pilot certificate, medical, and photo ID required when acting as PIC.

• Must carry pilot certificate and photo ID
• Medical certificate required (3rd class for Private)
• Present on request by FAA, NTSB, or law enforcement
• Student pilots must have logbook with appropriate endorsements

Sets the conditions under which a flight simulator (FFS) or flight training device (FTD) may be used to meet Part 61 training and experience requirements.

• Each FFS and FTD used for training, testing, or checking under Part 61 must be qualified and approved by the Administrator for the tasks, maneuvers, and crewmember functions credited
• Devices approved before August 1, 1996 that function as originally designed may continue under their original approval
• The Administrator may approve a device other than an FFS or FTD (e.g., an aviation training device) for specific purposes
• Credit toward certificates and ratings is limited to what the device's approval or letter of authorization authorizes

All pilot certificates and ratings the FAA issues.

• Pilot certificates: student, sport, recreational, private, commercial, ATP
• Flight instructor certificates
• Ground instructor certificates
• Aircraft ratings: category (airplane, rotorcraft), class (single-engine land, multi-engine land), type (specific large/turbojet aircraft)
• Instrument ratings: instrument-airplane, instrument-helicopter, instrument-powered-lift
• Each certificate/rating has its own eligibility, training, and testing requirements

Bars the exercise of privileges under certain very old or category-only certificates that lack a modern class rating.

• A person who holds a free balloon pilot certificate issued before November 1, 1973 may not exercise the privileges of that certificate
• A person who holds a pilot certificate with an obsolete category rating but no associated class rating may not exercise the privileges of that category rating
• This is a prohibition on legacy credentials, not a grandfathering or conversion provision

Makes clear that Part 61 does not apply to operating unmanned aircraft systems.

• Part 61 does not apply to the operation of any unmanned aircraft system
• UAS/drone airman certification is governed elsewhere (e.g., Part 107), not Part 61
• Confirms the scope boundary between manned-pilot certification and UAS rules

Identifies which old, dated pilot certificates have expired and cannot be reissued, and which may be reissued without an expiration date.

• A person who holds an expired pilot certificate or rating may not exercise the privileges it grants
• Airline transport pilot certificates issued before May 1, 1949, and private/commercial certificates issued before July 1, 1945, are expired and may not be reissued
• ATP certificates issued after April 30, 1949 (without a horsepower limitation) may be reissued without an expiration date
• Private and commercial certificates issued after June 30, 1945 may be reissued without an expiration date

How certificates are applied for and issued.

• Application made on a form and in a manner prescribed by the Administrator
• Applicant must pass required knowledge AND practical tests
• Temporary certificate issued by DPE valid for 120 days
• Permanent certificate issued by FAA Airmen Certification Branch (OKC)
• FAA may deny issuance if applicant previously had certificate revoked

Lists the FAA practical test standards (PTS) and airman certification standards (ACS) documents that are legally incorporated into Part 61.

• Incorporated material is approved by the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51
• Subsection (a) lists the FAA Practical Test Standards documents incorporated by reference
• Subsection (b) lists the FAA Airman Certification Standards documents incorporated by reference
• Documents are available for inspection at the FAA and the National Archives (NARA)

Drug and alcohol convictions affect your certificate.

• Must report motor vehicle actions (DUI/DWI) to FAA within 60 days
• Two or more alcohol/drug convictions in 3 years = basis for denial/suspension
• Refusal to submit to drug/alcohol test = grounds for denial/revocation
• Must report to Security and Hazardous Materials Safety Division

A refusal to take a drug/alcohol test or to release the results is itself grounds for denial or revocation of a certificate or rating.

• Refusing to submit to an alcohol test requested by law enforcement under §91.17(c) is a basis for action
• Refusing to furnish or authorize release of test results requested by the Administrator under §91.17(c) or (d) is likewise a basis for action
• Either refusal is grounds for denial of an application for any certificate, rating, or authorization for up to 1 year after the refusal
• Either refusal is also grounds for suspension or revocation of any certificate, rating, or authorization held

Establishes how long a temporary airman certificate is valid and when it ends.

• A temporary pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate or rating is issued for up to 120 days
• It expires on the expiration date shown on it, or upon receipt of the permanent certificate, whichever comes first
• It also ends upon receipt of notice that the certificate or rating sought is denied or revoked
• Lets the holder exercise privileges while the permanent certificate is processed

How long certificates remain valid.

• Pilot certificate is valid INDEFINITELY unless surrendered, suspended, or revoked
• Student pilot certificate valid 60 calendar months
• Flight instructor certificate valid 24 calendar months

Sets the validity period and renewal mechanism for a Category II or Category III pilot authorization.

• A Category II or III authorization expires at the end of the sixth calendar month after the month in which it was issued or renewed
• Renewal requires the appropriate practical test within the period of validity
• Passing the renewal practical test in the month before expiration counts as passing it during the month the authorization expired
• The authorization is issued as a separate document accompanying the pilot certificate

Duration varies by class and age.

• 1st Class under 40: 12 calendar months (ATP privileges)
• 1st Class 40+: 6 calendar months (ATP privileges)
• 2nd Class: 12 calendar months
• 3rd Class under 40: 60 calendar months
• 3rd Class 40+: 24 calendar months
• BasicMed available as alternative to 3rd Class

What to do after a legal name change.

• Must apply for a certificate with the new name — old certificate becomes invalid for exercising privileges
• Application submitted to FAA Airmen Certification Branch with a copy of the court order or marriage certificate
• May continue to exercise privileges with old certificate + legal name-change document until new certificate arrives
• No additional tests or endorsements required

Explains how a certificate holder may voluntarily surrender or exchange a certificate and the effect of doing so.

• A certificate may be voluntarily surrendered for cancellation, for issuance of a lower grade of certificate, or for another certificate with specific ratings deleted
• The request must include a signed statement that it is made for the holder's own reasons
• That signed statement acknowledges the certificate or rating may not be reissued unless the holder again passes the tests prescribed for its issuance
• The exchange or surrender is handled at the holder's request through the FAA

How to replace a lost certificate.

• Apply to FAA for replacement on a form and in a manner prescribed by the Administrator
• A person who has lost a certificate may obtain a fax or email confirmation from FAA (temporary authority to exercise privileges)
• Replacement certificate retains original issue date and ratings
• Can request replacement online through FAA Airmen Inquiry (ACE) portal or via mail

Extra ratings and endorsements for specific aircraft.

• High performance (>200HP): ground + flight training, endorsement
• Complex (RG, flaps, controllable prop): ground + flight training, endorsement
• High altitude (>25,000' pressurized): ground + flight training, endorsement
• Tailwheel: flight training + endorsement
• Type rating required: large aircraft (>12,500 lbs), turbojet-powered

States the basic conduct expectations and grading approach for FAA knowledge and practical tests.

• Tests are given by an authorized FAA representative or examiner
• The applicant must perform the procedures and maneuvers within the test's standards and tolerances
• A test is graded as pass or fail
• Sets the foundation for the more specific testing rules in §§61.35–61.49

What you need before the FAA written knowledge test.

• Must be at least 15 years old (Private Pilot airplane)
• Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
• Must have proper authorization: instructor logbook endorsement OR completion of approved home-study course
• Passing score: 70%
• Knowledge test report valid for 24 calendar months — must take checkride within that window
• AKTR (Airman Knowledge Test Report) lists missed Learning Statement Codes for oral review

Prohibits cheating and other unauthorized conduct on FAA knowledge tests and sets the penalty.

• Prohibits copying or intentionally removing a knowledge test
• Prohibits giving, receiving, or using unauthorized assistance during the test
• Prohibits taking a test for someone else, or having someone take it for you, and similar conduct
• A person who commits a prohibited act is ineligible for any FAA certificate or rating for 1 year, and any certificate/rating held may be suspended or revoked

What you need before you can take a checkride.

