(a) This part prescribes the requirements for issuing pilot, flight instructor, and ground instructor
certificates and ratings, the conditions under which those certificates and ratings are necessary, and the
authorizations, privileges, and limitations of those certificates and ratings.
(b) This part prescribes the requirements for issuing pilot, flight instructor, and ground instructor
certificates and ratings for persons who have taken courses approved by the Administrator under other
parts of this chapter
Sec. 61.1a Clarification of terms.
For the purposes of this part:
(a) Aeronautical experience means pilot time obtained in an aircraft, flight simulator, or flight training
device for meeting the appropriate training and flight time for an airman certificate, rating, flight review,
or recency of flight experience, of this part.
(b) Airman certificate means all pilot certificates (other than a student pilot certificate), flight instructor
certificates, and ground instructor certificates issued under this part.
(c) Authorized ground instructor means--
(1) A person who holds a current ground instructor certificate issued under this part with ratings that
apply to the training being given, and that person is authorized by the Administrator to give the training;
or
(2) Any other person authorized by the Administrator to give ground training under this part in
accordance with privileges and limitations specified by the Administrator.
(d) Authorized flight instructor means--
(1) A person who holds a current flight instructor certificate issued under this chapter with ratings that
apply to the training being given, and that person is authorized by the Administrator to give the training;
or
(2) Any other person authorized by the Administrator to give flight training under this part in
accordance with privileges and limitations specified by the Administrator.
(e) Cross-country time means that time obtained in actual flight and, except as provided in paragraph
(f)(3) of this section, each flight must include a landing at a point other than the point of departure, and--
(1) The person must--
(i) Hold a private, commercial pilot, or airline transport certificate issued under this part; and
(ii) Have used dead reckoning, pilotage, electronic navigation aids, or
radio aids to navigate to the landing point.
(2) For the purpose of meeting the cross-country time eligibility requirements for a private or
commercial pilot certificate or an instrument rating, the person must have obtained the time in actual
flight, and--
(i) The point of landing must be at least a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles from the
point of departure; and
(ii) Dead reckoning, pilotage, electronic navigation aids, or radio aids were used to navigate to the
landing point.
(3) For a military pilot, who holds or is qualified for a private or commercial pilot certificate under Sec.
61.73 of this part, cross-country time is that time obtained--
(i) In actual flight in a military aircraft; and
(ii) On a flight that is at least a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles from the point of
departure, and dead reckoning, pilotage, electronic navigation aids, or radio aids were used for
navigation.
(f) Examiner means any person who is authorized by the Administrator to conduct a practical test for
an airman certificate or rating issued under this part, or a person who is authorized to conduct a
knowledge test under this part.
(g) Flight training means that training, other than ground training, received from an authorized flight
instructor in actual flight in an aircraft.
(h) Ground training means that training, other than flight training, received from an authorized ground
or flight instructor.
(i) Instrument approach means an approach procedure, defined in part 97 of this chapter, that is
conducted to an established minimum descent altitude (MDA) or decision height (DH), or if necessary, to
a higher altitude selected by the air traffic control (ATC) facility with jurisdiction over that airspace for
safety reasons.
(j) Instrument Training means that time in which instrument training is received from an authorized
flight instructor under actual or simulated instrument flight conditions.
(k) Knowledge Test means a test on the aeronautical knowledge areas required for an airman certificate
or rating that can be administered in a written form or by computer.
(l) Pilot Time means that time in which a person operates as a required pilot, receives training from an
authorized instructor, gives training as an authorized flight instructor in an aircraft, or gives training as
an authorized flight or ground instructor in an approved flight simulator, or approved flight training
device.
(m) Practical test means a test on the approved areas of operations for an airman certificate, a rating, or
an authorization that is conducted by having the applicant respond to questions and demonstrate
maneuvers in actual flight, an approved flight simulator, or approved flight training device.
(n) Supervised PIC time is flight time in an aircraft that applies to either a student pilot or pilot who is
not rated in the aircraft flown, but is under the supervision and authorization of an authorized flight
instructor to conduct the flight. Depending on the crew compliment specifications set forth in the
aircraft's flight manual, the flight instructor may be onboard the aircraft in an assigned crewmember
position. In those cases, the flight instructor shall act in the capacity of an assigned crew member and
evaluate the person's ability to act as a pilot in command.
(o) Training time means training received in actual flight from an authorized flight instructor, on the
ground from an authorized ground or flight instructor, or in a flight simulator or flight training device
from an authorized ground or flight instructor.
Sec. 61.2 Certification of foreign pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors.
(a) Except as provided for in paragraph (b) of this section, an airman certificate may not be issued to a
person who is not a citizen of the United States or a resident alien of the United States unless that person
satisfactorily accomplishes the appropriate knowledge or practical test within the United States.
(b) A person who is not a citizen of the United States or a resident alien of the United States may be
issued an airman certificate, and the knowledge and practical test for that certificate may be administered
outside the United States when:
(1) The Administrator determines the person needs a pilot certificate to operate as a required pilot
crewmember of a civil aircraft of U.S. registry:
(2) The Administrator determines the person needs a flight instructor or ground instructor certificate to
train persons who are citizens or resident aliens of the United States:
(3) The certificate is for an addition of a category, class, instrument, or type rating onto an existing U.S.
pilot certificate, and provided the certificate is not one that was issued on the basis of a foreign pilot
license:
(4) The certificate is for an addition, renewal, or reinstatement of a category, class, or instrument rating
onto an existing U.S. flight instructor certificate; or
(5) The certificate is for an addition, renewal, or reinstatement of a category rating onto an existing
U.S. ground instructor certificate.
Sec. 61.3 Requirement for certificates, ratings, and authorizations.
(a) Pilot certificate. Persons may not act as pilot in command or in any other capacity as a required pilot
of a civil aircraft of U.S. registry, unless they have a valid airman certificate in their physical possession
or readily accessible in the aircraft when exercising the privileges of their airman certificate.
(b) Required pilot certificate for operating a foreign registered aircraft. Persons may not act as pilot in
command or in any other capacity as a required pilot of a civil aircraft of foreign registry within the
United States, unless their airman certificate:
(1) Is valid and in their physical possession, or readily accessible in the aircraft when exercising the
privileges of their airman certificate; and
(2) Has been issued under this part or by the country in which the aircraft is registered.
(c) Medical certificate.
(1) Except as provided for in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, a person who is serving as a required
crewmember under any part of this chapter must have a:
(i) Current and appropriate medical certificate that has been issued under part 67 of this chapter;
and
(ii) Medical certificate in the person's physical possession or readily accessible in the aircraft when
exercising the privileges of that airman certificate.
(2) A person is not required to meet the requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this section, if that
person:
(i) Is holding a pilot or flight instructor certificate with a balloon or a glider rating and is piloting or
training in a balloon or a glider as appropriate:
(ii) Is a student pilot who is seeking a recreational pilot certificate, or who is seeking a pilot certificate
with a glider category rating or balloon class rating:
(iii) Is exercising the privileges of a recreational pilot certificate:
(iv) Is exercising the privileges of a flight instructor certificate, provided the person is not serving as a
required crewmember or as the pilot-in-command:
(v) Is exercising the privileges of a ground instructor certificate:
(vi) Is operating an aircraft within a foreign country with a pilot certificate issued by that country and is
using that foreign-issued pilot license and medical certificate; or
(vii) Is operating an aircraft with a U.S. pilot certificate issued on the basis of a foreign pilot license,
issued under Sec. 61.75 of this part, and holds a current medical certificate issued by the foreign country
that issued the foreign pilot license.
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(d) Flight instructor certificate.
(1) Persons who hold a flight instructor certificate must have that certificate in their physical possession
or readily accessible in the aircraft when exercising the privileges of that flight instructor certificate.
(2) Except as provided in paragraphs (d) (3) and (4) of this section, no person other than the holder of a
flight instructor certificate with the appropriate rating on that certificate or a person authorized by the
Administrator may:
(i) Give training required to qualify a person for supervised PIC flight and supervised PIC cross-country
flight:
(ii) Endorse on a pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate or rating issued under this
part:
(iii) Endorse a pilot logbook to show training given; or
(iv) Endorse a student pilot certificate or logbook for supervised PIC operating privileges.
(3) A flight instructor certificate is not necessary if:
(i) The training is in accordance with a part 121 or part 135 air carrier approved training program:
(ii) The training is given by the holder of an airline transport pilot certificate under part 121 or 135 of
this chapter; and
(iii) The person receiving the training and the person giving the training are employees of that air
carrier.
(4) A flight instructor certificate is not necessary if the training is given by an instructor as prescribed
in Sec. 61.41 of this part.
