(a) This part prescribes:
(1) 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
privileges and limitations of those certificates and ratings.
(2) The requirements for issuing pilot, flight
instructor, and ground instructor authorizations; the conditions under
which those authorizations are necessary; and the privileges and
limitations of those authorizations.
(3) 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.
(b) For the purpose of this part:
(1) Aeronautical experience means pilot
time obtained in an aircraft, flight simulator, or flight training device
for meeting the appropriate training and flight time requirements for an
airman certificate, rating, flight review, or recency of flight experience
requirements of this part.
(2) Authorized instructor means—
(i) A person who holds a valid ground instructor
certificate issued under part 61 or part 143 of this chapter when
conducting ground training in accordance with the privileges and
limitations of his or her ground instructor certificate;
(ii) A person who holds a current flight
instructor certificate issued under part 61 of this chapter when
conducting ground training or flight training in accordance with the
privileges and limitations of his or her flight instructor certificate; or
(iii) A person authorized by the Administrator to
provide ground training or flight training under SFAR No. 58, or part 61,
121, 135, or 142 of this chapter when conducting ground training or flight
training in accordance with that authority.
(3) Cross-country time means—
(i) Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(3)(ii)
through (b)(3)(vi) of this section, time acquired during flight—
(A) Conducted by a person who holds a pilot
certificate;
(B) Conducted in an aircraft;
(C) That includes a landing at a point other than
the point of departure; and
(D) That involves the use of dead reckoning,
pilotage, electronic navigation aids, radio aids, or other navigation
systems to navigate to the landing point.
(ii) For the purpose of meeting the aeronautical
experience requirements (except for a rotorcraft category rating), for a
private pilot certificate (except for a powered parachute category
rating), a commercial pilot certificate, or an instrument rating, or for
the purpose of exercising recreational pilot privileges (except in a
rotorcraft) under §61.101 (c), time acquired during a flight—
(A) Conducted in an appropriate aircraft;
(B) That includes a point of landing that was at
least a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical miles from the
original point of departure; and
(C) That involves the use of dead reckoning,
pilotage, electronic navigation aids, radio aids, or other navigation
systems to navigate to the landing point.
(iii) For the purpose of meeting the aeronautical
experience requirements for a sport pilot certificate (except for powered
parachute privileges), time acquired during a flight conducted in an
appropriate aircraft that—
(A) Includes a point of landing at least a
straight line distance of more than 25 nautical miles from the original
point of departure; and
(B) Involves, as applicable, the use of dead
reckoning; pilotage; electronic navigation aids; radio aids; or other
navigation systems to navigate to the landing point.
(iv) For the purpose of meeting the aeronautical
experience requirements for a sport pilot certificate with powered
parachute privileges or a private pilot certificate with a powered
parachute category rating, time acquired during a flight conducted in an
appropriate aircraft that—
(A) Includes a point of landing at least a
straight line distance of more than 15 nautical miles from the original
point of departure; and
(B) Involves, as applicable, the use of dead
reckoning; pilotage; electronic navigation aids; radio aids; or other
navigation systems to navigate to the landing point.
(v) For the purpose of meeting the aeronautical
experience requirements for any pilot certificate with a rotorcraft
category rating or an instrument-helicopter rating, or for the purpose of
exercising recreational pilot privileges, in a rotorcraft, under
§61.101(c), time acquired during a flight—
(A) Conducted in an appropriate aircraft;
(B) That includes a point of landing that was at
least a straight-line distance of more than 25 nautical miles from the
original point of departure; and
(C) That involves the use of dead reckoning,
pilotage, electronic navigation aids, radio aids, or other navigation
systems to navigate to the landing point.
(vi) For the purpose of meeting the aeronautical
experience requirements for an airline transport pilot certificate (except
with a rotorcraft category rating), time acquired during a flight—
(A) Conducted in an appropriate aircraft;
(B) That is at least a straight-line distance of
more than 50 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and
(C) That involves the use of dead reckoning,
pilotage, electronic navigation aids, radio aids, or other navigation
systems.
(vii) For a military pilot who qualifies for a
commercial pilot certificate (except with a rotorcraft category rating)
under §61.73 of this part, time acquired during a flight—
(A) Conducted in an appropriate aircraft;
(B) That is at least a straight-line distance of
more than 50 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and
(C) That involves the use of dead reckoning,
pilotage, electronic navigation aids, radio aids, or other navigation
systems.
(4) Examiner means any person who is
authorized by the Administrator to conduct a pilot proficiency test or 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.
(5) Flight simulator means a device that—
(i) Is a full-size aircraft cockpit replica of a
specific type of aircraft, or make, model, and series of aircraft;
(ii) Includes the hardware and software necessary
to represent the aircraft in ground operations and flight operations;
(iii) Uses a force cueing system that provides
cues at least equivalent to those cues provided by a 3 degree freedom of
motion system;
(iv) Uses a visual system that provides at least
a 45 degree horizontal field of view and a 30 degree vertical field of
view simultaneously for each pilot; and
(v) Has been evaluated, qualified, and approved
by the Administrator.
(6) Flight training means that training,
other than ground training, received from an authorized instructor in
flight in an aircraft.
(7) Flight training device means a device
that—
(i) Is a full-size replica of the instruments,
equipment, panels, and controls of an aircraft, or set of aircraft, in an
open flight deck area or in an enclosed cockpit, including the hardware
and software for the systems installed, that is necessary to simulate the
aircraft in ground and flight operations;
(ii) Need not have a force (motion) cueing or
visual system; and
(iii) Has been evaluated, qualified, and approved
by the Administrator.
(8) Ground training means that training,
other than flight training, received from an authorized instructor.
(9) Instrument approach means an approach
procedure defined in part 97 of this chapter.
(10) Instrument training means that time
in which instrument training is received from an authorized instructor
under actual or simulated instrument conditions.
(11) Knowledge test means a test on the
aeronautical knowledge areas required for an airman certificate or rating
that can be administered in written form or by a computer.
(12) Pilot time means that time in which a
person—
(i) Serves as a required pilot flight crewmember;
(ii) Receives training from an authorized
instructor in an aircraft, flight simulator, or flight training device; or
(iii) Gives training as an authorized instructor
in an aircraft, flight simulator, or flight training device.