• Must have passed the knowledge test within the preceding 24 calendar months
• Received and logged required training from an authorized instructor
• Instructor endorsement in logbook certifying readiness for practical test
• Met aeronautical experience requirements of 14 CFR 61.109
• Must hold at least a current third-class medical certificate (or BasicMed)
• Must have a completed and signed FAA Form 8710-1 (IACRA application)
• If knowledge test expired (>24 months), must retake before practical test

Provides deadline relief for instructor certificates, knowledge test reports, and inspection authorizations that expire while the holder is deployed overseas in support of U.S. Armed Forces operations.

• Applies to U.S. military or civilian personnel assigned outside the U.S. supporting Armed Forces operations on or after September 11, 2001
• Covers a flight instructor certificate, written/knowledge test report, or inspection authorization that expires during deployment or within 6 calendar months after returning to the U.S.
• The person must complete the applicable renewal or practical test within 6 calendar months of returning to the U.S.
• Must submit supporting documentation (official orders or a commander/supervisor letter) stating the assignment and return dates to the responsible Flight Standards office

Allows limited credit for flight training given by certain instructors who are not FAA-certificated.

• Training may count if given, outside the United States, by an instructor authorized by a foreign contracting State to the ICAO Convention
• Training also counts from an instructor of an Armed Force in a program for training that Armed Force's pilots
• Such an instructor is only authorized to give endorsements to show the training given — not the endorsements an FAA-certificated instructor gives for a knowledge or practical test
• Lets qualifying foreign or military flight time be applied toward FAA aeronautical experience requirements

How a checkride is conducted and the three possible outcomes.

• Applicant must demonstrate ability to perform every Task in the ACS within the listed standards
• Three outcomes: Temporary Airman Certificate (pass), Notice of Disapproval (fail), or Letter of Discontinuance (incomplete)
• Single unsatisfactory Task is grounds for disapproval — there is no partial pass
• Examiner may discontinue test for weather, aircraft issues, or applicant request — Letter of Discontinuance is valid 60 days
• On a continuance, only the unfinished Tasks must be retested
• On a disapproval, all Tasks already passed are credited; only the failed Areas of Operation need to be retested (with retraining per 61.49)

Aircraft and equipment needed for the checkride.

• Aircraft must be of US registry OR foreign-registered with applicable authorization
• Must have current airworthiness certificate and registration
• All equipment required for the maneuvers must be installed and working
• View-limiting device required for any instrument tasks
• Aircraft must be capable of all maneuvers in the ACS — e.g., a non-IFR-equipped airplane disqualifies for IR practical
• Logbooks (aircraft + engine) must be current and presented to the examiner

Who is responsible for what during the checkride.

• Examiner is NOT a required crewmember — the applicant is sole PIC
• Applicant is responsible for safety of flight at all times
• Examiner may take controls only to demonstrate or to prevent imminent hazard
• Applicant may decline a maneuver they consider unsafe (state the reason)
• Examiner is technically a passenger for purposes of weight & balance

How to retake a checkride after a Notice of Disapproval.

• Must receive additional training from an authorized instructor in the deficient areas
• Instructor must endorse the original Notice of Disapproval certifying readiness for retest
• Bring the endorsed Notice of Disapproval to the retest
• Only the failed Areas of Operation are retested; all previously passed Tasks are credited
• Same applies to any task on a Letter of Discontinuance — additional training is not required for those, just complete remaining tasks within 60 days

What flight time you can log, and how.

• Must log: date, total flight time, departure/arrival airports, aircraft make/model/N-number
• PIC time: sole manipulator of controls OR rated PIC acting as PIC
• Solo time: only when SOLE occupant of aircraft
• SIC time: only when type requires 2 pilots or operations require SIC
• Night time: civil twilight to civil twilight
• Instrument time: actual or simulated conditions under hood

Defines the narrow circumstances under which time logged in an ultralight vehicle may count toward an FAA sport pilot certificate, sport pilot flight instructor rating, or certain private pilot ratings.

• The ultralight experience must have been obtained before January 31, 2012
• The person must have been a registered ultralight pilot with an FAA-recognized ultralight organization and logged the time in accordance with that organization's program
• Can count toward a sport pilot certificate, a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating, and a private pilot certificate with a weight-shift-control or powered parachute rating
• Time logged in ultralights does not count toward recreational, commercial, or ATP certificates

No flying with a known medical deficiency.

• Cannot act as PIC or required crewmember with known medical condition
• Applies even if you hold a valid medical certificate
• Includes temporary conditions: illness, medication effects, injury
• Use IMSAFE checklist before every flight

What you need to serve as SIC.

• Must hold at least a Private Pilot certificate with appropriate category and class ratings
• Must hold an instrument rating if the flight is conducted under IFR
• Must have completed a familiarization flight in the specific type of aircraft (type-rated aircraft)
• Familiar with aircraft systems, performance, and limitations
• Must have completed SIC training within preceding 12 calendar months for type-rated aircraft

Required every 24 calendar months.

• Minimum 1 hour ground, 1 hour flight
• Review of Part 91 rules and general operating procedures
• Review of maneuvers demonstrating competency
• Wings program phases can substitute
• Passing a practical test (checkride) resets the clock

Currency requirements to carry passengers.

• Day passengers: 3 takeoffs/landings in 90 days (same category/class)
• Night passengers: 3 full-stop landings 1hr after sunset to 1hr before sunrise in 90 days
• Tailwheel: 3 full-stop landings in 90 days to the full stop
• Instrument: 6 approaches, holding, tracking in 6 months (or IPC)

Requires a recurring PIC proficiency check to act as pilot in command of an aircraft that is type certificated for more than one required pilot flight crewmember or is turbojet-powered.

• Within the preceding 12 calendar months, complete a PIC proficiency check in an aircraft requiring more than one pilot or that is turbojet-powered
• Within the preceding 24 calendar months, complete a PIC proficiency check in the specific type of aircraft to be flown
• The check must be given by an authorized person (e.g., examiner, approved check airman) and covers the §61.58 required maneuvers and procedures
• A check may be completed in an approved flight simulator under the conditions specified in the rule
• Does not apply to operations under parts 121, 125, 133, 135, or 137

No fraudulent pilot records or applications.

• No person may make or cause to be made any fraudulent or intentionally false statement on any application for a certificate, rating, or authorization
• No person may fraudulently alter any certificate, logbook, or record
• No person may use a fraudulent or altered certificate for exercising privileges
• Violation is grounds for suspending or revoking ALL certificates and ratings held by that person
• Also a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. 1001 — can result in criminal prosecution

Must notify FAA within 30 days of address change.

• Notify FAA Airmen Certification Branch within 30 days
• Cannot exercise privileges after 30 days without notification
• Can be done online through FAA website

States the scope of Subpart B: it prescribes the requirements for issuing additional aircraft ratings after a pilot certificate is issued, for issuing a type rating concurrently with a pilot certificate, and the requirements for and limitations of pilot authorizations issued by the Administrator.

• Covers additional aircraft ratings added after a pilot certificate has already been issued
• Covers a type rating issued concurrently with a pilot certificate
• Covers the requirements for, and limitations of, pilot authorizations issued by the Administrator

Sets out what a pilot must do to add a category, class, or type rating to a certificate already held (other than at the ATP level).

• Additional category rating (para b): complete the training and required aeronautical experience, get an instructor endorsement of competency/proficiency, and pass a practical test; no additional knowledge test is needed if the applicant already holds an aircraft rating at that certificate level
• Additional class rating (para c): instructor endorsement of competency/proficiency plus a practical test — no specified training-time requirement and generally no additional knowledge test
• Additional type rating (para d): hold or concurrently obtain an appropriate instrument rating, get an instructor endorsement, and pass the practical test at the airline transport pilot certification level, performed in actual or simulated instrument conditions
• Aircraft not capable of instrument maneuvers (para e): the type rating may be issued with a "VFR only" limitation

Governs how full flight simulators and flight training devices may be used for training and for the practical test when obtaining a certificate or rating.