(e) Instrument rating. Except as provided for in paragraph (k)(4) of this section, no person may act as
pilot in command of a civil aircraft under IFR or in weather conditions less than the minimums prescribed
for VFR flight unless that person holds:
(1) The appropriate aircraft category, class, type, if required, and instrument rating on that person's
pilot certificate for the aircraft being flown:
(2) An airline transport pilot certificate with the appropriate aircraft category, class, and type rating, if
required, for the aircraft being flown; or
(3) For a glider, the appropriate glider class rating on that person's pilot certificate and:
(i) An airplane single-engine class rating with an instrument-airplane single-engine rating; or
(ii) An airline transport pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine class rating.
(f) Category II pilot authorization. Except as provided in paragraph (f)(3) of this section, no person may
act as a required pilot flight crewmember of a civil aircraft in a Category II operation unless that person
meets the following requirements of this paragraph:
(1) The pilot in command must hold a current Category II pilot authorization for that type aircraft, and-
-
(i) Hold a private pilot or commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating or an airline transport
pilot certificate, appropriate to the category and class of aircraft to be flown, and hold a current Category
II pilot authorization for that type aircraft; or
(ii) For a civil aircraft of foreign registry, be authorized by the country where the aircraft is registered to
conduct Category II operations.
(2) The second in command must--
(i) Hold a private pilot or commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating, or an airline transport
pilot certificate, appropriate to the category and class of aircraft to be flown.
(ii) For a civil aircraft of foreign registry, be authorized by the country where the aircraft is registered to
conduct Category II operations as a second in command.
(3) paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this section do not apply to pilots conducting Category II operations
under part 121 or part 135 of this chapter.
(g) Category A aircraft authorization. The Administrator may issue a certificate of authorization for a
Category II operation to the pilot of a small aircraft that is a Category A aircraft, as identified in Sec.
97.3(b)(1) of this chapter if:
(1) The Administrator determines the Category II operation can be performed safely by that pilot under
the terms of the certificate of authorization; and
(2) The Category II operation does not involve the carriage of persons or property for compensation or
hire.
(h) Ground instructor certificate.
(1) Each person who holds a ground instructor certificate must have that certificate in their physical
possession and immediately accessible when exercising the privileges of that certificate.
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, no person other than the holder of a ground
instructor certificate with the appropriate rating on that certificate or a person authorized by the
Administrator may:
(i) Give ground training required to qualify a person for supervised PIC flight and supervised PIC
cross-country flight:
(ii) Give an endorsement on a pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate or rating, issued
under this part; or
(iii) Endorse a pilot logbook to show training given.
(i) Age limitation. A person who is 60 years of age or older and who holds an airmen certificate, issued
in accordance with this part, may not act as a required pilot crewmember while engaging in any scheduled
international air services, non-scheduled international air transportation, or common carriage operation
for compensation or hire in a civil aircraft having a:
(1) Passenger seating configuration of more than 30 seats, excluding any required crewmember seat;
or
(2) Payload capacity of more than 7500 pounds (3400 kg).
(j) Special purpose pilot authorization. Persons that are required to hold a special purpose pilot
authorization, issued in accordance with Sec. 61.77 of this part, must have that authorization and their
foreign pilot license in their physical possession or have it readily accessible in the aircraft, when
exercising the privileges of that authorization.
(k) Until [insert date 2 years after the effective date of the final rule], a person with a commercial pilot
certificate with a lighter-than-air category rating, which was issued prior to [insert effective date of the
final rule], may:
(1) Give training in an airship or a balloon for the issuance of a certificate or rating:
(2) Give an endorsement on a pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate for an airship or
balloon:
(3) Endorse a student pilot certificate or logbook for supervised PIC operating privileges in an airship
or balloon; and
(4) Act as pilot in command of an airship under IFR or in weather conditions less than the minimum
prescribed for VFR flight, if the person holds an airship class rating.
(l) Inspection of certificate. Each person who holds an airman certificate, medical certificate,
authorization, or license required by this part must present it for inspection upon a request from:
(1) The Administrator:
(2) An authorized representative of the National Transportation Safety Board; or
(3) Any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer.
Sec. 61.5 Certificates and ratings issued under this part.
(a) The following certificates are issued under this part to an applicant who satisfactorily accomplishes
the training and certification requirements for the certificate sought:
(1) Pilot certificates--
(i) Student pilot.
(ii) Recreational pilot.
(iii) Private pilot.
(iv) Commercial pilot.
(v) Airline transport pilot.
(2) Flight instructor certificates.
(3) Ground instructor certificates.
(b) The following ratings are placed on a pilot certificate (other than student pilot) when an applicant
satisfactorily accomplishes the training and certification requirements for the rating sought:
(1) Aircraft category ratings--
(i) Airplane.
(ii) Rotorcraft.
(iii) Glider.
(iv) Lighter-than-air.
(v) Powered lift.
(2) Airplane class ratings--
(i) Single-engine land.
(ii) Multiengine land.
(iii) Single-engine sea.
(iv) Multiengine sea.
(3) Rotorcraft class ratings--
(i) Helicopter.
(ii) Gyroplane.
(4) Glider class ratings--
(i) Powered.
(ii) Nonpowered.
(5) Lighter-than-air class ratings--
(i) Airship.
(ii) Balloon.
(6) Aircraft type ratings include the following--
(i) Large aircraft other than lighter-than-air.
(ii) Turbojet-powered airplanes.
(iii) Other aircraft type ratings specified by the Administrator through the aircraft type certification
procedures.
(7) Instrument ratings (on private and commercial pilot certificates only) include the following--
(i) Instrument--airplane single-engine.
(ii) Instrument--airplane multiengine.
(iii) Instrument--helicopter.
(iv) Instrument--airship.
(v) Instrument--powered-lift.
(c) The following ratings are placed on a flight instructor certificate when an applicant satisfactorily
accomplishes the training and certification requirements for the rating sought:
(1) Aircraft category ratings--
(i) Airplane.
(ii) Rotorcraft.
(iii) Glider.
(iv) Lighter-than-air.
(v) Powered-lift.
(2) Airplane class ratings--
(i) Single-engine.
(ii) Multiengine.
(3) Rotorcraft class ratings--
(i) Helicopter.
(ii) Gyroplane.
(4) Glider class ratings--
(i) Powered.
(ii) Nonpowered.
(5) Lighter-than-air class ratings--
(i) Airship.
(ii) Balloon.
(6) Instrument ratings--
(i) Instrument--airplane single-engine.
(ii) Instrument--airplane multiengine.
(iii) Instrument--helicopter.
(iv) Instrument--airship.
(v) Instrument--powered lift.
(d) The following ratings are placed on a ground instructor certificate when an applicant satisfactorily
accomplishes the training and certification requirements for the rating sought:
(1) Aircraft category ratings--
(i) Airplane.
(ii) Rotorcraft.
(iii) Glider.
(iv) Lighter-than-air.
(v) Powered lift.
(2) Instrument rating.
(e) Until [insert date 2 years from effective date of the final rule]:
(1) A person who holds a pilot certificate that does not bear the current ratings found in paragraphs
(b)(4), (b)(7)(i), (b)(7)(ii), or (b)(7)(iv) of this section, may exchange that pilot certificate for a certificate
with the new rating added by meeting the requirements of this paragraph.
(2) A person who holds a commercial pilot certificate with a lighter-than-air category and an airship
class rating may exchange that certificate for a certificate with an instrument--airship rating, provided
that person has--
(i) Received an endorsement from an authorized flight instructor who holds an instrument--airship
rating on the flight instructor certificate, and that flight instructor has observed that person perform 10
hours of pilot-in-command time in an airship under IFR; or
(ii) Passed an instrument proficiency test in an airship given by an examiner and required by Sec.
61.57(e) of this part.
(f) Until [insert date 2 years from effective date of the final rule], a person who holds a private or
commercial pilot certificate with an airplane category rating and an instrument rating that does not bear
the airplane instrument ratings of paragraph (b)(7)(i) or (b)(7)(ii) of this section may exchange that
certificate for a private or commercial pilot certificate, as appropriate, with an:
(1) Instrument-airplane single engine rating, provided that person has an airplane single-engine class
rating and has satisfactorily accomplished the practical test for an instrument rating in a single-engine or
multiengine airplane; and
(2) Instrument-airplane multiengine rating, provided that person has an airplane multiengine class
rating and has satisfactorily accomplished the practical test for an instrument rating in a--
(i) Multiengine airplane; or
(ii) Single-engine airplane and also demonstrated instrument proficiency during the practical test for
the multiengine class rating such that the person's certificate does not bear the limitation "Airplane
Multiengine VFR Only."
(g) A person who holds a commercial or private pilot certificate with a glider category rating may
exchange that certificate for one with the current nonpowered glider class rating and without a further
showing of proficiency, provided that person:
(1) Holds a glider category rating; and
(2) Has passed a practical test in a nonpowered glider.
(h) A person who holds a commercial or private pilot certificate may exchange that certificate for one
with the current powered glider class rating and without a further showing of proficiency, provided that
person:
(1) Holds a glider category rating; and
(2) Has passed a practical test in a powered glider.