(13) Practical test means a test on the
areas of operations for an airman certificate, rating, or authorization
that is conducted by having the applicant respond to questions and
demonstrate maneuvers in flight, in a flight simulator, or in a flight
training device.
(14) Set of aircraft means aircraft that
share similar performance characteristics, such as similar airspeed and
altitude operating envelopes, similar handling characteristics, and the
same number and type of propulsion systems.
(15) Student pilot seeking a sport pilot
certificate means a person who has received an endorsement—
(i) To exercise student pilot privileges from a
certificated flight instructor with a sport pilot rating; or
(ii) That includes a limitation for the operation
of a light-sport aircraft specified in §61.89(c) issued by a certificated
flight instructor with other than a sport pilot rating.
(16) Training time means training
received—
(i) In flight from an authorized instructor;
(ii) On the ground from an authorized instructor;
or
(iii) In a flight simulator or flight training
device from an authorized instructor.
[Doc. No. 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997; Amdt.
61–103, 62 FR 40893, July 30, 1997; Amdt. 61–110, 69 FR 44864, July 27,
2004]
§ 61.3 Requirement for certificates, ratings,
and authorizations.
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(a) Pilot certificate. A person may not
act as pilot in command or in any other capacity as a required pilot
flight crewmember of a civil aircraft of U.S. registry, unless that
person—
(1) Has a valid pilot certificate or special
purpose pilot authorization issued under this part in that person's
physical possession or readily accessible in the aircraft when exercising
the privileges of that pilot certificate or authorization. However, when
the aircraft is operated within a foreign country, a current pilot license
issued by the country in which the aircraft is operated may be used; and
(2) Has a photo identification that is in that
person's physical possession or readily accessible in the aircraft when
exercising the privileges of that pilot certificate or authorization. The
photo identification must be a:
(i) Valid driver's license issued by a State, the
District of Columbia, or territory or possession of the United States;
(ii) Government identification card issued by the
Federal government, a State, the District of Columbia, or a territory or
possession of the United States;
(iii) U.S. Armed Forces' identification card;
(iv) Official passport;
(v) Credential that authorizes unescorted access
to a security identification display area at an airport regulated under 49
CFR part 1542; or
(vi) Other form of identification that the
Administrator finds acceptable.
(b) Required pilot certificate for operating a
foreign-registered aircraft. A person may not act as pilot in command
or in any other capacity as a required pilot flight crewmember of a civil
aircraft of foreign registry within the United States, unless that
person's pilot certificate:
(1) Is valid and in that person's physical
possession, or readily accessible in the aircraft when exercising the
privileges of that pilot certificate; and
(2) Has been issued under this part, or has been
issued or validated 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 may not act as
pilot in command or in any other capacity as a required pilot flight
crewmember of an aircraft, under a certificate issued to that person under
this part, unless that person has a current and appropriate medical
certificate that has been issued under part 67 of this chapter, or other
documentation acceptable to the Administrator, which is in that person's
physical possession or readily accessible in the aircraft.
(2) A person is not required to meet the
requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this section if that person—
(i) Is exercising the privileges of a student
pilot certificate while seeking a pilot certificate with a glider category
rating, a balloon class rating, or glider or balloon privileges;
(ii) Is exercising the privileges of a student
pilot certificate while seeking a sport pilot certificate with other than
glider or balloon privileges and holds a current and valid U.S. driver's
license;
(iii) Is exercising the privileges of a student
pilot certificate while seeking a pilot certificate with a
weight-shift-control aircraft category rating or a powered parachute
category rating and holds a current and valid U.S. driver's license;
(iv) Is exercising the privileges of a sport
pilot certificate with glider or balloon privileges;
(v) Is exercising the privileges of a sport pilot
certificate with other than glider or balloon privileges and holds a
current and valid U.S. driver's license. A person who has applied for or
held a medical certificate may exercise the privileges of a sport pilot
certificate using a current and valid U.S. driver's license only if that
person—
(A) Has been found eligible for the issuance of
at least a third-class airman medical certificate at the time of his or
her most recent application; and
(B) Has not had his or her most recently issued
medical certificate suspended or revoked or most recent Authorization for
a Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate withdrawn.
(vi) Is holding a pilot certificate with a
balloon class rating and is piloting or providing training in a balloon as
appropriate;
(vii) Is holding a pilot certificate or a flight
instructor certificate with a glider category rating, and is piloting or
providing training in a glider, as appropriate;
(viii) Except as provided in paragraph
(c)(2)(vii) of this section, is exercising the privileges of a flight
instructor certificate, provided the person is not acting as pilot in
command or as a required pilot flight crewmember;
(ix) Is exercising the privileges of a ground
instructor certificate;
(x) Is operating an aircraft within a foreign
country using a pilot license issued by that country and possesses
evidence of current medical qualification for that license; or
(xi) Is operating an aircraft with a U.S. pilot
certificate, issued on the basis of a foreign pilot license, issued under
§61.75 of this part, and holds a current medical certificate issued by the
foreign country that issued the foreign pilot license, which is in that
person's physical possession or readily accessible in the aircraft when
exercising the privileges of that airman certificate.
(d) Flight instructor certificate. (1) A
person who holds a flight instructor certificate issued under this part
must have that certificate, or other documentation acceptable to the
Administrator, in that person's physical possession or readily accessible
in the aircraft when exercising the privileges of that flight instructor
certificate.
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (d)(3) of
this section, no person other than the holder of a flight instructor
certificate issued under this part with the appropriate rating on that
certificate may—
(i) Give training required to qualify a person
for solo flight and solo cross-country flight;
(ii) Endorse an applicant for a—
(A) Pilot certificate or rating issued under this
part;
(B) Flight instructor certificate or rating
issued under this part; or
(C) 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 and
logbook for solo operating privileges.