• The device must represent the category, class, and (if a class or type rating applies) the type of aircraft for the rating sought
• The device must be qualified and approved by the Administrator and used under an approved course of training (part 141, 142, 121, or 135)
• For a type rating in a turbojet or turbo-propeller airplane done entirely in a Level C or higher simulator, the applicant must meet specified prior-experience criteria (e.g., 1,000 hours in two airplanes of that class, 500 hours in the same type, or 2,000 hours total with 500 in turbine airplanes of that class)
• Similar simulator-level and experience criteria apply to helicopter and powered-lift type ratings completed in a simulator

Establishes the aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, and experience required to obtain an instrument rating (airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift).

• Hold at least a current private pilot certificate, or apply concurrently for one, with an airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift rating appropriate to the instrument rating sought
• Instrument-airplane experience: 50 hours of cross-country time as PIC, of which at least 10 hours must be in an airplane
• Instrument time: 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time in the required areas of operation
• Instrument flight training: at least 15 of those 40 hours from an authorized instrument-airplane instructor
• Recency: 3 hours of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor in an airplane within 2 calendar months before the practical test
• Long IFR cross-country: a flight of 250 NM along airways or by ATC-directed routing, with an instrument approach at each airport and three different kinds of approaches using navigation systems

Sets the ground and flight training a pilot must complete to manipulate the controls or act as PIC during an Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) operation.

• Applies to EFVS operations conducted under 14 CFR 91.176(a) and 91.176(b)
• Requires ground training (under an FAA-approved program) on EFVS systems, displays, symbology, sensor performance and limitations, low-visibility weather, and the related operating rules
• Requires flight training on EFVS use during taxi, takeoff, approach, operations below DA/DH or MDA, missed approach, landing, and rollout as applicable
• Training must be documented by a logbook or training-record endorsement from an authorized training provider
• Provides supplementary-training and credit paths for pilots with prior qualifying EFVS experience

Specifies what a pilot must hold and demonstrate to receive and retain a Category II (CAT II) instrument approach authorization.

• Hold at least a private or commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating (or an ATP certificate), plus the appropriate category/class rating and a type rating if the aircraft requires one
• Experience: at least 50 hours of night flight time as PIC, 75 hours of instrument time, and 250 hours of cross-country time as PIC
• A practical test (oral plus flight increment) is required for issuance, renewal, or adding another aircraft type
• Renewal: if no CAT II practical test was passed in the preceding 12 calendar months, the applicant must meet 61.57(c) and have flown at least six ILS approaches in the preceding 6 calendar months, at least three without an approach coupler

Specifies what a pilot must hold and demonstrate to receive and retain a Category III (CAT III) instrument approach authorization.

• Hold at least a private or commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating (or an ATP certificate), plus the appropriate category/class rating and a type rating if the aircraft requires one
• Experience: at least 50 hours of night flight time as PIC, 75 hours of instrument time, and 250 hours of cross-country time as PIC
• A practical test (oral plus flight increment) is required for issuance, renewal, or adding another aircraft type; the oral covers alert-height/decision-height recognition and reaction to failures
• Renewal: if no CAT III practical test was passed in the preceding 12 calendar months, the applicant must meet 61.57(c) and have flown at least six ILS approaches in the preceding 6 calendar months, at least three without an approach coupler

States what a powered-aircraft pilot must have to act as PIC of an aircraft towing a glider or unpowered ultralight vehicle.

• Hold a private, commercial, or airline transport pilot certificate with a category rating for powered aircraft
• Have logged at least 100 hours of PIC time in the aircraft category, class, and type (if required) used for towing
• Hold an instructor logbook endorsement for ground and flight training in towing techniques (including airspeed limitations), emergency procedures, signals, and maximum bank angles
• Initial towing: log at least three flights as sole manipulator while towing, or simulated towing flights, accompanied by a qualified pilot, with that pilot's endorsement
• Recent experience: within the preceding 24 calendar months, make at least three actual or simulated tows accompanied by a qualified pilot, or act as PIC of a glider/ultralight being towed at least three times

Lets a graduate of an approved part 141 or part 142 training program be credited with the corresponding Part 61 experience, knowledge, and areas-of-operation requirements when applying for a certificate or rating.

• A graduate of an approved part 141 or part 142 program is considered to have met the applicable aeronautical experience, knowledge, and areas-of-operation requirements of Part 61
• The graduate must present the graduation certificate and pass the required practical test within 60 days after the date of graduation
• A separate path lets a person be considered to have met 61.157 (except the 61.156 ATP certification training program) for an ATP certificate or type rating after completing an approved curriculum and proficiency check meeting the part 121 PIC task requirements, if applied for within 60 days
• A foreign-license holder applying under a Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement may also be credited with the applicable Part 61 requirements

Allows a U.S. (or qualifying foreign) military pilot or former military pilot, not removed from flying status for lack of proficiency or discipline, to obtain civilian certificates and ratings on the basis of military qualifications.

• May apply for a commercial pilot certificate with the appropriate category/class rating, an instrument rating, and/or a type rating
• Must present military documents showing status and pass the military competency aeronautical knowledge test on the applicable parts of the chapter
• Must show, via official U.S. military records, a passed military pilot and instrument proficiency check in the kind of aircraft sought, or at least 10 hours of military pilot time in that kind of aircraft
• An instrument rating requires a passed military instrument proficiency check and records showing instrument qualification in that aircraft category
• A type rating may be issued only for a military aircraft that has a comparable civilian type certificate

Lets the holder of a foreign pilot license (private level or higher) issued by an ICAO contracting State obtain a U.S. private pilot certificate with appropriate ratings, generally without a further showing of proficiency.

• The foreign license must be at the private level or higher, issued by an ICAO contracting State, and must not carry a limitation that the holder has not met ICAO standards
• The applicant may not hold a U.S. pilot certificate other than a U.S. student pilot certificate, and must hold a part 67 medical certificate or the medical license of the issuing country
• Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English (medical-based operating limitations may be added)
• The U.S. certificate lists the foreign license number and country of issuance and is exercisable only while the underlying foreign license is held
• An instrument rating may be added if the foreign license authorizes instrument privileges and the applicant passes the appropriate knowledge test within the preceding 24 months

Authorizes a foreign-licensed pilot to perform pilot duties on a U.S.-registered civil aircraft leased to a non-U.S. citizen for specified international air carriage operations.

• Available to a holder of a foreign pilot license issued by an ICAO contracting State, for duties on a U.S.-registered aircraft leased to a non-U.S. citizen
• Covers carrying persons or property for compensation or hire in defined international operations (e.g., turbojet scheduled international service, airplanes over 9 passenger seats, nonscheduled over 30 seats, or payload over 7,500 pounds)
• Eligibility requires the foreign license with appropriate ratings, a lessee certification of employment and qualification, proof of age, and documentation of meeting the foreign medical standards
• The authorization is limited to flights between foreign countries or in foreign air commerce within the allotted time period, while employed by the lessee and flying the specified aircraft

Opening section of Subpart C. It states that the subpart prescribes the requirements for issuance of student pilot certificates, the conditions under which those certificates are necessary, and the general operating rules and limitations for the holders of those certificates.

• Prescribes the requirements for issuance of student pilot certificates
• States the conditions under which a student pilot certificate is necessary
• Sets out the general operating rules for student pilot certificate holders
• Sets out the limitations placed on student pilot certificate holders
• Serves as the scope statement for the rest of Subpart C

Who qualifies for a student pilot certificate.

• Be at least 16 years old (14 for glider or balloon)
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
• Hold a U.S. student pilot certificate

How to get a student pilot certificate.

• Apply through IACRA or paper Form 8710-1
• CFI, FSDO, DPE, or AME may process the application
• Photo ID and proof of age required
• Plastic credit-card-style certificate is mailed by FAA Airmen Certification Branch (OKC)
• Cannot solo until certificate is in hand AND a 3rd-class medical (or BasicMed) AND solo endorsements (61.87) are complete

What you need before your first solo.