Sec. 61.7 Obsolete certificates and ratings.
(a) The holder of a free balloon pilot certificate issued before November 1, 1973, may not exercise the
privileges of that certificate.
(b) The holder of a pilot certificate that bears any of the following category ratings without an
associated class rating, may not exercise the privileges of that category rating:
(1) Rotorcraft.
(2) Lighter-than-air.
(3) Helicopter.
(4) Autogiro.
(c) After [insert date 2 years from effective date of the final rule], the holder of the following certificates
or ratings may not exercise the privileges of those certificates and ratings:
(1) Airplane--instrument rating.
(2) Glider category without a class rating.
(3) Basic ground instructor.
(4) Advanced ground instructor.
(5) Instrument ground instructor.
Sec. 61.9 Written syllabus for conducting training.
An authorized ground or flight instructor, as appropriate, who provides training for an airman
certificate or rating issued under this part must:
(a) Use a written syllabus for conducting that training, and that syllabus must contain the following
information--
(1) A summary of the total training time in the syllabus:
(2) A planned training time schedule for each lesson:
(3) A detailed description of the training to be covered in each lesson; and
(4) The aeronautical knowledge areas and approved areas of operation that are appropriate to the
airman certificate and rating sought and required by this part.
(b) Ensure that the written syllabus contains all of the aeronautical knowledge areas and approved areas
of operation that apply to the airman certificate and rating sought and required by this part:
(c) Furnish a copy of the written syllabus to the student before that student commences the training
program:
(d) Ensure that the student has accomplished all lessons of the written syllabus before endorsing that
student for the appropriate knowledge or practical test for a certificate or rating:
(e) Maintain a copy of the written syllabus and make it available for inspection by the Administrator
upon request; and
(f) Provide the student with an itemized written record of the training accomplished when that student
accomplishes the training syllabus or decides to terminate training.
Sec. 61.11 Expired pilot certificates and reissuance.
(a) No person who holds an expired pilot certificate or rating may act as a pilot and/or exercise the
privileges of that pilot certificate and rating.
(b) The following pilot certificates and ratings have expired and may not be reissued:
(1) An airline transport pilot certificate issued before May 1, 1949, or an airline transport pilot
certificate that contains a horsepower limitation:
(2) A private or commercial pilot certificate issued before July 1, 1945; or
(3) A pilot certificate with a lighter-than-air or free balloon rating issued before July 1, 1945.
(c) A pilot certificate, issued on the basis of a foreign pilot license will expire on the date the foreign
license expires.
(d) An airline transport pilot certificate issued after April 30, 1949, that bears an expiration date but
does not contain a horsepower limitation may be reissued without an expiration date.
(e) A private or commercial pilot certificate issued after June 30, 1945, that bears an expiration date
may be reissued without an expiration date.
(f) A pilot certificate with a lighter-than-air or free balloon rating issued after June 30, 1945, that bears
an expiration date may be reissued without an expiration date.
(g) A U.S. pilot certificate, issued on the basis of a foreign pilot license that does not have an expiration
date, may be issued without an expiration date.
Sec. 61.13 Awarding of airman certificates, ratings, and authorizations.
(a) An applicant for an airman certificate or rating under this part must make that application on a
form and in a manner acceptable to the Administrator.
(b) An applicant who is neither a United States citizen nor a resident alien of the United States:
(1) Must show evidence that the appropriate fee prescribed by part 187 of this chapter has been paid
when that person applies for a--
(i) Student pilot certificate that is issued outside the United States; or
(ii) Knowledge or practical test for a U.S. airman certificate or rating issued under this part, if the test
is administered outside the United States.
(2) May be refused issuance of any U.S. airman certificate and rating by the Administrator.
(c) Except for the provisions listed in paragraph (b) of this section, an applicant who satisfactorily
accomplishes the training and certification requirements for the certificate and rating sought is entitled to
receive that airman certificate and rating.
(d) Limitations.
(1) An applicant who cannot comply with certain approved areas of operation required on the practical
test because of physical limitations may be issued an airman certificate and rating with the appropriate
limitation placed on the applicant's airman certificate provided the:
(i) Applicant is able to meet all the other certification requirements for the airman certificate or rating
sought:
(ii) Physical limitation has been recorded with the Federal Aviation Administration on the applicant's
medical records; and
(iii) Administrator determines the applicant's inability to perform the particular area of operation will
not adversely affect safety.
(2) A limitation placed on a person's airman certificate may be removed, provided that person
demonstrates satisfactory proficiency:
(i) In the area of operation appropriate to the airman certificate level and rating sought; and
(ii) To an examiner.
(e) Category II pilot authorization.
(1) A Category II pilot authorization is:
(i) Issued as a part of a pilot's instrument rating or airline transport pilot certificate; and
(ii) Issued originally with a limitation of 1600 feet runway visual readout and a 150-foot decision
height.
(2) The limitation in paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this section may be removed when the person has, within
the previous 6 calendar months from the month Category II pilot authorization is issued, performed and
logged 3 Category II approaches to a landing under actual or simulated instrument conditions with a 150-
foot decision height.
(f) Unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator, a person whose airman certificate has been
suspended may not apply for any airman certificate or rating during the period of suspension.
(g) Unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator, a person whose pilot, flight instructor, or ground
instructor certificate has been revoked may not apply for any airman certificate or rating for 1 year after
the date of revocation.
Sec. 61.14 Refusal to submit to a drug test.
(a) This section applies to:
(1) An employee who performs a function listed in appendix I to part 121 of this chapter for a part 119
certificate holder operating under part 121 or part 135; and
(2) An employee who performs a function listed in appendix I to part 121 of this chapter for an operator
as defined in Sec. 135.1(c) of this chapter. An employee of a person conducting operations of foreign civil
aircraft navigated within the United States pursuant to part 375 or emergency mail service operations
pursuant to section 405(h) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 is excluded from the requirements of this
section.
(b) Refusal by the holder of a certificate issued under this part to take a test for a drug specified in
appendix I of part 121 of this chapter, when requested by an employer as defined in that appendix or an
operator as defined in Sec. 135.1(c) of this chapter, and under the circumstances specified in that
appendix is grounds for:
(1) Denial of an application for any certificate or rating issued under this part for a period of up to 1
year after the date of that refusal; and
(2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate or rating issued under this part.
Sec. 61.15 Offenses involving alcohol or drugs.
(a) A conviction for the violation of any Federal or state statute relating to the growing, processing,
manufacture, sale, disposition, possession, transportation, or importation of narcotic drugs, marijuana, or
depressant or stimulant drugs or substances is grounds for:
(1) Denial of an application for any certificate or rating issued under this part for up to 1 year after the
date of final conviction; or
(2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate or rating issued under this part.
(b) Committing an act prohibited by Sec. 91.17(a) or Sec. 91.19(a) of this chapter is grounds for:
(1) Denial of an application for a certificate or rating issued under this part for up to 1 year after the
date of that act; or
(2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate or rating issued under this part.
(c) For the purposes of paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section, a motor vehicle action means:
(1) A conviction after November 29, 1990, for the violation of any Federal or state statute relating to
the operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or a drug, while impaired by alcohol or a
drug, or while under the influence of alcohol or a drug:
(2) The cancellation, suspension, or revocation of a license to operate a motor vehicle by a state after
November 29, 1990, for a cause related to the operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or
a drug, while impaired by alcohol or a drug, or while under the influence of alcohol or a drug; or
(3) The denial after November 29, 1990, of an application for a license to operate a motor vehicle by a
state for a cause related to the operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or a drug, while
impaired by alcohol or a drug, or while under the influence of alcohol or a drug.
(d) Except for a motor vehicle action that results from the same incident or arises out of the same
factual circumstances, a motor vehicle action occurring within 3 years of a previous motor vehicle action
is grounds for:
(1) Denial of an application for any certificate or rating issued under this part for up to 1 year after the
date of the last motor vehicle action; or
(2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate or rating issued under this part.
(e) Each person holding a certificate issued under this part shall provide a written report of each motor
vehicle action to the FAA, Civil Aviation Security Division (AAC-700), P.O. Box 25810, Oklahoma City,
OK 73125, not later that 60 days after the motor vehicle action. The report must include:
(1) The person's name, address, date of birth, and airman certificate number:
(2) The type of violation that resulted in the conviction or the administrative action:
(3) The date of the conviction or administrative action:
(4) The state that holds the record of conviction or administrative action; and
(5) A statement of whether the motor vehicle action resulted from the same incident or arose out of the
same factual circumstances related to a previously reported motor vehicle action.
(f) Failure to comply with paragraph (e) of this section is grounds for:
(1) Denial of an application for any certificate or rating issued under this part for up to 1 year after the
date of the motor vehicle action; or
(2) Suspension of revocation of any certificate or rating issued under this part.