(3) A flight instructor certificate issued under
this part is not necessary—
(i) Under paragraph (d)(2) of this section, if
the training is given by the holder of a commercial pilot certificate with
a lighter-than-air rating, provided the training is given in accordance
with the privileges of the certificate in a lighter-than-air aircraft;
(ii) Under paragraph (d)(2) of this section, if
the training is given by the holder of an airline transport pilot
certificate with a rating appropriate to the aircraft in which the
training is given, provided the training is given in accordance with the
privileges of the certificate and conducted in accordance with an approved
air carrier training program approved under part 121 or part 135 of this
chapter;
(iii) Under paragraph (d)(2) of this section, if
the training is given by a person who is qualified in accordance with
subpart C of part 142 of this chapter, provided the training is conducted
in accordance with an approved part 142 training program;
(iv) Under paragraphs (d)(2)(i), (d)(2)(ii)(C),
and (d)(2)(iii) of this section, if the training is given by the holder of
a ground instructor certificate in accordance with the privileges of the
certificate; or
(v) Under paragraph (d)(2)(iii) of this section,
if the training is given by an authorized flight instructor under §61.41
of this part.
(e) Instrument rating. 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 any airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift being flown;
(2) An airline transport pilot certificate with
the appropriate aircraft category, class, and type rating (if required)
for the aircraft being flown;
(3) For a glider, a pilot certificate with a
glider category rating and an airplane instrument rating; or
(4) For an airship, a commercial pilot
certificate with a lighter-than-air category rating and airship class
rating.
(f) Category II pilot authorization.
Except for a pilot conducting Category II operations under part 121 or
part 135, a person may not:
(1) Act as pilot in command of a civil aircraft
during Category II operations unless that person—
(i) Holds a current Category II pilot
authorization for that category or class of aircraft, and the type of
aircraft, if applicable; or
(ii) In the case of a civil aircraft of foreign
registry, is authorized by the country of registry to act as pilot in
command of that aircraft in Category II operations.
(2) Act as second in command of a civil aircraft
during Category II operations unless that person—
(i) Holds a valid pilot certificate with category
and class ratings for that aircraft and a current instrument rating for
that category aircraft;
(ii) Holds an airline transport pilot certificate
with category and class ratings for that aircraft; or
(iii) In the case of a civil aircraft of foreign
registry, is authorized by the country of registry to act as second in
command of that aircraft during Category II operations.
(g) Category III pilot authorization.
Except for a pilot conducting Category III operations under part 121 or
part 135, a person may not:
(1) Act as pilot in command of a civil aircraft
during Category III operations unless that person—
(i) Holds a current Category III pilot
authorization for that category or class of aircraft, and the type of
aircraft, if applicable; or
(ii) In the case of a civil aircraft of foreign
registry, is authorized by the country of registry to act as pilot in
command of that aircraft in Category III operations.
(2) Act as second in command of a civil aircraft
during Category III operations unless that person—
(i) Holds a valid pilot certificate with category
and class ratings for that aircraft and a current instrument rating for
that category aircraft;
(ii) Holds an airline transport pilot certificate
with category and class ratings for that aircraft; or
(iii) In the case of a civil aircraft of foreign
registry, is authorized by the country of registry to act as second in
command of that aircraft during Category III operations.
(h) Category A aircraft pilot authorization.
The Administrator may issue a certificate of authorization for a Category
II or Category III operation to the pilot of a small aircraft that is a
Category A aircraft, as identified in §97.3(b)(1) of this chapter if:
(1) The Administrator determines that the
Category II or Category III operation can be performed safely by that
pilot under the terms of the certificate of authorization; and
(2) The Category II or Category III operation
does not involve the carriage of persons or property for compensation or
hire.
(i) Ground instructor certificate. (1)
Each person who holds a ground instructor certificate issued under this
part or part 143 must have that certificate in that person's physical
possession or immediately accessible when exercising the privileges of
that certificate.
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (i)(3) of
this section, no person other than the holder of a ground instructor
certificate, issued under this part or part 143, with the appropriate
rating on that certificate may—
(i) Give ground training required to qualify a
person for solo flight and solo cross-country flight;
(ii) Endorse an applicant for a knowledge test
required for a pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate
or rating issued under this part; or
(iii) Endorse a pilot logbook to show ground
training given.
(3) A ground instructor certificate issued under
this part is not necessary—
(i) Under paragraph (i)(2) of this section, if
the training is given by the holder of a flight instructor certificate
issued under this part in accordance with the privileges of that
certificate;
(ii) Under paragraph (i)(2) of this section, if
the training is given by the holder of a commercial pilot certificate with
a lighter-than-air rating, provided the training is given in accordance
with the privileges of the certificate in a lighter-than-air aircraft;
(iii) Under paragraph (i)(2) of this section, if
the training is given by the holder of an airline transport pilot
certificate with a rating appropriate to the aircraft in which the
training is given, provided the training is given in accordance with the
privileges of the certificate and conducted in accordance with an approved
air carrier training program approved under part 121 or part 135 of this
chapter;
(iv) Under paragraph (i)(2) of this section, if
the training is given by a person who is qualified in accordance with
subpart C of part 142 of this chapter, provided the training is conducted
in accordance with an approved part 142 training program; or
(v) Under paragraph (i)(2)(iii) of this section,
if the training is given by an authorized flight instructor under §61.41
of this part.
(j) Age limitation for certain operations—(1)
Age limitation. Except as provided in paragraph (j)(3) of this
section, no person who holds a pilot certificate issued under this part
shall serve as a pilot on a civil airplane of U.S. registry in the
following operations if the person has reached his or her 60th birthday—
(i) Scheduled international air services carrying
passengers in turbojet-powered airplanes;
(ii) Scheduled international air services
carrying passengers in airplanes having a passenger-seat configuration of
more than nine passenger seats, excluding each crewmember seat;
(iii) Nonscheduled international air
transportation for compensation or hire in airplanes having a
passenger-seat configuration of more than 30 passenger seats, excluding
each crewmember seat; or
(iv) Scheduled international air services, or
nonscheduled international air transportation for compensation or hire, in
airplanes having a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds.
(2) Definitions. (i) “International air
service,” as used in paragraph (j) of this section, means scheduled air
service performed in airplanes for the public transport of passengers,
mail, or cargo, in which the service passes through the airspace over the
territory of more than one country.
(ii) “International air transportation,” as used
in paragraph (j) of this section, means air transportation performed in
airplanes for the public transport of passengers, mail, or cargo, in which
the service passes through the airspace over the territory of more than
one country.