• Must have student pilot certificate and medical
• Receive and log flight training on all required maneuvers
• Pass pre-solo knowledge test on aircraft and rules
• Instructor endorsement for make/model of aircraft
• Endorsement valid for 90 days

What student pilots cannot do.

• Cannot carry passengers
• Cannot fly for compensation or hire
• Cannot fly in furtherance of a business
• Cannot fly internationally
• Must have solo endorsement within preceding 90 days
• Day weather: flight visibility ≥3 SM, visual reference to surface
• Night weather: flight visibility ≥5 SM, visual reference to surface

Training needed for solo cross-country.

• Cross-country flight planning, dead reckoning, pilotage
• Use of aeronautical charts and navigation systems
• Procurement and analysis of weather reports
• Emergency procedures and lost procedures
• Instructor endorsement for specific route or within 50 NM
• Endorsement valid for 90 days

Lets a student pilot who is pursuing a sport pilot or recreational pilot certificate operate to, from, through, or at airports in Class B, C, and D airspace (and at airports with an operational control tower in other airspace) after receiving the required airspace- and airport-specific training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor.

• Applies to student pilots seeking a sport pilot or recreational pilot certificate
• Requires both ground and flight training on the relevant airspace and airport operations
• Training must cover radio communications, applicable Part 91 flight rules, and operations in the specific airspace/airport
• Training must be received within the 90 days preceding the solo operation
• Requires an instructor logbook endorsement certifying the student is proficient to conduct solo flight in that specific airspace or at that specific airport

Student pilot Class B requirements.

• Must receive ground and flight training for specific Class B airspace
• Specific logbook endorsement required for each Class B
• Some Class B airports prohibit student operations (listed in 91.131)
• Endorsement for specific Class B, not all Class B

States what Subpart D covers and the baseline eligibility a person must meet to apply for a recreational pilot certificate.

• Prescribes the requirements for issuing recreational pilot certificates and ratings and the general operating rules for those who hold them
• Minimum age: at least 17 years old
• English: able to read, speak, write, and understand English (the Administrator may impose operating limitations for an applicant who cannot meet this due to medical reasons)
• Must hold either a student pilot certificate or a sport pilot certificate to be eligible
• Must receive the required ground and flight training and instructor endorsements, pass the knowledge and practical tests, and meet the aeronautical experience of 61.99 for the aircraft category and class rating sought

Lists the ground-knowledge areas a recreational pilot applicant must learn, which may come from an authorized instructor or a home-study course.

• Must receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course on the listed areas
• Applicable Federal Aviation Regulations for recreational pilot privileges, limitations, and flight operations
• NTSB accident reporting requirements and use of the applicable portions of the Aeronautical Information Manual and FAA advisory circulars
• Use of aeronautical charts for VFR navigation using pilotage with the aid of a magnetic compass
• Recognition of critical weather situations, windshear avoidance, and the procurement and use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts
• Safe and efficient aircraft operation including collision avoidance and recognition/avoidance of wake turbulence; effects of density altitude; weight-and-balance computations; principles of aerodynamics, powerplants, and aircraft systems; stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and recovery (for a single-engine airplane rating); aeronautical decision making and judgment; and preflight action

Requires the applicant to receive and log ground and flight training on the areas of operation for the rating sought and to be proficient before the practical test.

• Must receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the areas of operation appropriate to the aircraft category and class rating sought
• Single-engine airplane areas of operation: preflight preparation, preflight procedures, airport operations, takeoffs/landings/go-arounds, performance maneuvers, ground reference maneuvers, navigation, slow flight and stalls, emergency operations, and postflight procedures
• Rotorcraft helicopter substitutes hovering maneuvers, and rotorcraft gyroplane substitutes flight at slow airspeeds, for the slow flight and stalls area
• Recreational pilot ratings under this subpart are single-engine airplane, rotorcraft helicopter, and rotorcraft gyroplane — there is no glider area-of-operation list here
• The instructor must find the applicant proficient in each required area of operation before endorsing the applicant for the practical test

Sets the minimum flight-time requirements an applicant must accumulate before taking the recreational pilot practical test.

• At least 30 hours of total flight time, including at least 15 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and at least 3 hours of solo flight in the aircraft for the rating sought
• Of the 15 hours of flight training: at least 2 hours of training en route to an airport more than 25 nautical miles from where the applicant normally trains, including at least 3 takeoffs and 3 landings
• Of the 15 hours of flight training: 3 hours of training in the aircraft for the rating sought in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months
• All training must be in the aircraft category and class for the rating sought

Provides relief from the more-than-25-nm cross-country training requirement for recreational pilot applicants based on small islands lacking a suitable airport within that distance.

• Applies to an applicant based on an island from which the required cross-country training to an airport more than 25 nm away cannot be accomplished
• Such an applicant need not comply with that cross-country training requirement of 61.99
• If the applicant later moves to a place from which the cross-country training can be obtained, the pilot must then meet the cross-country training requirement before exercising the affected privileges
• An operating limitation may be placed on the certificate and removed once the deferred cross-country training is completed
• Relief is limited to the experience that genuinely cannot be obtained on the island; all other requirements still apply

Defines what a recreational pilot may and may not do, including aircraft, passenger, distance, and airspace restrictions, the conditions for expanding privileges, and the driver's-license medical alternative.

• May carry no more than one passenger and, when carrying a passenger, may not pay less than the pro rata share of operating expenses (limited to fuel, oil, airport expenses, or aircraft rental fees)
• May not act as PIC of an aircraft certificated for more than 4 occupants, with more than one powerplant, with a powerplant of more than 180 horsepower (except aircraft certificated as rotorcraft), or with retractable landing gear
• May not operate for compensation or hire, in furtherance of a business, between sunset and sunrise, in airspace where communication with ATC is required, when flight visibility is less than 3 statute miles, without visual reference to the surface, at an altitude above 10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL (whichever is higher), or outside the U.S. without prior authorization
• May not demonstrate an aircraft in flight to a prospective buyer as a salesperson, tow any object, or act as PIC in a passenger-carrying airlift sponsored by a charitable organization
• May not fly more than 50 nautical miles from the departure airport, or to/from an airport in Class B/C/D airspace or an airport with an operating control tower, unless the pilot has received the required training and a logbook endorsement (61.101(b) for the >50 nm cross-country privilege; 61.101(c)/(d) for the tower/Class B-C-D privilege)
• A recreational pilot with fewer than 400 logged flight hours who has not logged PIC time within the preceding 180 days may not act as PIC until receiving flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor
• May act as PIC without a part 67 medical certificate if the pilot holds and complies with a valid U.S. driver's license and meets the associated conditions

States that this subpart prescribes the requirements for the issuance of private pilot certificates and ratings, the conditions under which those certificates and ratings are necessary, and the privileges and limitations of those certificates and ratings.

• Scope: governs issuance of private pilot certificates and ratings
• Sets the conditions under which a private pilot certificate/rating is required
• Defines the privileges and limitations that attach to the certificate and ratings
• Acts as the gateway/intro section for all of Subpart E

What you need to be eligible.

• Minimum 17 years old (16 for glider/balloon)
• Read, speak, write, and understand English
• Hold a student, sport, or recreational pilot certificate
• Hold at least 3rd class medical or BasicMed
• Receive required training and logbook endorsements (61.107/61.109)
• Pass knowledge test and practical test
• Meet aeronautical experience requirements (61.109)

Knowledge areas for private pilot.

• Applicable FARs, NTSB accident reporting
• Use of aeronautical charts and navigation aids
• Radio communication procedures and ATC
• Weather theory, reports, and forecasts
• Weight and balance, performance calculations
• Aerodynamics, stalls, spins
• Preflight planning and cross-country procedures

Areas of operation for private pilot training.