Sec. 61.16 Refusal to submit to an alcohol test or to furnish test results.
A refusal to submit to a test to indicate the percentage by weight of alcohol in the blood, when
requested by a law enforcement officer in accordance with Sec. 91.17(c) of this chapter, or a refusal to
furnish or authorize the release of the test results requested by the Administrator in accordance with Sec.
91.17(c) or (d) of this chapter, is grounds for:
(a) Denial of an application for any certificate or rating issued under this part for up to 1 year after the
date of that refusal; or
(b) Suspension or revocation of any certificate or rating issued under this part.
Sec. 61.17 Temporary certificate.
(a) A temporary pilot or flight instructor certificate, or rating, is issued for up to 120 days, at which
time a permanent certificate will be issued to a person whom the Administrator finds qualified under this
part.
(b) A temporary pilot or flight instructor certificate, or rating, expires:
(1) On the expiration date shown on the certificate:
(2) Upon receipt of the permanent certificate; or
(3) Upon receipt of a notice that the certificate or rating sought is denied or revoked.
Sec. 61.19 Duration of pilot and instructor certificates.
(a) General. The holder of a certificate with an expiration date may not, after that date, exercise the
privileges of that certificate.
(b) Student pilot certificate. A student pilot certificate expires 24 calendar months from the month in
which it is issued.
(c) Other pilot certificates. A pilot certificate (other than a student pilot certificate), issued under this
part, is issued without a specific expiration date. The holder of a pilot certificate (issued on the basis of a
foreign pilot license) may exercise the privileges of that certificate only while that person's foreign pilot
license is effective.
(d) Flight instructor certificate. A flight instructor certificate:
(1) Is effective only while the holder has a current pilot certificate; and
(2) Expires 24-calendar months from the month in which it was issued or renewed.
(e) Ground instructor certificate. A ground instructor certificate, issued under this part, is issued
without a specific expiration date.
(f) Surrender, suspension, or revocation. Any certificate issued under this part ceases to be effective if it
is surrendered, suspended, revoked, or otherwise terminated.
(g) Return of certificates. The holder of any certificate, issued under this part, that has been suspended,
revoked, or otherwise terminated must return that certificate to the FAA when requested to do so by the
Administrator.
Sec. 61.21 Duration of a Category II pilot authorization.
(a) A Category II pilot authorization expires 6-calendar months from the month in which it was issued
or renewed.
(b) Upon passing a practical test for a Category II pilot authorization, the authorization may be renewed
for each type aircraft for the authorization held.
(c) A Category II pilot authorization for a specific type aircraft for which an authorization is held will
not be renewed beyond 12-calendar months from the month the practical test was accomplished in that
type aircraft.
(d) If the holder of a Category II pilot authorization satisfactorily accomplishes the practical test for a
renewal in the month before the authorization expires, the holder is considered to have accomplished it
during the month the authorization expired.
Sec. 61.23 Duration and requirement for a medical certificate.
(a) Duration of a medical certificate.
(1) A first-class medical certificate expires at the end of the last day of the 6th calendar month from the
month of issuance shown on the medical certificate.
(2) A second-class medical certificate expires at the end of the last day of the 12th calendar month from
the month of issuance shown on the medical certificate.
(3) A third-class medical certificate expires on the last day of the 24th calendar month from the month
of issuance shown on the medical certificate.
(b) Requirement for a medical certificate. Except as provided in paragraph (b)(4) of this section, a
person:
(1) Must hold at least a first-class medical certificate for flight operations requiring an airline transport
pilot certificate:
(2) Must hold at least a second-class medical certificate for flight operations requiring a commercial
pilot certificate:
(3) Must hold at least a third-class medical certificate--
(i) For flight operations requiring a private pilot certificate or a person who holds a student pilot
certificate who is seeking a private pilot certificate or rating:
(ii) To be eligible for a student pilot certificate and that person is seeking a private pilot certificate, or a
person who holds a private pilot certificate issued under this part; or
(iii) When exercising the privileges of a flight instructor certificate and the person is serving as a
required crewmember or as the pilot-in-command.
(4) Does not need to hold a medical certificate--
(i) For a student pilot who is seeking a recreational pilot certificate, or who is seeking a pilot certificate
with glider category rating or balloon class rating, but the person may not exercise the privileges of that
student pilot certificate if the person has any known medical condition or deficiency that makes the person
unable to pilot the aircraft:
(ii) When exercising the privileges of a recreational pilot certificate, but the person may not exercise the
privileges of that pilot certificate if the person has any known medical condition or deficiency that makes
the person unable to pilot the aircraft:
(iii) When exercising the privileges of a pilot certificate or flight instructor certificate with a glider
category rating or balloon class rating, but the person may not exercise the privileges of that pilot
certificate if the person has any known medical condition or deficiency that makes the person unable to
pilot the aircraft:
(iv) When exercising the privileges of a flight instructor certificate, provided the person is not serving
as a required crewmember or as the pilot-in-command; or
(v) When exercising the privileges of a ground instructor certificate.
(a) An application to change the name on a certificate issued under this part must be accompanied by
the applicant's:
(1) Current pilot certificate; and
(2) Copy of the marriage license, court order, or other document verifying the name change.
(b) The documents in paragraph (a) of this section will be returned to the applicant after
inspection.
Sec. 61.27 Voluntary surrender or exchange of certificate.
(a) The holder of a certificate issued under this part may voluntarily
surrender it for:
(1) Cancellation:
(2) Issuance of a lower grade certificate; or
(3) Another certificate with specific ratings deleted.
(b) Any request made under paragraph (a) of this section must include the following signed statement
or its equivalent:
This request is made for my own reasons, with full knowledge that my (insert name of certificate or rating, as appropriate) may not be reissued to me unless I again pass the tests prescribed for its issuance.
Sec. 61.29 Replacement of a lost or destroyed airman or medical certificate or knowledge test report.
(a) A request for the replacement of a lost or destroyed airman certificate issued under this part shall be
made by letter to the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Airman
Certification Branch, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125, and shall be accompanied by a check
or money order for the appropriate fee and payable to the Federal Aviation Administration.
(b) A request for the replacement of a lost or destroyed medical certificate shall be made by letter to the
Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Aeromedical Certification Branch, P.O.
Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125, and shall be accompanied by a check or money order for the
appropriate fee and payable to the Federal Aviation Administration.
(c) A request for the replacement of a lost or destroyed knowledge test report shall be made by letter to
the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Airman Certification Branch, P.O.
Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125, and shall be accompanied by a check or money order for the
appropriate fee and payable to the Federal Aviation Administration.
(d) The letter requesting replacement of a lost or destroyed airman certificate, medical certificate, or
knowledge test report must state the:
(1) Name of the person:
(2) Permanent mailing address (including zip code):
(3) Social security number:
(4) Date and place of birth of the certificate holder:
(5) State any available information regarding the--
(i) Grade, number, date of issuance of the certificate, and the ratings:
(ii) Date of the medical examination; or
(iii) Date the knowledge test was taken.
(e) A person who has lost an airman certificate, medical certificate, or knowledge test report may obtain
a facsimile from the FAA confirming that it was issued, and the:
(1) Facsimile may be carried as an airman certificate, medical certificate, or knowledge test report, as
appropriate, for up to 60 days pending the person's receipt of a duplicate under paragraph (a), (b), or (c)
of this section, unless the person has been notified that the certificate has been suspended or revoked.
(2) Request for such a facsimile must include the date on which a duplicate certificate or knowledge test
report was previously requested, and a check or money order payable to the Federal Aviation
Administration, for the cost of the duplicate.
Sec. 61.31 Type rating requirements, additional training, and authorization requirements.
(a) Type ratings required. A person who acts as a pilot in command of any of the following aircraft
must hold a type rating for that aircraft:
(1) Large aircraft (except lighter-than-air).
(2) Turbojet-powered airplanes.
(3) Other aircraft specified by the Administrator through aircraft type certificate procedures.
(b) Authorization in lieu of a type rating. A person may be authorized to operate an aircraft requiring a
type rating without a type rating for up to 60 days, provided:
(1) The Administrator has authorized the flight or series of flights:
(2) The Administrator has determined that an equivalent level of safety can be achieved through the
operating limitations on the authorization:
(3) The person shows that compliance with paragraph (a) of this section is impracticable for the flight
or series of flights; and
(4) The flight--
(i) Involves only a ferry flight, training flight, test flight, or practical test for a pilot certificate or
rating:
(ii) Is within the United States:
(iii) Does not involve operations for compensation or hire unless the compensation or hire involves
payment for the use of the aircraft for training or taking a practical test; and
(iv) Involves only the carriage of flight crewmembers considered essential for the flight.
(5) If the flight or series of flights cannot be accomplished within the time limit of the authorization,
the Administrator may authorize an additional period of up to 60 days to accomplish the flight or series of
flights.