(3) Delayed pilot age limitation. Until
December 20, 1999, a person may serve as a pilot in operations covered by
this paragraph after that person has reached his or her 60th birthday if,
on March 20, 1997, that person was employed as a pilot in operations
covered by this paragraph.
(k) Special purpose pilot authorization.
Any person that is required to hold a special purpose pilot authorization,
issued in accordance with §61.77 of this part, must have that
authorization and the person's foreign pilot license in that person's
physical possession or have it readily accessible in the aircraft when
exercising the privileges of that authorization.
(l) Inspection of certificate. Each person
who holds an airman certificate, medical certificate, authorization, or
license required by this part must present it and their photo
identification as described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section for
inspection upon a request from:
(1) The Administrator;
(2) An authorized representative of the National
Transportation Safety Board;
(3) Any Federal, State, or local law enforcement
officer; or
(4) An authorized representative of the
Transportation Security Administration.
[Doc. No. 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997; Amdt.
61–103, 62 FR 40894, July 30, 1997; Amdt. 61–111, 67 FR 65861, Oct. 28,
2002; Amdt. 61–110, 69 FR 44864, July 27, 2004]
§ 61.4 Qualification and approval of flight
simulators and flight training devices.
top
(a) Except as specified in paragraph (b) or (c)
of this section, each flight simulator and flight training device used for
training, and for which an airman is to receive credit to satisfy any
training, testing, or checking requirement under this chapter, must be
qualified and approved by the Administrator for—
(1) The training, testing, and checking for which
it is used;
(2) Each particular maneuver, procedure, or
crewmember function performed; and
(3) The representation of the specific category
and class of aircraft, type of aircraft, particular variation within the
type of aircraft, or set of aircraft for certain flight training devices.
(b) Any device used for flight training, testing,
or checking that has been determined to be acceptable to or approved by
the Administrator prior to August 1, 1996, which can be shown to function
as originally designed, is considered to be a flight training device,
provided it is used for the same purposes for which it was originally
accepted or approved and only to the extent of such acceptance or
approval.
(c) The Administrator may approve a device other
than a flight simulator or flight training device for specific purposes.
[Doc. No. 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997; Amdt.
61–103, 62 FR 40895, July 30, 1997]
§ 61.5 Certificates and ratings issued under
this part.
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(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) Sport pilot.
(iii) Recreational pilot.
(iv) Private pilot.
(v) Commercial pilot.
(vi) 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.
(vi) Powered parachute.
(vii) Weight-shift-control aircraft.
(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) Lighter-than-air class ratings—
(i) Airship.
(ii) Balloon.
(5) Weight-shift-control aircraft class ratings—
(i) Weight-shift-control aircraft land.
(ii) Weight-shift-control aircraft sea.
(6) Powered parachute class ratings—
(i) Powered parachute land.
(ii) Powered parachute sea.
(7) Aircraft type ratings—
(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.
(iv) Second-in-command pilot type rating for
aircraft that is certificated for operations with a minimum crew of at
least two pilots.
(8) Instrument ratings (on private and commercial
pilot certificates only)—
(i) Instrument—Airplane.
(ii) Instrument—Helicopter.
(iii) 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) Powered-lift.
(2) Airplane class ratings—
(i) Single-engine.
(ii) Multiengine.
(3) Rotorcraft class ratings—
(i) Helicopter.
(ii) Gyroplane.
(4) Instrument ratings—
(i) Instrument—Airplane.
(ii) Instrument—Helicopter.
(iii) Instrument—Powered-lift.
(5) Sport pilot rating.
(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) Basic.
(2) Advanced.
(3) Instrument.
[Doc. No. 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997, as
amended by Amdt. 61–110, 69 FR 44864, July 27, 2004; Amdt. 61–113, 70 FR
45271, Aug. 4, 2005]
§ 61.7 Obsolete certificates and ratings.
top
(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) Autogyro.
§ 61.9 [Reserved]
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§ 61.11 Expired pilot certificates and
reissuance.
top
(a) No person who holds an expired pilot
certificate or rating may:
(1) Exercise the privileges of that pilot
certificate or rating; or
(2) Act as pilot in command or as a required
pilot flight crewmember of an aircraft of the same category and class
specified on the expired pilot certificate or rating.
(b) The following pilot certificates and ratings
have expired and will 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; and
(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
unless otherwise specified on the U.S. pilot certificate. A certificate
without an expiration date is issued to the holder of the expired
certificate only if that person meets the requirements of §61.75 for the
issuance of a pilot certificate based on a foreign pilot license.
(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.
[Doc. No. 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997; Amdt.
61–103, 62 FR 40895, July 30, 1997]
§ 61.13 Issuance of airman certificates,
ratings, and authorizations.
top
(a) Application. (1) An applicant for an
airman certificate, rating, or authorization under this part must make
that application on a form and in a manner acceptable to the
Administrator.
(2) An applicant who is neither a citizen of the
United States nor a resident alien of the United States—
(i) Must show evidence that the appropriate fee
prescribed in appendix A to part 187 of this chapter has been paid when
that person applies for a—
(A) Student pilot certificate that is issued
outside the United States; or
(B) Knowledge test or practical test for an
airman certificate or rating issued under this part, if the test is
administered outside the United States.
(ii) May be refused issuance of any U.S. airman
certificate, rating, or authorization by the Administrator.
(3) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of
this section, an applicant who satisfactorily accomplishes the training
and certification requirements for the certificate, rating, or
authorization sought is entitled to receive that airman certificate,
rating, or authorization.
(b) Limitations. (1) An applicant who
cannot comply with certain areas of operation required on the practical
test because of physical limitations may be issued an airman certificate,
rating, or authorization with the appropriate limitation placed on the
applicant's airman certificate provided the—
(i) Applicant is able to meet all other
certification requirements for the airman certificate, rating, or
authorization sought;
(ii) Physical limitation has been recorded with
the FAA on the applicant's medical records; and
(iii) Administrator determines that 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 for an
examiner satisfactory proficiency in the area of operation appropriate to
the airman certificate, rating, or authorization sought.
(c) Additional requirements for Category II
and Category III pilot authorizations. (1) A Category II or Category
III pilot authorization is issued by a letter of authorization as part of
an applicant's instrument rating or airline transport pilot certificate.
