Pilot Qualifications

Age Requirement

You must be at least 17 years old.

Language Proficiency

You must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.

Logbook Endorsements

• Endorsements must come from an authorized instructor who trained or reviewed the required aeronautical knowledge areas under FAR 61.105(b).
• Certification that you are prepared for the practical test.

Aeronautical Experience

You must meet all requirements listed in FAR 61.109.

Practical Test

Demonstrate proficiency in the areas listed in FAR 61.107(b).

Valid Pilot Certificate

You must hold a valid Student Pilot Certificate, Sport Pilot Certificate, or Recreational Pilot Certificate.

Daytime Operations

• Complete 3 takeoffs and landings as the sole manipulator of flight controls within the preceding 90 days.
• These landings must be in the same category, class, and type of aircraft (if required).
• For tailwheel aircraft, all landings must be to a full stop.

Nighttime Operations (1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise)

• Complete 3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop within the preceding 90 days.
• These landings must be in the same category, class, and type of aircraft (if required).

Flight Review Requirements

• 1 hour of flight training with an instructor.
• 1 hour of ground training.
• Review of Part 91 operating rules and maneuvers required for safe flight operations.

Exemptions from Flight Review

• Passing a proficiency check or practical test for a certificate or rating within the last 24 months.
• Participation in one phase of the FAA Wings Program.

Logbook Entries Must Include:

• Instructor endorsements for each phase of training.
• Details of training, such as:
  • Description of the training.
  • Duration of the training session.
  • Instructor’s credentials.

Logbook Entries Must Record:

• Flight Details:
  • Date, total flight time, and departure/arrival locations.
  • Aircraft type, identification number, and conditions (e.g., day/night or actual/simulated instrument).
• Type of Training:
  • Solo: When you are the sole occupant of the aircraft.
  • PIC: When acting as the sole manipulator of controls in an aircraft requiring more than one pilot.

Endorsements:

• Private Pilot Checkride (FAR 61.103):
  • Must include knowledge and flight training endorsements.
• Student Pilots (FAR 61.81):
  • Presolo training and cross-country endorsements.

What a Private Pilot May Not Do

• Carry Passengers or Property for Compensation or Hire:
  • Private pilots cannot act as Pilot in Command (PIC) of an aircraft for compensation or hire.
  • This means you cannot use the aircraft as a taxi service or to transport goods for payment.
• Pay Less Than Pro Rata Share:
  • Definition: Pro rata share means dividing costs equally among all participants. Each person, including the pilot, must pay an equal portion of the operating expenses.
  • Operating expenses may include:
    • Fuel.
    • Oil.
    • Airport fees.
    • Aircraft rental fees.
  • The pilot cannot pay less than their share.

What a Private Pilot May Do

• Business-Related Flights:
  • You may act as PIC for flights related to your business if:
  • The flight is incidental to the business.
  • No passengers or property are carried for compensation.
  • Example: A photographer flying themselves to a remote location for a job.
• Reimbursement for Search and Rescue Flights:
  • You may receive reimbursement for operating expenses related to search and rescue operations if:
  • The flight is under the control of a Federal Agency (e.g., FEMA, NOAA).
  • The flight is conducted for an organization involved in search and location operations.
• Demonstrating an Aircraft:
  • You may act as PIC to demonstrate an aircraft to a potential buyer if:
  • You are an aircraft salesperson.
  • You have at least 200 hours of flight time.
• Flight Testing for Light-Sport Aircraft Certification:
  • You may act as PIC for production flight tests in light-sport aircraft if:
  • The aircraft is a powered parachute or weight-shift control aircraft.
  • You have 100+ hours of PIC time in the category and class of aircraft flown.
  • You are familiar with specific flight testing procedures.
• Charitable, Nonprofit, or Community Events (FAR 91.146):
  • You may act as PIC for a charity or nonprofit flight where passengers pay for rides to benefit an organization.
• Glider Towing (FAR 61.69):
  • You may act as PIC for glider towing operations if you meet the specific towing requirements, including:
  • Appropriate training.
  • Required towing experience.

Memory Aid: Private Pilot Limitations

• "No PAY - SPLIT only!": You can’t get paid, and passengers can only split costs with you.
• "DEMOS, TESTS, GLIDERS, & CHARITY OK!": You may participate in:
  • Aircraft demonstrations.
  • Production flight tests.
  • Glider towing.
  • Charitable or nonprofit flights.