• Preflight preparation and procedures
• Airport and seaplane base operations
• Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds
• Performance maneuvers (steep turns, etc.)
• Ground reference maneuvers
• Navigation and cross-country
• Slow flight, stalls, emergency operations
• Night operations (if seeking night privileges)

Minimum flight time for private pilot.

• Total: 40 hours minimum (most need 60-70)
• Training: 20 hours with instructor minimum
• Solo: 10 hours minimum
• 3 hours night training including 100 NM cross-country
• 3 hours instrument training
• 3 hours within 2 calendar months of checkride
• 5 hours solo cross-country; the long one ≥150 NM total with full-stop landings at 3+ points and one leg >50 NM straight-line

Night flying limits for certain locations.

• Applies to persons based in Hawaii or other specific locations where night training is limited
• If training in location where night conditions rarely exist: may receive certificate with night restriction
• Private pilot certificate issued with "Night Flying Prohibited" limitation
• Limitation may be removed by completing required night training per 61.109
• Most Continental U.S. students complete night requirements during normal training

Provides relief from the standard solo/training cross-country distance requirement for applicants based on an island from which the required cross-country flight cannot be made without flying over water more than 10 nautical miles from the nearest shoreline.

• Applies to applicants located on an island from which the standard cross-country flight cannot be accomplished without overwater flight more than 10 nautical miles from the nearest shoreline
• Relief applies when no airport meeting the straight-line distance requirement exists within reach without that overwater flight
• If other airports on the island are accessible, the applicant must instead make two round-trip solo flights between the two airports that are farthest apart, including a landing at each airport on both flights
• Certificate issued under this section carries the limitation 'Passenger carrying prohibited on flights more than 10 nautical miles from (the appropriate island)'
• The limitation is removed once the applicant meets the standard 61.109 cross-country requirement

What a Private Pilot can and cannot do.

• Cannot fly for compensation or hire
• Can share operating expenses equally with passengers (fuel, oil, rental)
• Can fly in connection with business if incidental to that business
• Can tow gliders with appropriate rating
• Can act as PIC of aircraft carrying passengers for charity flights (limitations apply)
• Can demonstrate aircraft for sale (200+ hours required)

Imposes a reciprocal limitation on a private pilot certificate with a lighter-than-air category rating and balloon class rating based on whether the practical test was taken in a gas balloon or a balloon with an airborne heater.

• Applies to a private pilot certificate with a balloon class rating in the lighter-than-air category
• Practical test in a balloon with an airborne heater (hot air): certificate limited to balloons with an airborne heater
• Practical test in a gas balloon: certificate limited to gas balloons
• Either limitation can be removed by obtaining the required aeronautical experience in the other balloon type and receiving an authorized instructor's endorsement

Prohibits a private pilot from acting as second in command for compensation or hire in an aircraft type certificated for more than one pilot, or while such an aircraft carries passengers or property for compensation or hire, except as provided in 61.113.

• Except as provided in 61.113, no private pilot may act as second in command for compensation or hire of an aircraft type certificated for more than one pilot
• Also may not act as second in command of such an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire
• Effectively bars a private pilot from being a paid SIC crew member on multi-pilot aircraft
• Cross-references the 61.113 private pilot privilege/limitation exceptions

States that Subpart F prescribes the requirements for issuing commercial pilot certificates and ratings, the conditions under which those certificates and ratings are necessary, and the privileges and limitations that apply to them.

• Covers the requirements for issuing commercial pilot certificates and ratings
• Sets the conditions under which those certificates and ratings are necessary
• Establishes the privileges and limitations of commercial pilot certificates and ratings

Lists the baseline eligibility a person must meet to be eligible for a commercial pilot certificate.

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
• Hold at least a private pilot certificate issued under Part 61, or meet the requirements of 61.73
• Receive and log the required ground and flight training and obtain the instructor endorsements for the knowledge and practical tests
• Pass the required aeronautical knowledge test (61.125 areas) and the practical test (61.127(b) areas)
• Meet the aeronautical experience requirements before applying for the practical test
• Comply with the applicable sections for the aircraft category and class rating sought

Specifies the ground-training knowledge areas a commercial applicant must receive and log before taking the knowledge test.

• Ground training from an authorized instructor or completion of a home-study course on the listed knowledge areas
• Regulations applicable to commercial pilot privileges, limitations, and flight operations
• Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board
• Basic aerodynamics and the principles of flight
• Meteorology, including critical weather situations, windshear, and the use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts
• Use of aeronautical charts and a magnetic compass for pilotage and dead reckoning
• Weight and balance computations, aircraft performance, and night and high-altitude operations
• Procedures for operating within the National Airspace System

Requires logged flight training and proficiency in specified areas of operation, which vary by the aircraft category and class for which the rating is sought.

• Training from an authorized instructor on the areas of operation for the category and class sought
• Airplane areas include preflight, performance maneuvers, ground reference maneuvers, navigation, slow flight and stalls, emergency operations, high-altitude operations, and postflight procedures
• Areas of operation are tailored separately for airplane, rotorcraft, powered-lift, glider, balloon, airship, and powered parachute
• Applicant must receive and log training on each area of operation for the certificate sought

Sets the minimum hours and specific flight experience needed for a commercial pilot certificate, broken out by aircraft category and class.

• Airplane single-engine: 250 hours total flight time, including 100 hours in powered aircraft (50 in airplanes) and 100 hours PIC (50 in airplanes, 50 in cross-country with at least 10 in airplanes)
• 20 hours of training including 10 hours instrument (5 in a single-engine airplane) and 10 hours in a complex, turbine-powered, or technically advanced airplane (TAA)
• Dual day XC: one 2-hour cross-country in a single-engine airplane over a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nm; dual night XC: one 2-hour cross-country over more than 100 nm straight-line distance
• 3 hours in a single-engine airplane with an instructor in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months
• 10 hours solo (or performing PIC duties) in a single-engine airplane, including a cross-country with landings at three points (one leg at least 250 nm straight-line) and 5 hours night VFR with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings at a towered airport
• Multiengine airplane, rotorcraft, powered-lift, glider, and other categories have their own hour breakdowns in the corresponding paragraphs

Allows the 61.129 night-flight experience to be deferred for an applicant who receives flight training in and resides in Alaska, with a corresponding 'night flying prohibited' limitation on the certificate.

• Applies to an applicant who receives flight training in, and resides in, the State of Alaska
• Such an applicant who does not meet the night requirements may still be issued the certificate with the limitation 'night flying prohibited'
• The night flight training must be completed within the 12-calendar-month period after the certificate is issued, or the certificate becomes invalid until the requirements are met
• The limitation is removed when the applicant completes the night flight training and presents an authorized instructor's logbook or training-record endorsement verifying it

Defines what a commercial pilot may be paid to do and the limitations on those privileges, including carrying persons or property for compensation or hire.

• May act as PIC of an aircraft carrying persons or property for compensation or hire, and for compensation or hire, subject to the limitations of this section
• A commercial airplane or powered-lift certificate issued without an instrument rating carries the limitation prohibiting the carriage of passengers for hire on cross-country flights over 50 nm or at night
• That limitation is removed when the pilot obtains an instrument rating in the same category and class of aircraft
• Commercial privileges are further constrained by other parts governing commercial operations (e.g., Parts 119, 121, and 135)

States that Subpart G prescribes the requirements for issuing airline transport pilot (ATP) certificates and ratings, the conditions under which they are necessary, and the privileges and limitations of those certificates and ratings.

• Scope: governs ATP certificates and associated category/class/type ratings
• Covers eligibility, aeronautical knowledge, experience, and skill requirements for the ATP
• Defines privileges and limitations of ATP certificate holders
• Applies to airplane, rotorcraft, and powered-lift categories

Lists the baseline eligibility a person must meet to be issued an ATP certificate, including age, language, character, certificate held, and knowledge/practical test requirements.