(2) Upon original issue, the authorization
contains the following limitations:
(i) For Category II operations, the limitation is
1,600 feet RVR and a 150-foot decision height; and
(ii) For Category III operations, each initial
limitation is specified in the authorization document.
(3) The limitations on a Category II or Category
III pilot authorization may be removed as follows:
(i) In the case of Category II limitations, a
limitation is removed when the holder shows that, since the beginning of
the sixth preceding month, the holder has made three Category II ILS
approaches with a 150-foot decision height to a landing under actual or
simulated instrument conditions.
(ii) In the case of Category III limitations, a
limitation is removed as specified in the authorization.
(4) To meet the experience requirements of
paragraph (c)(3) of this section, and for the practical test required by
this part for a Category II or a Category III pilot authorization, a
flight simulator or flight training device may be used if it is approved
by the Administrator for such use.
(d) Application during suspension or
revocation. (1) Unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator, a
person whose pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate
has been suspended may not apply for any certificate, rating, or
authorization during the period of suspension.
(2) Unless otherwise authorized by the
Administrator, a person whose pilot, flight instructor, or ground
instructor certificate has been revoked may not apply for any certificate,
rating, or authorization for 1 year after the date of revocation.
[Doc. No. 25910, 62 FR 40895, July 30, 1997]
§ 61.14 Refusal to submit to a drug or alcohol
test.
top
(a) This section applies to an individual who
holds a certificate under this part and is subject to the types of testing
required under appendix I to part 121 or appendix J to part 121 of this
chapter.
(b) Refusal by the holder of a certificate issued
under this part to take a drug test required under the provisions of
appendix I to part 121 or an alcohol test required under the provisions of
appendix J to part 121 is grounds for:
(1) Denial of an application for any certificate,
rating, or authorization issued under this part for a period of up to 1
year after the date of such refusal; and
(2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate,
rating, or authorization issued under this part.
[Doc. 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997, as
amended by Amdt. 61–114, 71 FR 35763, June 21, 2006]
§ 61.15 Offenses involving alcohol or drugs.
top
(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,
rating, or authorization issued under this part for a period of up to 1
year after the date of final conviction; or
(2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate,
rating, or authorization issued under this part.
(b) Committing an act prohibited by §91.17(a) or
§91.19(a) of this chapter is grounds for:
(1) Denial of an application for a certificate,
rating, or authorization issued under this part for a period of up to 1
year after the date of that act; or
(2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate,
rating, or authorization issued under this part.
(c) For the purposes of paragraphs (d), (e), and
(f) 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 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 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,
rating, or authorization issued under this part for a period of up to 1
year after the date of the last motor vehicle action; or
(2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate,
rating, or authorization 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 (AMC–700), P.O. Box
25810, Oklahoma City, OK 73125, not later than 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,
rating, or authorization issued under this part for a period of up to 1
year after the date of the motor vehicle action; or
(2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate,
rating, or authorization issued under this part.
§ 61.16 Refusal to submit to an alcohol test
or to furnish test results.
top
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 §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 §91.17(c) or (d) of this chapter,
is grounds for:
(a) Denial of an application for any certificate,
rating, or authorization issued under this part for a period of up to 1
year after the date of that refusal; or
(b) Suspension or revocation of any certificate,
rating, or authorization issued under this part.
§ 61.17 Temporary certificate.
top
(a) A temporary pilot, flight instructor, or
ground 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, flight instructor, or
ground 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.
§ 61.18 Security disqualification.
top
(a)Eligibility standard. No person is
eligible to hold a certificate, rating, or authorization issued under this
part when the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has notified
the FAA in writing that the person poses a security threat.
(b) Effect of the issuance by the TSA of an
Initial Notification of Threat Assessment. (1) The FAA will hold in
abeyance pending the outcome of the TSA's final threat assessment review
an application for any certificate, rating, or authorization under this
part by any person who has been issued an Initial Notification of Threat
Assessment by the TSA.
(2) The FAA will suspend any certificate, rating,
or authorization issued under this part after the TSA issues to the holder
an Initial Notification of Threat Assessment.
(c) Effect of the issuance by the TSA of a
Final Notification of Threat Assessment. (1) The FAA will deny an
application for any certificate, rating, or authorization under this part
to any person who has been issued a Final Notification of Threat
Assessment.
(2) The FAA will revoke any certificate, rating,
or authorization issued under this part after the TSA has issued to the
holder a Final Notification of Threat Assessment.
[Doc. FAA–2003–14293, 68 FR 3774, Jan. 24, 2003]
§ 61.19 Duration of pilot and instructor
certificates.
top
(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) Except as specified in §61.197(b) of this
part, 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, or revoked.
(g) Return of certificates. The holder of
any certificate issued under this part that has been suspended or revoked
must return that certificate to the FAA when requested to do so by the
Administrator.
§ 61.21 Duration of a Category II and a
Category III pilot authorization (for other than part 121 and part 135
use).
top
(a) A Category II pilot authorization or a
Category III pilot authorization expires at the end of the sixth calendar
month after the month in which it was issued or renewed.
(b) Upon passing a practical test for a Category
II or Category III pilot authorization, the authorization may be renewed
for each type of aircraft for which the authorization is held.
(c) A Category II or Category III 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 or Category
III pilot authorization passes the practical test for a renewal in the
month before the authorization expires, the holder is considered to have
passed it during the month the authorization expired.
§ 61.23 Medical certificates: Requirement and
duration.
top
(a) Operations requiring a medical
certificate. Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this
section, a person—
(1) Must hold a first-class medical certificate
when exercising the privileges of an airline transport pilot certificate;
(2) Must hold at least a second-class medical
certificate when exercising the privileges of a commercial pilot
certificate; or
(3) Must hold at least a third-class medical
certificate—
(i) When exercising the privileges of a private
pilot certificate;
(ii) When exercising the privileges of a
recreational pilot certificate;
(iii) When exercising the privileges of a student
pilot certificate;
(iv) When exercising the privileges of a flight
instructor certificate, except for a flight instructor certificate with a
glider category rating or sport pilot rating, if the person is acting as
pilot in command or is serving as a required flight crewmember; or
(v) Except for a glider category rating or a
balloon class rating, prior to taking a practical test that is performed
in an aircraft for a certificate or rating at the recreational, private,
commercial, or airline transport pilot certificate level.