(c) Aircraft category, class, and type ratings: Limitations on the carriage of persons or operating for
compensation or hire. Unless a person holds a category, class rating, and type rating (if a class and type
rating is required) that applies to the aircraft, that person may not act as pilot in command of an aircraft
that is:
(1) Carrying another person; or
(2) Being operated for compensation or hire.
(d) Aircraft category, class, and type ratings: Limitations on operating an aircraft as the pilot in
command. To serve as the pilot in command of an aircraft a person must hold the appropriate category,
class, and type rating (if a class rating and type rating is required) for the aircraft to be flown, or that
person must:
(1) Be enrolled in a course of training for the purpose of obtaining an additional pilot certificate and
rating that are appropriate to that aircraft, and is under the supervision of an authorized flight
instructor:
(2) Have received the required training of this part that are appropriate to the aircraft category, class,
and type rating (if a class or type rating is required) for the aircraft to be flown; and
(3) Have received the required endorsement from an authorized flight instructor for supervised PIC
flight in that aircraft.
(e) Exceptions.
(1) This section does not require a class rating for a powered-lift aircraft.
(2) This section does not require a category and class rating for aircraft not type certificated as
airplanes, rotorcraft, gliders, powered-lift, or lighter-than-air aircraft.
(3) The rating limitations of this section do not apply to an applicant when taking a practical test given
by an examiner; or
(4) The rating limitations of this section do not apply to the holder of a:
(i) Student pilot certificate:
(ii) Pilot certificate under the supervision of an authorized flight instructor when operating an aircraft
for the purpose of obtaining an additional certificate or rating:
(iii) Pilot certificate when operating an aircraft under the authority of an experimental or provisional
aircraft type certificate:
(iv) Pilot certificate with a lighter-than-air category rating when operating a balloon.
(f) Additional training required for operating complex airplanes. Except as provided in paragraph (f)(2)
of this section, no person may act as pilot in command of a complex airplane (an airplane that has a
retractable landing gear, flaps, and controllable propeller), unless the person has met the requirements of
this paragraph.
(1) The person must have--
(i) Received and logged ground and flight training from an authorized flight instructor in a complex
airplane, or in a flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of a complex airplane, and
has been found proficient on the operation and systems of the airplane; and
(ii) Received a one-time endorsement in the pilot's logbook from an authorized flight instructor who
certifies the person is proficient to operate a complex airplane.
(2) The training and endorsement required by paragraph (f)(1) of this section is not required if the
person has logged flight time as pilot in command of a complex airplane, or in a flight simulator or flight
training device that is representative of a complex airplane prior to [insert effective date of the final
rule].
(g) Additional training required for operating high performance airplanes. Except as provided in
paragraph (g)(2) of this section, no person may act as pilot in command of a high performance airplane
(an airplane with an engine of 200 horsepower or more), unless the person has met the requirements of
this paragraph.
(1) The person must have--
(i) Received and logged ground and flight training from an authorized flight instructor in an high
performance airplane, or in a flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of a high
performance airplane, and has been found proficient on the operation and systems of the airplane;
and
(ii) Received a one-time endorsement in the pilot's logbook from an authorized flight instructor who
certifies the person is proficient to operate a high performance airplane.
(2) The training and endorsement required by paragraph (g)(1) of this section is not required if the
person has logged flight time as pilot in command of a high performance airplane, or a flight simulator or
flight training device that is representative of a high performance airplane prior to [insert effective date of
the final rule].
(h) Additional training required for operating pressurized aircraft capable of operating at high
altitudes.
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (h)(3) of this section, no person may act as pilot in command of a
pressurized aircraft (an aircraft that has a service ceiling or maximum operating altitude, whichever is
lower, above 25,000 feet MSL), unless that person has received and logged ground training from an
authorized flight or ground instructor in at least the following subjects:
(i) High altitude aerodynamics and meteorology:
(ii) Respiration, effects, symptoms, and causes of hypoxia and any other high altitude sickness:
(iii) Duration of consciousness without supplemental oxygen:
(iv) Effects of prolonged usage of supplemental oxygen:
(v) Causes and effects of gas expansion and gas bubble formation:
(vi) Preventive measures for eliminating gas expansion, gas bubble formation, and high altitude
sickness; and
(vii) Physical phenomena and incidents of decompression:
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (h)(3) of this section, no person may act as pilot in command of a
pressurized aircraft (an aircraft that has a service ceiling or maximum operating altitude, whichever is
lower, above 25,000 feet MSL), unless that person has received:
(i) Training in a pressurized aircraft, or in a flight simulator or flight training device that is
representative of a pressurized aircraft, and the training must include flight at normal cruise while
operating above 25,000 feet MSL, proper emergency procedures for simulated emergency rapid
decompression and descent procedures; and
(ii) An endorsement in the person's logbook or training record from the instructor who gave the
training and found the person proficient in a pressurized aircraft.
(3) The training and endorsement required by this paragraph is not required if a person can document
satisfactory accomplishment of any of the following in a pressurized aircraft, or in a flight simulator or a
flight training device that is representative of a pressurized aircraft:
(i) Serving as pilot in command before April 15, 1991:
(ii) Completing a practical test or rating before April 15, 1991:
(iii) Completing an official pilot-in-command check conducted by the military services of the United
States; or
(iv) Completing a pilot-in-command proficiency check under parts 121, 125, or 135 of this chapter
conducted by the Administrator or by an approved check pilot.
(i) Additional training required by the aircraft's type certificate. No person may serve as pilot in
command of an aircraft that the Administrator has determined requires aircraft type specific training
unless that person has received:
(1) Type specific training in the aircraft, or in a flight simulator or a flight training device that is
representative of that type of aircraft, and has been found proficient on the operation and systems of the
aircraft; and
(2) A logbook endorsement from an authorized flight instructor or ground instructor, as appropriate,
who gave that person the training.
(j) Additional training required for operating tailwheel airplanes. Except as provided in paragraph
(j)(4), no person may act as pilot in command of a tailwheel airplane unless that person has:
(1) Received and logged flight training from an authorized flight instructor in a tailwheel airplane on
the maneuvers and procedures listed in this paragraph.
(2) Received an endorsement in the person's logbook from an authorized flight instructor who gave the
training and found the person proficient in a tailwheel airplane.
(3) Received an endorsement in the person's logbook from an authorized flight instructor who gave the
training and found the person proficient in at least normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings, wheel
landings (unless the manufacturer has recommended against such landings), and go-arounds.
(4) The training and endorsement required by this paragraph is not required if the person logged pilot
in command time of a tailwheel airplane before April 15, 1991.
Sec. 61.33 Tests: General procedure.
The Administrator shall designate the time, location, and examiner for conducting the tests prescribed by and under this part.
Sec. 61.35 Knowledge test: Prerequisites and passing grades.
(a) An applicant for a knowledge test must have:
(1) Received an endorsement from an authorized flight or ground instructor certifying that the
applicant accomplished a ground training or a home study course required by this part for the certificate
or rating sought and is prepared for the knowledge test; and
(2) Proper identification at the time of application that contains the applicant's--
(i) Photograph:
(ii) Signature:
(iii) Date of birth, which shows the applicant meets or will meet the age requirements of this part for
the certificate sought before the expiration date of the airman knowledge test report; and
(iv) Actual residential address, if different from the applicant's mailing address.
(b) The Administrator shall specify the minimum passing grade for the knowledge test.
Sec. 61.37 Knowledge tests: Cheating or other unauthorized conduct.
(a) An applicant for a knowledge test may not:
(1) Copy or intentionally remove any knowledge test:
(2) Give to another applicant or receive from another applicant any part or copy of a knowledge
test:
(3) Give assistance on, or receive assistance on, a knowledge test during the period that test is being
given:
(4) Be represented by, or represent, another person for a knowledge test:
(5) Use any material or aid during the period that test is being given, unless specifically authorized to
do so by the Administrator; and
(6) Intentionally cause, assist, or participate in any act prohibited by this paragraph.
(b) An applicant who the Administrator finds has committed an act prohibited by paragraph (a) of this
section is prohibited, for 1 year after the date of committing that prohibited act, from:
(1) Applying for any certificate or rating under this chapter; and
(2) Applying for and taking any test under this chapter.
(c) Any certificate or rating held by an applicant who the Administrator finds has committed an act
prohibited by paragraph (a) of this section may be suspended or revoked.
Sec. 61.39 Prerequisites for practical tests.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, to be eligible for a practical test for a
certificate or rating issued under this part, an applicant must:
(1) Have satisfactorily accomplished the required knowledge test within the 24-calendar month period
preceding the month the applicant accomplishes the practical test, if a knowledge test is required:
(2) Present the knowledge test report at the time of application for the practical test, if a knowledge test
is required:
(3) Have satisfactorily accomplished the required training and attained the aeronautical experience
prescribed by this part for the certificate or rating sought:
(4) Hold at least a current third-class medical certificate, if a medical certificate is required:
(5) Meet the prescribed age requirement of this part for the issuance of the certificate or rating
sought:
(6) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, an applicant must have an endorsement in the
applicant's logbook or training record that has been signed by the applicant's authorized flight instructor
who certifies that the applicant--
(i) Has received and logged training time within 60 days preceding the date of application in
preparation for the practical test:
(ii) Is prepared for the required practical test; and
(iii) Has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which the applicant was deficient
on the airman knowledge test.