• Age: at least 23 years old (or at least 21 for the restricted-privileges ATP under 61.160)
• English: able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
• Character: be of good moral character
• Certificate held: hold at least a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating, or meet the military/foreign-license equivalents in 61.73/61.75
• Must pass the required aeronautical knowledge test and practical test for the ATP certificate and rating sought

Specifies the aeronautical knowledge areas an ATP applicant must have received and logged ground training on and be tested on.

• Applicant must receive and log ground training on the listed knowledge areas
• Areas include applicable FARs, meteorology (fronts, icing, thunderstorms, windshear/microburst awareness and avoidance), and weather/NOTAM gathering and use
• Air navigation under IMC, air traffic control procedures, and pilot responsibilities
• Crew resource management, human factors, aeronautical decision-making and judgment
• Aircraft loading, weight and balance, and performance; for multiengine airplane ratings, the content of the ATP CTP in 61.156

Requires ATP applicants for a multiengine airplane class rating (or concurrent multiengine type rating) to complete an FAA-approved ATP Certification Training Program (ATP CTP) before taking the knowledge test, including academic and flight-simulation-device training.

• ATP CTP: required for the multiengine airplane class rating before the ATP knowledge test
• Academic training: at least 30 hours of classroom instruction (aerodynamics, meteorology, air carrier operations, and leadership/professional development)
• Flight-simulation training: at least 10 hours in a flight simulation training device
• Of that, at least 6 hours must be in a Level C or higher full flight simulator representing a multiengine turbine airplane with a maximum takeoff weight of 40,000 pounds or greater
• Training must cover adverse weather (icing, windshear, low-energy/high-energy states), automation management, and upset recovery

Sets the practical-test areas of operation an ATP applicant must demonstrate, and establishes that a type-rating practical test in an applicable airplane is conducted to ATP standards.

• Applicant must pass a practical test on the areas of operation listed for the certificate/rating sought
• Areas of operation include preflight preparation/procedures, takeoff and departure, in-flight maneuvers, instrument procedures, landings and approaches to landings, and normal/abnormal/emergency procedures
• Type rating: an ATP practical test in a type-rating-required airplane is conducted to ATP practical test standards
• Powered-lift and rotorcraft category ATPs have their own listed areas of operation
• References the ACS/PTS for the specific tasks and tolerances

Establishes the standard 1,500-hour aeronautical experience requirement for an ATP certificate with an airplane category and class rating, with specific cross-country, night, instrument, and PIC component minimums.

• 1,500 hours total time as a pilot, including the components below
• 500 hours of cross-country flight time
• 100 hours of night flight time
• 75 hours of instrument flight time (actual or simulated), in flight or in a flight simulator/FTD
• 250 hours of pilot-in-command time (or SIC performing PIC duties under supervision), including 100 hours cross-country and 25 hours at night
• No more than 100 of the 1,500 hours may be obtained in a full flight simulator or flight training device

Provides reduced total-time pathways (the restricted-privileges or R-ATP) allowing certain military pilots and graduates of approved degree programs to qualify for an ATP certificate with fewer than 1,500 hours.

• Military pilots: 750 hours total time
• Bachelor's degree with an approved aviation major and required coursework: 1,000 hours total time
• Associate's degree with an approved aviation major: 1,250 hours total time
• All R-ATP pathways still require the cross-country, night, instrument, and PIC subcomponents of 61.159, with cross-country reduced to 200 hours
• Applicant must be at least 21 years old for the restricted-privileges ATP
• Restricted privileges convert to unrestricted at 1,500 hours and age 23

Sets the aeronautical experience minimums for an ATP certificate with a rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating.

• 1,200 hours total time as a pilot, including the components below
• 500 hours of cross-country flight time
• 100 hours of night flight time, of which 15 hours are in helicopters
• 75 hours of instrument flight time (actual or simulated), of which at least 50 hours are in flight with at least 25 hours in helicopters
• 200 hours in helicopters, including at least 75 hours as PIC (or SIC performing PIC duties)

Sets the aeronautical experience minimums for an ATP certificate with a powered-lift category rating.

• 1,500 hours total time as a pilot, including the components below
• 500 hours of cross-country flight time
• 100 hours of night flight time
• 75 hours of instrument flight time (actual or simulated) in flight or in a simulator/FTD
• 250 hours of pilot-in-command time (or SIC performing PIC duties under supervision), including 100 hours cross-country and 25 hours at night
• No more than 100 hours of the total time may be obtained in a flight simulator or FTD

Describes the eligibility, knowledge, experience, and practical-test requirements for adding another aircraft category or class rating to an existing ATP certificate.

• Adding a category rating: meet the eligibility requirements of 61.153, the aeronautical experience requirements of that category, and pass the required knowledge and practical tests
• Adding a class rating within a category already held at the ATP level: meet the experience requirements and pass a practical test, with no additional knowledge test required
• Multiengine airplane class added to an ATP: must also complete the ATP CTP requirements of 61.156
• Powered-lift and rotorcraft additions follow that category's experience requirements

States what an ATP certificate holder may do and the conditions/limitations on exercising those privileges.

• Privileges: exercise all the privileges of a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating
• May instruct other pilots in air transportation service in aircraft of the category, class, and type for which rated, and endorse the logbook or training record
• Instruction is capped at 8 hours in any 24 consecutive hours and 36 hours in any 7 consecutive days, and requires aircraft with functioning dual controls (or a simulator/FTD)
• Limited to the aircraft category, class, and type ratings listed on the certificate
• Restricted-privileges (R-ATP) holders may not serve as PIC in Part 121 operations until reaching unrestricted ATP eligibility

Allows an accredited institution of higher education to apply for a letter of authorization to certify its graduates for the reduced aeronautical experience requirements of the restricted-privileges ATP under 61.160.

• An accredited institution of higher education may apply to the FAA for a letter of authorization
• The authorization lets the institution certify its graduates for the reduced-hour R-ATP pathways in 61.160 (1,000- or 1,250-hour bachelor's/associate's pathways)
• The institution must comply with the terms of the letter and verify that graduates meet the required academic and aeronautical experience standards before certifying them
• The Administrator may rescind or amend the letter of authorization if the institution is not complying with its provisions

States that this subpart prescribes the requirements for issuing flight instructor certificates and ratings, the conditions for those certificates, and the limitations and privileges that apply to them. It does not apply to flight instructors with a sport pilot rating.

• Scope: governs issuance of flight instructor certificates and ratings (other than flight instructors with a sport pilot rating)
• Covers the general operating rules for persons who hold those certificates
• Establishes the conditions, limitations, and privileges tied to the certificate
• Applies to flight instructor applicants and certificate holders

Lists everything an applicant must have or do to qualify for an initial flight instructor certificate, from age and language to the required knowledge, spin, and practical-test items.

• Age: at least 18 years old
• Read, speak, write, and understand English
• Hold a commercial or airline transport pilot certificate with an aircraft rating appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought
• Hold an instrument rating (or privileges) on the pilot certificate when applying for an airplane or powered-lift instructor rating
• Receive and log ground training on the fundamentals of instructing and pass the FOI knowledge test, plus the aeronautical-knowledge test for the rating sought
• For a single-engine airplane or glider rating, receive a logbook endorsement certifying spin-training competency
• Receive a flight-proficiency endorsement and pass the practical test for the rating sought

Specifies the ground-instruction subject areas an applicant must have received and logged training in for the flight instructor knowledge requirement.

• Fundamentals of instructing: the learning process, elements of effective teaching, student evaluation and testing, course development, lesson planning, and classroom training techniques
• Aeronautical knowledge areas applicable to the rating sought, drawn from the corresponding recreational, private, and commercial pilot knowledge requirements
• For an instrument instructor rating, the aeronautical knowledge areas applicable to the instrument rating sought
• Training must be received and logged from an authorized instructor

Requires that an applicant receive and log flight and ground training in the listed areas of operation appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought, with a logbook endorsement of proficiency to pass the practical test.