(b) Operations not requiring a medical
certificate. A person is not required to hold a valid medical
certificate—
(1) When exercising the privileges of a student
pilot certificate while seeking—
(i) A sport pilot certificate with glider or
balloon privileges; or
(ii) A pilot certificate with a glider category
rating or balloon class rating;
(2) When exercising the privileges of a sport
pilot certificate with privileges in a glider or balloon;
(3) When exercising the privileges of a pilot
certificate with a glider category or balloon class rating;
(4) When exercising the privileges of a flight
instructor certificate with—
(i) A sport pilot rating in a glider or balloon;
or
(ii) A glider category rating;
(5) When exercising the privileges of a flight
instructor certificate if the person is not acting as pilot in command or
serving as a required pilot flight crewmember;
(6) When exercising the privileges of a ground
instructor certificate;
(7) When serving as an examiner or check airman
during the administration of a test or check for a certificate, rating, or
authorization conducted in a flight simulator or flight training device;
or
(8) When taking a test or check for a
certificate, rating, or authorization conducted in a flight simulator or
flight training device.
(c) Operations requiring either a medical
certificate or U.S. driver's license. (1) A person must hold and
possess either a valid medical certificate issued under part 67 of this
chapter or a current and valid U.S. driver's license when exercising the
privileges of—
(i) A student pilot certificate while seeking
sport pilot privileges in a light-sport aircraft other than a glider or
balloon;
(ii) A sport pilot certificate in a light-sport
aircraft other than a glider or balloon; or
(iii) A flight instructor certificate with a
sport pilot rating while acting as pilot in command or serving as a
required flight crewmember of a light-sport aircraft other than a glider
or balloon.
(2) A person using a current and valid U.S.
driver's license to meet the requirements of this paragraph must—
(i) Comply with each restriction and limitation
imposed by that person's U.S. driver's license and any judicial or
administrative order applying to the operation of a motor vehicle;
(ii) Have been found eligible for the issuance of
at least a third-class airman medical certificate at the time of his or
her most recent application (if the person has applied for a medical
certificate);
(iii) Not have had his or her most recently
issued medical certificate (if the person has held a medical certificate)
suspended or revoked or most recent Authorization for a Special Issuance
of a Medical Certificate withdrawn; and
(iv) Not know or have reason to know of any
medical condition that would make that person unable to operate a
light-sport aircraft in a safe manner.
(d) Duration of a medical certificate. (1)
A first-class medical certificate expires at the end of the last day of—
(i) The sixth month after the month of the date
of examination shown on the certificate for operations requiring an
airline transport pilot certificate;
(ii) The 12th month after the month of the date
of examination shown on the certificate for operations requiring a
commercial pilot certificate or an air traffic control tower operator
certificate; and
(iii) The period specified in paragraph (c)(3) of
this section for operations requiring a recreational pilot certificate, a
private pilot certificate, a flight instructor certificate (when acting as
pilot in command or a required pilot flight crewmember in operations other
than glider or balloon), or a student pilot certificate.
(2) A second-class medical certificate expires at
the end of the last day of—
(i) The 12th month after the month of the date of
examination shown on the certificate for operations requiring a commercial
pilot certificate or an air traffic control tower operator certificate;
and
(ii) The period specified in paragraph (c)(3) of
this section for operations requiring a recreational pilot certificate, a
private pilot certificate, a flight instructor certificate (when acting as
pilot in command or a required pilot flight crewmember in operations other
than glider or balloon), or a student pilot certificate.
(3) A third-class medical certificate for
operations requiring a recreational pilot certificate, a private pilot
certificate, a flight instructor certificate (when acting as pilot in
command or a required pilot flight crewmember in operations other than
glider or balloon), or a student pilot certificate issued—
(i) Before September 16, 1996, expires at the end
of the 24th month after the month of the date of examination shown on the
certificate; or
(ii) On or after September 16, 1996, expires at
the end of:
(A) The 36th month after the month of the date of
the examination shown on the certificate if the person has not reached his
or her 40th birthday on or before the date of examination; or
(B) The 24th month after the month of the date of
the examination shown on the certificate if the person has reached his or
her 40th birthday on or before the date of the examination.
[Doc. No. 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997; Amdt.
61–103, 62 FR 40895, July 30, 1997; Amdt. 61–110, 69 FR 44864, July 27,
2004]
§ 61.25 Change of name.
top
(a) An application to change the name on a
certificate issued under this part must be accompanied by the applicant's:
(1) Current airman certificate; and
(2) A 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.
§ 61.27 Voluntary surrender or exchange of
certificate.
top
(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.”
§ 61.29 Replacement of a lost or destroyed
airman or medical certificate or knowledge test report.
top
(a) A request for the replacement of a lost or
destroyed airman certificate issued under this part must be made by letter
to the Department of Transportation, FAA, Airman Certification Branch,
P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125, and must be accompanied by a
check or money order for the appropriate fee payable to the FAA.
(b) A request for the replacement of a lost or
destroyed medical certificate must be made by letter to the Department of
Transportation, FAA, Aeromedical Certification Branch, P.O. Box 25082,
Oklahoma City, OK 73125, and must be accompanied by a check or money order
for the appropriate fee payable to the FAA.
(c) A request for the replacement of a lost or
destroyed knowledge test report must be made by letter to the Department
of Transportation, FAA, Airman Certification Branch, P.O. Box 25082,
Oklahoma City, OK 73125, and must be accompanied by a check or money order
for the appropriate fee payable to the FAA.
(d) The letter requesting replacement of a lost
or destroyed airman certificate, medical certificate, or knowledge test
report must state:
(1) The name of the person;
(2) The permanent mailing address (including ZIP
code), or if the permanent mailing address includes a post office box
number, then the person's current residential address;
(3) The social security number;
(4) The date and place of birth of the
certificate holder; and
(5) Any available information regarding the—
(i) Grade, number, and date of issuance of the
certificate, and the ratings, if applicable;
(ii) Date of the medical examination, if
applicable; and
(iii) Date the knowledge test was taken, if
applicable.