(7) Have a completed and signed application form.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a) (1) and (2) of this section, an applicant for an
airline transport pilot certificate or an additional rating to an airline transport certificate may take the
practical test for that certificate or rating with an expired knowledge test report, provided that
applicant:
(1) Is employed as a flight crewmember by a U.S. air carrier or commercial operator under parts 121,
125, or 135 of this chapter and is employed by such a certificate holder at the time of the practical test and
has satisfactorily accomplished that operator's approved--
(i) pilot-in-command aircraft qualification training program that is appropriate to the certificate and
rating sought; and
(ii) requalification training requirements that is appropriate to the certificate and rating sought.
(2) Is employed as a flight crewmember by a U.S. scheduled military air transportation service operator
at the time of the practical test, and has accomplished that operator's pilot-in-command aircraft
qualification training program that is appropriate to the certificate and rating sought.
(c) An applicant for an airline transport pilot certificate or an additional rating to an airline transport
pilot certificate in an aircraft that does not involve an aircraft type rating practical test need not comply
with the provisions of paragraph (a)(6) of this section.
Sec. 61.41 Flight training received from flight instructors not certificated by the FAA.
(a) A person may credit flight training toward the requirements of a pilot certificate or rating issued
under this part, if that person received the training from:
(1) A flight instructor of an Armed Force of either--
(i) The United States; or
(ii) A foreign member State to the International Civil Aviation Organization in a program for training
military pilots.
(2) A flight instructor who is authorized to give such training by the licensing authority of a member
State of International Civil Aviation Organization, and the flight training is given outside the United
States.
(b) A flight instructor described in paragraph (a) of this section is not authorized to give any of the
endorsements required by this part.
Sec. 61.43 Practical tests: General procedures.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the ability of an applicant for a certificate or
rating to perform the required tasks on the practical test is based on that applicant's ability to safely:
(1) Perform the approved areas of operation for the certificate or rating sought within the approved
standards:
(2) Demonstrate mastery of the aircraft with the successful outcome of each task performed never
seriously in doubt:
(3) Demonstrate satisfactory proficiency and competency within the approved standards:
(4) Demonstrate sound judgment; and
(5) Demonstrate single-pilot competence if the aircraft is type certificated for single-pilot
operations.
(b) If an applicant does not demonstrate single pilot proficiency, as required in paragraph (a)(5) of this
section, the following limitation will apply:
(1) A limitation of "Second in Command Required" will be placed on the applicant's airman
certificate.
(2) The limitation may be removed if the applicant satisfactorily
accomplishes the appropriate practical test by demonstrating single-pilot competence in the aircraft in
which single-pilot privileges are sought.
(c) If an applicant fails any of the approved areas of operation, that applicant fails the practical
test.
(d) An applicant is not eligible for a certificate or rating sought until all the approved areas of operation
are satisfactorily accomplished.
(e) The examiner or the applicant may discontinue a practical test at any time:
(1) When the applicant fails one or more of the approved areas of operation; or
(2) Due to inclement weather conditions, aircraft airworthiness, or any other safety of flight
concern.
(f) If a practical test is discontinued, the applicant is entitled to credit those approved areas of operation
that were satisfactorily accomplished, but only if the applicant:
(1) Satisfactorily accomplishes the remainder of the practical test within the 60-day period after the
date the practical test was discontinued:
(2) Presents to the examiner for the retest the original notice of disapproval form or the letter of
discontinuance form, as appropriate:
(3) Satisfactorily accomplishes any additional training needed and obtains the appropriate instructor
endorsements, if additional training is required; and
(4) Presents to the examiner for the retest a properly completed and signed application.
Sec. 61.45 Practical tests: Required aircraft and equipment.
(a) General. An applicant for a certificate or rating under this part must furnish:
(1) An aircraft for the practical test that is of U.S. registry with a current standard, limited, or primary
airworthiness certificate:
(2) An aircraft of U.S. registry with a current airworthiness certificate, other than standard, limited, or
primary, provided the examiner conducting the test agrees:
(3) An aircraft of foreign registry that is properly certificated by the country of registry, provided the
examiner conducting the test agrees; or
(4) A military aircraft that is in a safe operational status and is approved for use on the practical test by
the appropriate military authority, provided the examiner conducting the test agrees.
(b) Required equipment (other than controls). Except for a practical test in a balloon and, as provided
in paragraph (e) of this section, an aircraft used for a practical test must have:
(1) The equipment for each area of operation required for the practical test:
(2) No prescribed operating limitations that prohibit its use in any of the approved areas of operation
required for the practical test:
(3) At least two pilot seats with adequate visibility for each person to operate the aircraft safely;
and
(4) Cockpit and outside visibility adequate to evaluate the performance of the applicant, where an
additional jump seat is provided for the examiner.
(c) Required controls. An aircraft used for a practical test:
(1) Must have engine power controls and flight controls that are easily reached and operable in a
normal manner by both pilots, unless the examiner determines that the practical test can be conducted
safely without them.
(2) May be used even if the engine power controls and flight controls are not easily reached and
operable in a normal manner by both pilots, provided the examiner determines the flight can be conducted
safely.
(3) Must have flight controls that are easily reached and operable in a normal manner by both pilots, for
a rating in lighter-than-air aircraft, unless the examiner determines that the practical test can be
conducted safely without them.
(d) Simulated instrument flight equipment. An applicant for a practical test that involves maneuvering
an aircraft solely by reference to instruments must furnish:
(1) Equipment aboard the aircraft that permits the applicant to accomplish the approved areas of
operation that apply to the rating sought; and
(2) A device that prevents the applicant from having visual reference outside the aircraft, but does not
prevent the examiner from having visual reference outside the aircraft.
(e) Aircraft with single controls. A practical test may be conducted in an aircraft having a single set of
controls, provided the:
(1) Examiner agrees to conduct the test:
(2) Test does not involve a demonstration of instrument skills; and
(3) Proficiency of the applicant can be observed by an examiner, who is in a position to observe the
applicant.
Sec. 61.47 Status of an examiner who is authorized by the Administrator to conduct practical tests.
(a) An examiner represents the Administrator for the purpose of conducting practical tests for
certificates and ratings issued under this part and to observe an applicant's ability to perform the approved
areas of operation on the practical test.
(b) The student is the pilot in command of the aircraft during the practical test unless the examiner or
another person has been so designated before the flight.
(c) Notwithstanding the type of aircraft used during the practical test, the applicant and the examiner
(and any other occupants authorized to be on board by the examiner) are not subject to the requirements or
limitations on the carriage of passengers that are specified in this chapter.
Sec. 61.49 Retesting after failure.
(a) An applicant for a knowledge or practical test who fails that test may only reapply for the test after
the applicant has received:
(1) The necessary training from an authorized flight or ground instructor, as appropriate, who has
determined that the applicant is now proficient to pass the test; and
(2) An endorsement from an authorized flight or ground instructor, as appropriate, who gave the
applicant the additional training.
(b) An applicant for a flight instructor certificate with an airplane category rating, or for a flight
instructor certificate with a glider category rating, who has failed the practical test due to deficiencies in
instructional proficiency on stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery must:
(1) Comply with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section before being retested:
(2) Bring an aircraft to the retest that is of the appropriate aircraft category for the rating sought and is
certificated for spins; and
(3) Demonstrate satisfactory instructional proficiency on stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin
recovery to an examiner during the retest.
(a) Training time and aeronautical experience. Each person must document and record the following
time in a manner acceptable to the Administrator:
(1) Training and aeronautical experience used to meet the requirements for a certificate, rating, or
flight review of this part.
(2) The aeronautical experience required for meeting the recency of flight experience requirements of
this part.
(b) Logbook entries. For the purposes of meeting the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, each
person must enter the following information for each flight or lesson logged:
(1) General:
(i) Date.
(ii) Total time of flight.
(iii) Locations where the aircraft departed and arrived.
(iv) Type and identification of aircraft.
(v) The name and certificate number of a safety pilot, if required by Sec 91.109(b) of this chapter.
(2) Type of pilot experience or training:
(i) Pilot in command.
(ii) Second in command.
(iii) Flight and ground training received from an authorized flight instructor.
(iv) Training received in an approved flight training device or flight simulator from authorized flight or
ground instructor.
(3) Conditions of flight:
(i) Day or night.
(ii) Actual instrument.
(iii) Simulated instrument.