• Training and a proficiency endorsement required in each listed area of operation for the rating sought
• Common areas include: fundamentals of instructing; technical subject areas; preflight preparation; preflight lesson on a maneuver to be performed in flight; preflight procedures
• Flight areas (airplane): airport and seaplane base operations; takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds; fundamentals of flight; performance maneuvers; ground reference maneuvers
• Slow flight, stalls, and spins; basic instrument maneuvers; emergency operations; postflight procedures
• Specific area-of-operation lists differ by category and class (airplane, rotorcraft, glider, powered-lift, etc.)

Requires flight instructors to keep records of the endorsements and recommendations they give and to retain those records for a set period.

• Must sign the logbook of each person to whom flight or ground training was given, or an endorsement
• Maintain a record of the name of each person whose logbook or application was endorsed for a knowledge or practical test, including the kind of test, the date, and the result
• Maintain a record of each endorsement for solo flight privileges, including the type of endorsement and the date given
• Retain the required records for at least 3 years

Sets the requirements for the holder of a flight instructor certificate to add another category or class rating to that certificate.

• Must hold a flight instructor certificate
• Must hold a pilot certificate with the category and class rating appropriate to the additional flight instructor rating sought
• Must receive the required training and logbook endorsement on the areas of operation for the additional rating
• Must pass the practical test for the additional flight instructor rating

Lists what a person who holds a flight instructor certificate is authorized to train for and endorse, within the limits of that certificate and the instructor's pilot ratings.

• Give training and endorsements required for a student, recreational, private, commercial, or instrument rating, a flight review, or an operating privilege
• Endorse an applicant for a knowledge or practical test, and endorse a pilot logbook for solo flight and solo cross-country flight privileges
• Endorse for an additional aircraft category or class rating, an instrument rating, a type rating, or for a U.S. pilot certificate based on a foreign license
• Endorse additional privileges such as high-performance, complex, high-altitude, or tailwheel operations
• Privileges are limited to the ratings on the instructor's certificate and the areas of operation for which the instructor is qualified

What CFIs can and cannot do.

• Cannot endorse for certificate beyond own certificate level
• Must have 200 hours to give instrument instruction in airplane
• Cannot conduct more than 8 hours instruction in 24 hours

Establishes the recent-experience an instructor must have within the preceding 24 calendar months to continue exercising the privileges of a flight instructor certificate.

• An instructor may exercise certificate privileges only if, within the preceding 24 calendar months, one of the listed recent-experience requirements is met
• Pass a practical test for one of the ratings on the flight instructor certificate, or for an additional rating
• Endorse at least 5 applicants for a practical test in the preceding 24 calendar months, with at least 80% passing on the first attempt
• Complete an approved flight instructor refresher course within the preceding 3 calendar months
• Serve as a company check pilot, chief flight instructor, or evaluator under part 121 or 135, pass a U.S. Armed Forces instructor proficiency check, or complete an FAA-sponsored pilot proficiency program meeting the rule's criteria, within the preceding 24 calendar months

Explains how a person who no longer meets the recent-experience requirements of 61.197 can reinstate flight instructor privileges.

• Requires filing a completed and signed application with the FAA
• If the recent-experience period lapsed 3 calendar months ago or less, complete an approved flight instructor refresher course (ground, flight, or a combination)
• If more than 3 calendar months have passed, pass a practical test for one of the ratings on the certificate or for an additional rating
• Military option: present documentation of passing a U.S. Armed Forces instructor proficiency check, or completion of Armed Forces instructor training with an additional aircraft qualification, within the required timeframe
• No separate knowledge test is required for reinstatement

States that Subpart I prescribes the requirements for issuing ground instructor certificates and ratings, the conditions under which those certificates and ratings are necessary, and the limitations upon those certificates and ratings.

• Defines the scope of Subpart I: ground instructor certificates and ratings
• Covers the requirements for issuance of the certificate and ratings
• Covers the conditions under which a ground instructor certificate/rating is necessary
• Covers the limitations upon the certificate and ratings

Lists what an applicant must meet to be eligible for a ground instructor certificate or rating: minimum age, English language ability, a fundamentals-of-instructing knowledge test (with exceptions), and an aeronautical knowledge test appropriate to the basic, advanced, or instrument ground instructor rating sought.

• Age: at least 18 years old
• Language: able to read, write, speak, and understand English (the Administrator may impose operating limitations if medical reasons prevent meeting a requirement)
• Fundamentals-of-instructing knowledge test required, covering the learning process, effective teaching, student evaluation and testing, course development, lesson planning, and classroom training techniques
• FOI test not required if the applicant holds a ground or flight instructor certificate under Part 61, holds a state/county/city/municipal teacher's certificate for 7th grade or higher, or is employed as a teacher at an accredited college or university
• Aeronautical knowledge test required for the rating sought: basic ground instructor (sections 61.97, 61.105, 61.309); advanced ground instructor (sections 61.97, 61.105, 61.125, 61.155, 61.309); instrument ground instructor (section 61.65)

Defines what each ground instructor rating allows the holder to teach, the flight reviews they may give ground training for, and the knowledge-test recommendations they may make, scaled to the basic, advanced, or instrument rating held.

• Basic ground instructor: ground training in the aeronautical knowledge areas for sport, recreational, and private pilot certificates or associated ratings; ground training for those flight reviews; and recommendations for those knowledge tests
• Advanced ground instructor: ground training in the aeronautical knowledge areas for any certificate or rating except instrument ratings; ground training for flight reviews except instrument ratings; and recommendations for any knowledge test except instrument ratings
• Instrument ground instructor: ground training in the aeronautical knowledge areas for instrument ratings; ground training for instrument proficiency checks; and recommendations for the instrument rating knowledge test
• May endorse logbooks within the limitations of the rating held for training or recommendations provided
• Ground training to an initial flight instructor applicant may only be provided by an authorized instructor under section 61.195(h)(1)

A ground instructor may not perform ground instructor duties unless one of four qualifying activities occurred during the preceding 12 calendar months.

• Look-back window: the preceding 12 calendar months
• Option 1: employment or activity as a ground instructor giving pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor training
• Option 2: employment or activity as a flight instructor giving pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor ground or flight training
• Option 3: completion of an approved flight instructor refresher course and receipt of a graduation certificate for that course
• Option 4: an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying demonstrated knowledge in the subject areas of section 61.213(a)(3) and (a)(4), as appropriate

Introduces Subpart J, explaining that it prescribes the certification and operating rules for sport pilots and applies to anyone applying for or exercising sport pilot privileges.

• Establishes who needs a sport pilot certificate and the conditions for exercising those privileges
• Applies to applicants for a sport pilot certificate and to current sport pilots
• Covers aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, aeronautical experience, and operating limitations
• Subpart J is the controlling subpart for the sport pilot certificate

Sets out, in table form, the operating limits and endorsements that apply when operating an aircraft meeting the § 61.316 limits, keyed to the certificate you hold and your medical-qualification basis (medical certificate vs. U.S. driver's license).

• Requirements depend on whether you hold a medical certificate, only a U.S. driver's license, or neither
• Requirements also depend on the certificate level held — sport, recreational, private, commercial, or ATP
• A sport pilot must hold the endorsements required by this subpart and comply with the limits in § 61.315
• A pilot using only a driver's license must not know of any medical condition that would make operating unsafe
• Higher-rated pilots flying a § 61.316 aircraft generally face fewer sport-pilot-specific endorsement requirements

States the minimum age and English-language ability an applicant must meet to be eligible for a sport pilot certificate.

• Minimum age is 17 years old for aircraft other than gliders and balloons
• Minimum age is 16 years old for a glider or balloon
• Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
• The FAA may place operating limitations on the certificate if a medical condition limits English ability

Identifies the knowledge test and practical test required for the sport pilot certificate.

• Must pass a knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas of § 61.309
• Must pass a practical test on the areas of operation in § 61.311
• The practical test is taken in the category and class of aircraft for which privileges are sought
• Both tests are prerequisites to certificate issuance

Lists the aeronautical knowledge areas in which an applicant must receive and log ground training before taking the knowledge test.