(e) A person who has lost an airman certificate,
medical certificate, or knowledge test report may obtain a facsimile from
the FAA Aeromedical Certification Branch or the Airman Certification
Branch, as appropriate, 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.
[Doc. No. 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997; Amdt.
61–103, 62 FR 40896, July 30, 1997]
§ 61.31 Type rating requirements, additional
training, and authorization requirements.
top
(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 without a type rating for up to 60
days an aircraft requiring a type rating, 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, 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 carrying another person, or is operated for compensation or hire. That
person also may not act as pilot in command of that aircraft 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—
(1) Hold the appropriate category, class, and
type rating (if a class rating and type rating are required) for the
aircraft to be flown;
(2) Be receiving training for the purpose of
obtaining an additional pilot certificate and rating that are appropriate
to that aircraft, and be under the supervision of an authorized
instructor; or
(3) Have received training required by this part
that is appropriate to the aircraft category, class, and type rating (if a
class or type rating is required) for the aircraft to be flown, and have
received the required endorsements from an instructor who is authorized to
provide the required endorsements for solo flight in that aircraft.
(e) Additional training required for operating
complex airplanes. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (e)(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 a controllable
pitch propeller; or, in the case of a seaplane, flaps and a controllable
pitch propeller), unless the person has—
(i) Received and logged ground and flight
training from an authorized 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 in the operation and
systems of the airplane; and
(ii) Received a one-time endorsement in the
pilot's logbook from an authorized instructor who certifies the person is
proficient to operate a complex airplane.
(2) The training and endorsement required by
paragraph (e)(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 August 4, 1997.
(f) Additional training required for operating
high-performance airplanes. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(2)
of this section, no person may act as pilot in command of a
high-performance airplane (an airplane with an engine of more than 200
horsepower), unless the person has—
(i) Received and logged ground and flight
training from an authorized instructor in a 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 in the
operation and systems of the airplane; and
(ii) Received a one-time endorsement in the
pilot's logbook from an authorized instructor who certifies the person is
proficient to operate a high-performance 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 high-performance airplane, or in a
flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of a
high-performance airplane prior to August 4, 1997.
(g) Additional training required for operating
pressurized aircraft capable of operating at high altitudes. (1)
Except as provided in paragraph (g)(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 instructor and obtained an endorsement in the
person's logbook or training record from an authorized instructor who
certifies the person has satisfactorily accomplished the ground training.
The ground training must include at least the following subjects:
(i) High-altitude aerodynamics and meteorology;
(ii) Respiration;
(iii) Effects, symptoms, and causes of hypoxia
and any other high-altitude sickness;
(iv) Duration of consciousness without
supplemental oxygen;
(v) Effects of prolonged usage of supplemental
oxygen;
(vi) Causes and effects of gas expansion and gas
bubble formation;
(vii) Preventive measures for eliminating gas
expansion, gas bubble formation, and high-altitude sickness;
(viii) Physical phenomena and incidents of
decompression; and
(ix) Any other physiological aspects of
high-altitude flight.
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (g)(3) of
this section, no person may act as pilot in command of a pressurized
aircraft unless that person has received and logged training from an
authorized instructor in a pressurized aircraft, or in a flight simulator
or flight training device that is representative of a pressurized
aircraft, and obtained an endorsement in the person's logbook or training
record from an authorized instructor who found the person proficient in
the operation of a pressurized aircraft. The flight training must include
at least the following subjects:
(i) Normal cruise flight operations while
operating above 25,000 feet MSL;
(ii) Proper emergency procedures for simulated
rapid decompression without actually depressurizing the aircraft; and
(iii) Emergency descent procedures.
(3) The training and endorsement required by
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this section are not required if that
person can document satisfactory accomplishment of any of the following in
a pressurized aircraft, or in a flight simulator or flight training device
that is representative of a pressurized aircraft:
(i) Serving as pilot in command before April 15,
1991;
(ii) Completing a pilot proficiency check for a
pilot certificate 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 part 121, 125, or 135 of this chapter conducted by the
Administrator or by an approved pilot check airman.
(h) Additional aircraft type-specific
training. 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—
(1) Received and logged type-specific training in
the aircraft, or in a flight simulator or flight training device that is
representative of that type of aircraft; and
(2) Received a logbook endorsement from an
authorized instructor who has found the person proficient in the operation
of the aircraft and its systems.
(i) Additional training required for operating
tailwheel airplanes. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (i)(2) of
this section, no person may act as pilot in command of a tailwheel
airplane unless that person has received and logged flight training from
an authorized instructor in a tailwheel airplane and received an
endorsement in the person's logbook from an authorized instructor who
found the person proficient in the operation of a tailwheel airplane. The
flight training must include at least the following maneuvers and
procedures:
(i) Normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings;
(ii) Wheel landings (unless the manufacturer has
recommended against such landings); and
(iii) Go-around procedures.
(2) The training and endorsement required by
paragraph (i)(1) of this section is not required if the person logged
pilot-in-command time in a tailwheel airplane before April 15, 1991.
(j) Additional training required for operating
a glider. (1) No person may act as pilot in command of a glider—
(i) Using ground-tow procedures, unless that
person has satisfactorily accomplished ground and flight training on
ground-tow procedures and operations, and has received an endorsement from
an authorized instructor who certifies in that pilot's logbook that the
pilot has been found proficient in ground-tow procedures and operations;
(ii) Using aerotow procedures, unless that person
has satisfactorily accomplished ground and flight training on aerotow
procedures and operations, and has received an endorsement from an
authorized instructor who certifies in that pilot's logbook that the pilot
has been found proficient in aerotow procedures and operations; or
(iii) Using self-launch procedures, unless that
person has satisfactorily accomplished ground and flight training on
self-launch procedures and operations, and has received an endorsement
from an authorized instructor who certifies in that pilot's logbook that
the pilot has been found proficient in self-launch procedures and
operations.
(2) The holder of a glider rating issued prior to
August 4, 1997, is considered to be in compliance with the training and
logbook endorsement requirements of this paragraph for the specific
operating privilege for which the holder is already qualified.