(c) Logging of pilot time. The pilot time described in this section may be used to:
(1) Apply for a certificate or rating issued under this part; or
(2) Satisfy the recent flight experience requirements of this part.
(d) Logging of pilot-in-command flight time. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, only
one person may log pilot-in-command flight time, provided the:
(1) Person has final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of the flight:
(2) Person holds the appropriate category, class, and type rating, if appropriate:
(3) Person has been designated as pilot in command before or during the flight; and
(4) Flight time occurs in actual flight conditions in an aircraft.
(e) Two people logging pilot-in-command flight time. If a certificated pilot and an authorized flight
instructor are on board an aircraft at the same time, and each holds the appropriate category, class, and
type rating (if a type rating is required) for that aircraft, then both the pilot and the flight instructor may
log pilot-in-command time provided:
(1) The flight instructor--
(i) Is authorized by this chapter to conduct the training and is conducting training during the
flight:
(ii) Holds at least a third-class medical certificate issued under part 67 of this chapter; and
(iii) Occupies a pilot station in the aircraft that has functioning flight controls.
(2) The pilot--
(i) Is receiving training from the flight instructor in a course of training for the issuance of a certificate
or rating or to obtain the recency of experience requirements of this part:
(ii) Is qualified to conduct the flight in accordance with the operating rule under which the flight is
being conducted; and
(iii) Is manipulating the controls of the aircraft.
(3) The aircraft has dual functioning flight controls and the engine controls can be reached from either
pilot station.
(f) Student pilots logging pilot-in-command flight time. The holder of a student pilot certificate may log
pilot in command time when the student pilot:
(1) Is the sole occupant of the aircraft:
(2) Has a current pilot-in-command flight endorsement as required under Sec. 61.87 of this part;
and
(3) Is undergoing a course of training for a pilot certificate or rating or is logging pilot-in-command
flight time to obtain the pilot-in-command flight experience requirements for a pilot certificate or aircraft
rating.
(g) Logging second-in-command flight time. A person may log second-in-command flight time,
provided the person:
(1) Is qualified in accordance with the second-in-command requirements of Sec. 61.55 of this part, and
occupies a crewmember seat in an aircraft that requires more than one pilot by the aircraft's type
certificate; or
(2) The person holds the appropriate category, class, and instrument rating (if an instrument rating is
required for the flight) for the aircraft being flown, and the regulations under which the flight is being
conducted requires a second-in-command pilot.
(h) Logging instrument flight time.
(1) A person may log instrument flight time when the person operates the aircraft solely by reference to
instruments under actual or simulated instrument flight conditions.
(2) A person may log instrument flight time when the person is appropriately qualified for and is
serving as an instrument flight instructor under actual instrument flight conditions.
(3) For the purposes of logging instrument flight time, to meet the instrument currency requirements of
Sec. 61.57(e) of this part, the following information must be recorded in the person's logbook--
(i) The location, number, and kind of instrument approaches accomplished; and
(ii) The name and pilot certificate number of the safety pilot, if required.
(i) Logging training time.
(1) A person may log training time when the person receives training from an authorized flight
instructor in an aircraft, flight simulator, or flight training device for the purpose of obtaining a
certificate, rating, or recency of experience requirements of this part.
(2) A person may log training time when the person receives training from an authorized ground
instructor in a flight simulator or flight training device for the purpose of obtaining a certificate, rating, or
recency of experience requirements, of this part.
(3) The training time must be logged in a logbook or training record, and must:
(i) Be certified in a legible manner by the authorized flight or ground instructor, as appropriate;
and
(ii) Include a description of the training given, the length of the training lesson, and the instructor's
signature, certificate number, and certificate expiration date.
(j) Presentation of logbook.
(1) Persons must present their pilot certificate, medical certificate, logbook, or any other record
required by this part for inspection upon a request by:
(i) The Administrator:
(ii) An authorized representative from the National Transportation Safety Board; or
(iii) Any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer.
(2) Student pilots must carry the following items in the aircraft when exercising the privileges of their
student pilot certificate:
(i) Pilot logbook; and
(ii) Student pilot certificate.
(3) Recreational pilots must carry their logbook with the required instructor endorsements on all flights
when serving as pilot-in-command or as a required flight crewmember for flights:
(i) Of more than 50 nautical miles from an airport where training was received:
(ii) In airspace in which communication with air traffic control is required:
(iii) Between sunset and sunrise; and
(iv) In an aircraft for which the pilot is not rated.
Sec. 61.53 Operations during medical deficiency.
(a) Operations that require a medical certificate. Except as provided for in paragraph (b) of this section,
a person who holds a current medical certificate issued under part 67 of this chapter shall not act as pilot
in command, or in any other capacity as a required pilot flight crewmember, while that person:
(1) Knows or has reason to know of any medical condition that would make the person unable to meet
the requirements for the medical certificate held; or
(2) Is taking medication or receiving other treatment for a medical condition that results in the person
being unable to meet the requirements for the medical certificate held.
(b) Operations that do not require a medical certificate. For operations provided for in Sec. 61.23(b)(4)
of this part without a medical certificate, a person shall not act as pilot in command while that
person:
(1) Knows or has reason to know of any medical condition that would make them unable to operate the
aircraft in a safe manner; or
(2) Is taking medication or receiving other treatment for a medical condition that would make them
unable to operate the aircraft in a safe manner.
Sec. 61.55 Second-in-command qualifications.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, no person may serve as a second in command of
an aircraft type certificated for more than one required pilot flight crewmember or in operations requiring
a second in command unless that person holds:
(1) At least a current private pilot certificate with the appropriate category and class rating; and
(2) An instrument rating that applies to the aircraft being flown if the flight is under IFR.
(b) No person may serve as a second in command of an aircraft type certificated for more than one
required pilot flight crewmember or in operations requiring a second in command unless that person has
within the previous 12 calendar months:
(1) Reviewed on the specific type aircraft, for which second-in-command privileges are requested, and
that review must include becoming familiar with the aircraft's--
(i) Operational procedures on the powerplant, equipment, and systems:
(ii) Performance specifications and limitations:
(iii) Normal, abnormal, and emergency operating procedures:
(iv) Flight manual; and
(v) Placards and markings.
(2) Performed and logged practice in the type aircraft or in an approved flight simulator or approved
flight training device that represents the type of aircraft for which second-in-command privileges are
requested, and the practice must include at least--
(i) Three takeoffs and landings to a full stop as the sole manipulator of the flight controls:
(ii) Engine-out procedures and maneuvering with an engine out while executing the duties of a pilot in
command; and
(iii) Flight deck resource management training.
(c) If a person complies with the requirements in paragraph (b) of this section in the calendar month
before or the calendar month after the month in which compliance with this section is required, then that
person is considered to have accomplished the training and practice requirements of paragraph (b) of this
section in the month it is due.
(d) This section does not apply to a person who is:
(1) Designated and qualified as a pilot in command, under part 121, 125, or 135 of this chapter in that
specific type of aircraft:
(2) Designated as the second in command, under part 121, 125, or 135 of this chapter in that specific
type of aircraft; or
(3) Designated as the second in command in that specific type of aircraft for the purpose of receiving
flight training required by this section and no passengers or cargo are carried on the aircraft.
(e) A person who holds a commercial or airline transport pilot certificate with the appropriate category
and class rating need not meet the requirements of paragraph (b)(2) of this section, provided that
pilot:
(1) Is conducting ferry flights, aircraft flight tests, or evaluation flights of an aircraft's equipment;
and
(2) Does not carry any person or cargo aboard the aircraft, unless the person or cargo is considered
necessary for the flight.
(f) To meet the requirements of paragraph (b)(2) of this section, a person may serve as a second in
command in that specific type of aircraft, if:
(1) The flight occurs under day VFR or day IFR; and
(2) No person or cargo are carried aboard the aircraft, unless the person or cargo is considered
necessary for the flight.
(a) A flight review consists of a minimum of 1 hour of flight instruction and 1 hour of ground
instruction. The review must include--
(1) A review of the current general operating and flight rules of part 91 of this chapter; and
(2) A review of those maneuvers and procedures which, at the discretion of the person giving the
review, are necessary for the pilot to demonstrate the safe exercise of the privileges of the pilot
certificate.
(b) Glider pilots may substitute a minimum of three instructional flights in a glider, each of which
includes a 360 degree turn, in lieu of the 1 hour of flight instruction required in paragraph (a).
(c) Except as provided in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section, no person may act as pilot in command
of an aircraft unless, since the beginning of the 24th calendar month before the month in which that pilot
acts as pilot in command, that person has--
(1) Accomplished a flight review given in an aircraft for which that pilot is rated by an appropriately
rated instructor certificated under this part or other person designated by the Administrator; and
(2) A logbook endorsed by the person who gave the review certifying that the person has satisfactorily
completed the review.