Class and Privileges (FAR 61.23)

• First-Class Medical Certificate: Required for:
  • PIC privileges of an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP).
  • Second-in-command privileges of an ATP requiring three or more pilots.
  • Crewmembers under Part 121 who are 60 years or older.
  • Privileges of a Private Pilot, Recreational Pilot, or CFI when ATP privileges expire.
• Second-Class Medical Certificate: Required for:
  • Second-in-command privileges of an ATP under Part 121.
  • Privileges of a Commercial Pilot Certificate.
• Third-Class Medical Certificate: Required for:
  • Privileges of a Private Pilot, Recreational Pilot, or Student Pilot Certificate.
  • Acting as PIC with a Flight Instructor Certificate.
  • Acting as a required flight crewmember with a Flight Instructor Certificate.
  • Taking a practical test for any pilot certificate or instructor rating.
  • Performing duties as an Examiner in an aircraft during a practical test.

Expiration of Medical Certificates (FAR 61.23)

The validity of medical certificates depends on your age and the type of certificate held.

Key Notes:

• When the privileges of a higher-class medical certificate (e.g., First Class) expire, the certificate reverts to the privileges of a Third-Class Medical Certificate for the remaining validity period.
• Example: A First-Class Medical Certificate held by a pilot under 40 reverts to Third-Class privileges for an additional 48 months after ATP privileges lapse.

Required Documents (FAR 61.3(a) & (c))

• Pilot Certificate: Your FAA-issued pilot certificate is mandatory for acting as Pilot in Command (PIC) or a required crewmember.
• Photo Identification: Acceptable forms of ID include:
  • Driver’s License.
  • Government-Issued ID Card.
  • U.S. Armed Forces ID Card.
  • Official Passport.
• Medical Certificate: Required unless operating under exceptions such as BasicMed or glider operations (FAR 61.3(c)(2)).

Inspection Upon Request (FAR 61.51)

You must present these documents upon request from authorized personnel, including:

• FAA Administrators.
• Authorized NTSB representatives.
• Federal, state, or local law enforcement officers.

Documents to Provide:

• Pilot Certificate.
• Medical Certificate.
• Logbook or any other required record (if applicable, e.g., student solo endorsements).

Practical Tips for Compliance

What to Carry for Every Flight:

• Pilot Certificate.
• Photo ID.
• Medical Certificate.
• Logbook (if required for specific operations, such as student pilots).

Quick Memory Aid: "CIML" = Certificate, ID, Medical, Logbook.

Real-World Scenario

Scenario: You’re flying a cross-country flight to a new airport. After landing and taxiing, a local law enforcement officer approaches and requests to see your credentials.

Compliant Response:

• Present your Pilot Certificate, Photo ID, and Medical Certificate.
• If requested, show your logbook if it contains relevant entries (e.g., student solo endorsements).

Non-Compliance Consequence: Failure to present required documents can result in fines or certificate action by the FAA.

Pilot Requirements (FAR Part 68)

• Have a U.S. Driver’s License: A valid, unexpired U.S. driver’s license is required.
• Previously Held a Valid FAA Medical Certificate:
  • The certificate must have been valid on or after July 14, 2006.
  • The certificate must not have been revoked, suspended, or withdrawn.
• No Recent Denials: Pilots must not have any denied medical applications.
• Complete a Medical Education Course: The course must be completed every 24 calendar months.
  Example: FAA-approved online BasicMed Medical Course.
• Undergo a Medical Examination:
  • Must be conducted by a state-licensed physician every 48 months.
  • Use the BasicMed Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC) during the exam.
• Manage Certain Medical Conditions: Pilots must be under the care of a physician for any condition that could affect flight safety.
• National Driver Register Check: Agree to necessary health attestations as part of compliance.

Aircraft Requirements

Basic Operating Requirements

Real-World Scenario

Scenario: You’re flying a family of four to a vacation destination using BasicMed privileges instead of a third-class medical certificate.

• Aircraft Check: Your Cessna 182 has a maximum takeoff weight of 3,100 pounds and can carry up to six occupants, meeting BasicMed requirements.
• Operating Rules Check: You stay below 18,000 feet MSL, keep airspeed under 250 knots, and do not carry passengers for compensation.
• Outcome: By meeting all eligibility, aircraft, and operational requirements, you safely and legally conduct the flight under BasicMed.

Real-World Scenario

Scenario: You’ve been flying a Cessna 172 equipped with analog instruments but need to transition to a Cessna 172 with a Garmin G1000 glass cockpit.

• Challenge: The G1000 introduces integrated tools like autopilot and moving map overlays, which require new scanning techniques.
• Action Plan:
  • Study the G1000 user manual and watch instructional videos.
  • Complete ground and flight training with a CFI experienced in glass cockpits.
  • Practice under low-stress conditions (e.g., VFR days) until proficient.
• Outcome: You gain the skills and confidence to operate the advanced avionics safely.