(k) Exceptions. (1) This section does not
require a category and class rating for aircraft not type-certificated as
airplanes, rotorcraft, gliders, lighter-than-air aircraft, powered-lifts,
powered parachutes, or weight-shift-control aircraft.
(2) The rating limitations of this section do not
apply to—
(i) An applicant when taking a practical test
given by an examiner;
(ii) The holder of a student pilot certificate;
(iii) The holder of a pilot certificate when
operating an aircraft under the authority of—
(A) A provisional type certificate; or
(B) An experimental certificate, unless the
operation involves carrying a passenger;
(iv) The holder of a pilot certificate with a
lighter-than-air category rating when operating a balloon;
(v) The holder of a recreational pilot
certificate operating under the provisions of §61.101(h); or
(vi) The holder of a sport pilot certificate when
operating a light-sport aircraft.
[Doc. No. 25910, 62 FR 40896, July 30, 1997, as
amended by Amdt. 61–104, 63 FR 20286, Apr. 23, 1998; Amdt. 61–110, 69 FR
44865, July 27, 2004]
§ 61.33 Tests: General procedure.
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Tests prescribed by or under this part are given
at times and places, and by persons designated by the Administrator.
§ 61.35 Knowledge test: Prerequisites and
passing grades.
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(a) An applicant for a knowledge test must have:
(1) Received an endorsement, if required by this
part, from an authorized instructor certifying that the applicant
accomplished the appropriate 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.
[Doc. No. 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997, as
amended by Amdt. 61–104, 63 FR 20286, Apr. 23, 1998]
§ 61.37 Knowledge tests: Cheating or other
unauthorized conduct.
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(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) Take any part of a knowledge test on behalf
of another person;
(5) Be represented by, or represent, another
person for a knowledge test;
(6) Use any material or aid during the period
that the test is being given, unless specifically authorized to do so by
the Administrator; and
(7) 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 act, from:
(1) Applying for any certificate, rating, or
authorization issued under this chapter; and
(2) Applying for and taking any test under this
chapter.
(c) Any certificate or rating held by an
applicant may be suspended or revoked if the Administrator finds that
person has committed an act prohibited by paragraph (a) of this section.
§ 61.39 Prerequisites for practical tests.
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(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) Pass the required knowledge test within the
24-calendar-month period preceding the month the applicant completes 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 obtained 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) Have an endorsement, if required by this
part, in the applicant's logbook or training record that has been signed
by an authorized 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; and
(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 the applicant:
(1) Is employed as a flight crewmember by a
certificate holder under part 121, 125, or 135 of this chapter 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) Qualification training requirements
appropriate to the certificate and rating sought; or
(2) Is employed as a flight crewmember in
scheduled U.S. military air transport operations at the time of the
practical test, and has accomplished the pilot in command aircraft
qualification training program that is appropriate to the certificate and
rating sought.
(c) A person is not required to comply with the
provisions of paragraph (a)(6) of this section if that person:
(1) Holds a foreign-pilot license issued by a
contracting State to the Convention on International Civil Aviation that
authorizes at least the pilot privileges of the airman certificate sought;
(2) Is applying for a type rating only, or a
class rating with an associated type rating; or
(3) Is applying for an airline transport pilot
certificate or an additional rating to an airline transport pilot
certificate in an aircraft that does not require an aircraft type rating
practical test.
(d) If all increments of the practical test for a
certificate or rating are not completed on one date, all remaining
increments of the test must be satisfactorily completed not more than 60
calendar days after the date on which the applicant began the test.
(e) If all increments of the practical test for a
certificate or a rating are not satisfactorily completed within 60
calendar days after the date on which the applicant began the test, the
applicant must retake the entire practical test, including those
increments satisfactorily completed.
[Doc. No. 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997; Amdt.
61–103, 62 FR 40897, July 30, 1997, as amended by Amdt. 61–104, 63 FR
20286, Apr. 23, 1998]
§ 61.41 Flight training received from flight
instructors not certificated by the FAA.
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(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 in a
program for training military pilots of either—
(i) The United States; or
(ii) A foreign contracting State to the
Convention on International Civil Aviation.
(2) A flight instructor who is authorized to give
such training by the licensing authority of a foreign contracting State to
the Convention on International Civil Aviation, and the flight training is
given outside the United States.
(b) A flight instructor described in paragraph
(a) of this section is only authorized to give endorsements to show
training given.
§ 61.43 Practical tests: General procedures.
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(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this
section, the ability of an applicant for a certificate or rating issued
under this part to perform the required tasks on the practical test is
based on that applicant's ability to safely:
(1) Perform the tasks specified in the 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, a
limitation of “Second in Command Required” will be placed on the
applicant's airman certificate. The limitation may be removed if the
applicant passes the appropriate practical test by demonstrating
single-pilot competency in the aircraft in which single-pilot privileges
are sought.
(c) If an applicant fails any area of operation,
that applicant fails the practical test.
(d) An applicant is not eligible for a
certificate or rating sought until all the areas of operation are passed.
(e) The examiner or the applicant may discontinue
a practical test at any time:
(1) When the applicant fails one or more of the
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 credit for those areas of operation that were
passed, but only if the applicant:
(1) Passes 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.
§ 61.45 Practical tests: Required aircraft and
equipment.
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(a) General. Except as provided in
paragraph (a)(2) of this section or when permitted to accomplish the
entire flight increment of the practical test in a flight simulator or a
flight training device, an applicant for a certificate or rating issued
under this part must furnish:
(1) An aircraft of U.S. registry for each
required test that—
(i) Is of the category, class, and type, if
applicable, for which the applicant is applying for a certificate or
rating; and
(ii) Has a current standard airworthiness
certificate or special airworthiness certificate in the limited, primary,
or light-sport category.
(2) At the discretion of the examiner who
administers the practical test, the applicant may furnish—
(i) An aircraft that has a current airworthiness
certificate other than a standard airworthiness certificate or special
airworthiness certificate in the limited, primary, or light-sport
category, but that otherwise meets the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of
this section;
(ii) An aircraft of the same category, class, and
type, if applicable, of foreign registry that is properly certificated by
the country of registry; or
(iii) A military aircraft of the same category,
class, and type, if applicable, for which the applicant is applying for a
certificate or rating.
(b) Required e