(d) A person who has, within the period specified in paragraph (c) of this section, satisfactorily
completed a pilot proficiency check conducted by the FAA, an approved pilot check airman, or a U.S.
Armed Force, for a pilot certificate, rating, or operating privilege, need not accomplish the flight review
required by this section.
(e) A person who has, within the period specified in paragraph (c) of this section, satisfactorily
completed one or more phases of an FAA-sponsored pilot proficiency award program need not accomplish
the flight review required by this section.
(f) A person who holds a current flight instructor certificate who has, within the period specified in
paragraph (c) of this section, satisfactorily completed a renewal of a flight instructor certificate under the
provisions on 61.197(c), need not accomplish the 1 hour of ground instruction specified in subparagraph
(a)(1) of this section.
(g) The requirements of this section may be accomplished in combination with the requirements of Sec.
61.57 and other applicable recency requirements at the discretion of the instructor.
Sec. 61.57 Recent flight experience: Pilot-in-command.
(a) General experience.
(1) Except as provided by paragraph (e) of this section, no person may act as a pilot in command of an
aircraft carrying passengers or as required pilot aboard an aircraft that requires more than one pilot
crewmember unless that person has made at least three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop within
the preceding 90 days, and:
(i) The person acted as sole manipulator of the flight controls:
(ii) The required takeoffs and landings were performed in an aircraft of the same category, class, and
type (if a type rating is required), and if the aircraft to be flown is an airplane with a tailwheel landing
gear, the takeoffs and landings must have been in a tailwheel airplane; and
(iii) Each required takeoff and landing involved a flight in the traffic pattern at the recommended
traffic pattern altitude for the airport.
(2) A person may act as a pilot in command or as required pilot and sole manipulator of the controls for
an aircraft that requires more than one pilot under day VFR or day IFR, provided no persons or property,
other than that necessary for compliance with paragraph (a) of this section, are carried.
(b) Night experience. Except as provided by paragraph (e) of this section, no person may act as pilot in
command of an aircraft carrying passengers at night, nor as a required pilot aboard an aircraft requiring
more than one pilot crewmember at night, unless that person has complied with the requirements of
paragraph (a) of this section at night.
(c) Recent instrument experience. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, no person may
act as pilot in command under IFR or in weather conditions less than the minimums prescribed for VFR,
unless that person has met the following requirements within the preceding 6 calendar months:
(1) To obtain instrument experience in an aircraft (other than a glider), that person has performed and
logged--
(i) At least six instrument approaches:
(ii) Holding procedures:
(iii) Intercepting and tracking VOR radials and NDB bearings:
(iv) Recovery from unusual flight altitudes; and
(v) Flight by reference to instruments.
(2) The instrument experience requirements of paragraph (d)(1) of this section must have been logged
in an aircraft that is not a glider, and performed in--
(i) Actual flight, appropriate to the category of aircraft for the instrument privileges sought; or
(ii) An approved flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of the aircraft category
for the instrument privileges sought.
(3) If the person does not carry passengers and if the instrument recency experience is in a glider, that
person must have performed and logged at least--
(i) Three hours of instrument time in actual flight of which 1.5 hours may be acquired in a single-
engine airplane or a glider; or
(ii) Three hours of instrument time must have been in a glider.
(d) Instrument proficiency check. Except as provided by paragraph (e) of this section, a person who
does not meet the recent instrument requirements of paragraph (d) of this section within the prescribed
time or within 6 calendar months after the prescribed time, may not serve as pilot in command under IFR
or in weather conditions less than the minimums prescribed for VFR until that person satisfactorily
accomplishes an instrument proficiency
check:
(1) Consisting of a representative number of tasks required by the instrument rating practical test, and
the check must be--
(i) In an aircraft that is appropriate to the aircraft category and instrument privileges sought:
(ii) In an approved flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of the aircraft
category (other than a glider) for which instrument privileges sought; or
(iii) For a glider, in a single-engine airplane or a glider.
(2) Given by one of the following persons--
(i) An examiner:
(ii) A person authorized by the U.S. Armed Forces to conduct instrument flight tests, provided the
person being tested is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces:
(iii) A company check pilot who is authorized to conduct instrument flight tests under part 121, 125, or
135 of this chapter, and provided that both the check pilot and the pilot being tested are employees of that
operator:
(iv) An instrument flight instructor who holds the appropriate instrument instructor rating for the class
of aircraft in which the check is being conducted; or
(v) A person approved by the Administrator to conduct instrument practical tests.
(e) Exceptions.
(1) Paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section do not apply to a pilot in command that is employed by a part
125 operator and is engaged in a flight operation for that certificate holder.
(2) This section does not apply to a pilot in command that is employed by a part 121 or part 135
operator and is engaged in a flight operation for that certificate holder.
Sec. 61.58 Pilot-in-command proficiency check: Operation of aircraft requiring more than one required pilot.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, no person may act as pilot in command of an
aircraft that is type certificated for more than one required pilot crewmember unless the proficiency
checks prescribed in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section are satisfactorily accomplished.
(b) Within 12-calendar months preceding the month the person acts as pilot in command of an aircraft
that is type certificated for more than one required pilot crewmember that person must have accomplished
one of the following:
(1) For an airplane, a proficiency check--
(i) In that airplane type, or in a flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of that
type of airplane:
(ii) Given to that person by an examiner; and
(iii) Consisting of those areas of operations that are appropriate to the standards required of an airline
transport pilot certificate for that airplane class rating.
(2) For other aircraft, a proficiency checks--
(i) In that aircraft type, or in a flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of that
type of aircraft:
(ii) Given to that person by an examiner; and
(iii) Consisting of those areas of operations that are appropriate to the standards required of an airline
transport pilot certificate for that aircraft category and class rating.
(3) A pilot in command proficiency check given to that person in accordance with part 121, 123, 125,
or 135 of this chapter.
(4) A practical test required for an aircraft type rating.
(5) An initial or periodic proficiency check for the issuance of an examiner or check airman
designation.
(6) A military proficiency check required for pilot in command and instrument privileges in an aircraft
which the military requires to be operated by more than one pilot.
(c) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, within 24-calendar months preceding the month
the person acts as pilot in command of an aircraft that is type certificated for more than one required pilot
crewmember, that person must have accomplished one of the following proficiency checks in the
particular type of aircraft in which the person is to serve as pilot in command:
(1) A proficiency check--
(i) In that aircraft type, or in a flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of that
type of aircraft:
(ii) Given to that person by an examiner; and
(iii) Consisting of those areas of operations that are appropriate to the standards required of an airline
transport pilot certificate for that aircraft category and class rating.
(2) A pilot in command proficiency check given to that person in accordance with part 121, 123, 125,
or 135 of this chapter:
(3) A practical test required for an aircraft type rating:
(4) An initial or periodic proficiency check for the issuance of a pilot examiner or check airman
designation; or
(5) A military proficiency check required for pilot in command and instrument privileges in an aircraft
which the military requires to be operated by more than one pilot.
(d) For airplanes, the maneuvers and procedures required for the checks and test prescribed in
paragraphs (c) (1), (2), (4), and (5) of this section, and paragraph (c)(3) of this section for type ratings
obtained in conjunction with part 121 of this chapter, training programs may be performed in a flight
simulator or flight training device if the:
(1) Maneuver or procedure can be performed in a flight simulator or flight training device as set forth
in appendix F to part 121 of this chapter; and
(2) Flight simulator or flight training device is one that is approved for the particular maneuver or
procedure.
(e) This section does not apply to persons conducting operations subject to parts 121, 123, 125, 133,
135, and 137 of this chapter.
(f) For the purpose of meeting the proficiency check requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this
section, a person may act as pilot in command of a flight under day VFR or day IFR if no persons or
property, other than as necessary for compliance thereunder, are carried.
(g) If a person takes the proficiency check required by paragraph (a) of this section in the calendar
month before, or the calendar month after the month in which it is due, that person is considered to have
taken it in the month it is due.
Sec. 61.59 Falsification, reproduction, or alteration of applications, certificates, logbooks, reports, or records.
(a) No person may make or cause to be made:
(1) Any fraudulent or intentionally false statement on any application for a certificate, rating, or
duplicate thereof, issued under this part:
(2) Any fraudulent or intentionally false entry in any logbook, record, or report that is required to be
kept, made, or used, to show compliance with any requirement for the issuance, or exercise of the
privileges of any certificate or rating under this part:
(3) Any reproduction, for fraudulent purpose, of any certificate or rating under this part; or
(4) Any alteration of any certificate or rating under this part.
(b) The commission of an act prohibited under paragraph (a) of this section is a basis for suspending or
revoking any airman or ground instructor certificate or rating held by that person.
Persons who hold an airman certificate, and who have a change in their permanent mailing address, may not exercise the privileges of their certificate unless they notify the Federal Aviation Administration, Airman Certification Branch, Box 25082, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125, in writing of the new address within 30 days from the date the person moved.