• Applicable Federal Aviation Regulations for sport pilot privileges, limits, and flight operations
• Accident reporting requirements of the NTSB
• Use of applicable portions of the Aeronautical Information Manual and FAA advisory circulars
• Use of aeronautical charts for VFR navigation using pilotage, dead reckoning, and navigation systems
• Radio communication procedures, recognition of critical weather, use of weather reports and forecasts, and aeronautical decision making
• Aircraft performance, weight and balance, principles of aerodynamics, stall awareness, and preflight actions

Lists the areas of operation in which an applicant must receive and log flight training and demonstrate proficiency for the applicable aircraft category and class.

• Preflight preparation, preflight procedures, and airport/seaplane base/gliderport operations
• Takeoffs (or launches), landings, and go-arounds
• Performance maneuvers and ground reference maneuvers, as applicable to the category and class
• Navigation, slow flight, stalls, and emergency operations
• Postflight procedures must also be demonstrated
• Areas of operation vary by the aircraft category and class being sought

Sets the minimum total and specific flight-time requirements for each aircraft category and class for which sport pilot privileges are sought.

• Airplane: 20 hours total, including 15 hours dual, 5 hours solo, 2 hours cross-country dual, and 10 takeoffs/landings to a full stop
• Weight-shift-control: 20 hours total, including 15 dual, 5 solo, 2 hours cross-country dual, and 10 takeoffs/landings to a full stop
• Powered parachute: 12 hours total, including 10 dual, 2 solo, 1 hour cross-country dual, and 20 takeoffs/landings to a full stop
• Glider (without 20+ hours heavier-than-air time): 10 hours total, 10 dual flights, 2 hours solo, and 5 solo launches/landings
• Gyroplane: 20 hours total; airship: 20 hours total; balloon: 7 hours total — each with its own specified breakdown
• Includes a recency requirement of flight training within the preceding 2 calendar months in preparation for the practical test

Defines what a sport pilot may do and the operating limitations that always apply to sport pilot operations.

• May act as PIC of an aircraft meeting the § 61.316 limits, except as otherwise provided
• No carriage of persons or property for compensation or hire, and no operation in furtherance of a business
• May share operating expenses with a passenger limited to fuel, oil, airport expenses, or rental, paying at least half
• No more than one passenger; visibility at least 3 statute miles with visual reference to the surface
• No flight above 10,000 ft MSL or 2,000 ft AGL (whichever is higher), and not in Class A airspace
• No flight at night except under § 61.329; no flight in Class B, C, or D airspace or at a towered airport without the § 61.325 endorsement; no towing; no flight outside the U.S. without prior authorization

Specifies the performance limits and design characteristics an aircraft must meet for a sport pilot to operate it as pilot in command.

• Stall speed (Vs1) without lift-enhancing devices of not more than 45 knots CAS for most aircraft
• For airplanes, a maximum stall speed (Vs0) of 59 knots CAS at maximum certificated takeoff weight
• Maximum of two occupants for most aircraft, and up to four persons for an airplane
• If equipped with a cabin, the cabin must be non-pressurized
• Additional category-specific design rules apply (e.g., rotor system for gyroplanes, landing gear and propeller provisions)
• Operating an aircraft with retractable gear or a manual controllable-pitch propeller requires the § 61.331 endorsement

Clarifies that a sport pilot certificate is issued without category and class ratings; privileges instead come from logbook endorsements.

• The FAA issues the sport pilot certificate without any category or class ratings
• The FAA provides a logbook endorsement for the category and class in which you may act as PIC
• Privileges to fly a given category and class come from a logbook endorsement, not from ratings on the certificate
• This differs from recreational and private certificates, which carry category and class ratings

Describes the training, endorsement, and proficiency-check process for adding privileges to operate a category or class of aircraft beyond the one a sport pilot already flies.

• Receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the § 61.309 knowledge areas and § 61.311 areas of operation for the additional category/class
• Receive a logbook endorsement from the training instructor attesting proficiency
• Successfully complete a proficiency check from an authorized instructor other than the one who provided the training
• Receive a logbook endorsement from the checking instructor for the additional category and class

Sets the training and endorsement requirements for a sport pilot to operate in Class B, C, or D airspace or at an airport with an operating control tower.

• Receive and log ground and flight training on the use of radios, communications, navigation systems/facilities, and radar services
• Complete training on the applicable part 91 flight rules and ATC clearances for Class B, C, and D airspace
• Perform three takeoffs and landings to a full stop, each involving a flight in the traffic pattern, at an airport with an operating control tower
• Receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor certifying proficiency to conduct those operations

Requires a sport pilot to obtain a logbook endorsement before operating an aircraft based on its maximum speed in level flight with maximum continuous power (VH), with a threshold at 87 knots CAS.

• VH at or below 87 knots CAS: requires training in such an aircraft and a logbook endorsement of proficiency
• VH greater than 87 knots CAS: requires training in such an aircraft and a logbook endorsement of proficiency
• Training is given by an authorized instructor in an aircraft of the applicable VH range
• The training and endorsement are not required if you logged PIC time in a qualifying aircraft before April 2, 2010
• VH is the aircraft's maximum speed in level flight with maximum continuous power

Sets the training, medical-eligibility, and endorsement requirements for a sport pilot to exercise night flying privileges.

• Receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on night operations
• Night flight training including a cross-country flight and the required takeoffs and full-stop landings at night
• Hold a medical certificate under part 67 or meet the conditions specified for operating under § 61.113(i)
• Receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor certifying night-operation proficiency for the category and class

Sets the requirements for a sport pilot to operate an aircraft with retractable landing gear or an airplane with a manual controllable-pitch propeller.

• Meet the requirements of § 61.31(e), or receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor and obtain an endorsement
• Applies to operating an aircraft with retractable landing gear
• Applies to operating an airplane with a manual controllable-pitch propeller
• Receive a logbook endorsement certifying proficiency in the applicable operations

Ground-based and satellite navaids for VFR and IFR.

• VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range): ground station that broadcasts 360 radials — tune, identify (Morse code or voice), then navigate TO or FROM the station
• VOR accuracy check required for IFR every 30 days (§91.171); VFR use does not require a formal check but verify the station is operational
• VOR service volumes: Terminal (25 NM / 12,000'), Low (40 NM / 18,000'), High (40-130 NM depending on altitude)
• NDB (Non-Directional Beacon): low-frequency; ADF receiver points to the station — subject to errors like lightning, shoreline effect, mountain effect
• DME (Distance Measuring Equipment): paired with VOR/ILS, provides slant-range distance in NM — reads high when close and high above the station
• GPS: satellite-based, most accurate civil navigation today — requires RAIM for IFR; for VFR it is a supplemental aid

WAAS and RAIM — how GPS accuracy and integrity are maintained.

• WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System): ground stations correct GPS errors, improving accuracy to ~3 meters — enables LPV approaches (near-ILS precision)
• RAIM (Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring): GPS receiver cross-checks satellites to detect faulty signals — required for IFR GPS use
• RAIM requires 5 satellites for fault detection, 6 for fault exclusion — if RAIM is unavailable, the GPS approach is not authorized
• For VFR: GPS is excellent supplemental navigation but you must still be able to navigate by pilotage, dead reckoning, and VOR if the GPS fails

NDB operation, ADF usage, and common errors.

• NDB transmits a nondirectional signal; ADF (Automatic Direction Finder) in the cockpit points the needle toward the station
• To track TO an NDB: keep the ADF needle on the nose; FROM: keep it on the tail — wind correction required
• Relative bearing + magnetic heading = magnetic bearing TO the station
• Common errors (SUNTOMD): Static, Uneven terrain, Night effect, Terrain, Oscillation, Mountain, Dipping — NDBs are less reliable than VOR/GPS
• Compass locators: low-power NDBs co-located at outer/middle markers of an ILS — help identify approach fixes