Part 61

Part 61Subpart AGeneral

Let it Begin

Part 61Subpart A – GeneralSubpart B – Aircraft Ratings and Pilot

AuthorizationsSubpart C – Student PilotsSubpart D – Recreational PilotsSubpart E – Private PilotsSubpart F – Commercial PilotsSubpart G – Airline Transport PilotsSubpart H – Flight instructors other than

Flight Instructors with a Sport Pilot Rating

61.1 Applicability - Defined• Aeronautical Experience

– Pilot time obtained in an:• Aircraft• Flight simulator• Flight training device

– Meet training and flight time requirements:• Airman Certificate• Rating• Flight Review• Recency of Flight Experience Requirements

61.1 Applicability - Defined• Authorized Instructor

– Valid ground instructor certificate under• Part 61 or 143

– Current flight instructor certificate under• Part 61

– Authorized from Administrator to provide ground or flight training

61.1 Applicability - Defined• Cross Country Time

– Hold a current pilot certificate– Conducted in an aircraft– Landing at a point other than point of

departure– Involves use of dead reckoning, pilotage,

electronic navigation aids, radio aids, or other navigation systems to navigate to the landing point

• Cross Country Time Acquired for the following certificates: – Private Pilot– Commercial Pilot – Instrument Rating

61.1 Applicability - Defined

• Cross Country Time– Conducted in an appropriate aircraft– Point of landing that was at least a

straight-line distance of more than 50 NM from the original point of departure

– Involves use of dead reckoning, pilotage, electronic navigation aids, radio aids, or other navigation systems to navigate to the landing point


• Cross Country Time Acquired for the following certificate: – Air Transport Pilot

• Conducted in an appropriate aircraft• At least a straight-line distance of more than

50 NM from the original point of departure• Involves use of dead reckoning, pilotage,



• Cross Country Time Acquired for the following certificate: – Military pilot who qualifies for a

commercial pilot certificate• Conducted in an appropriate aircraft• At least a straight-line distance of more than

50 NM from the original point of departure• Involves use of dead reckoning, pilotage,



61.1 Applicability - Defined• Examiner

– Authorized by Administrator to• Conduct pilot proficiency• Practical test for airman certificate/rating• Conduct a knowledge test

61.1 Applicability - Defined• Flight simulator

– Full-size aircraft cockpit replica– Hardware/software required to represent

aircraft in ground/flight operations– Force cueing system

• 3 degree freedom of motion system• Flight training device

– Full-size replica of instruments, equipment, panels, controls of an aircraft

– Need not have force motion cueing• Flight simulator/training device

– Evaluated, qualified, and approved by the Administrator

61.1 Applicability - Defined• Flight simulator

– Full-size aircraft cockpit replica– Includes hardware/software necessary to

represent aircraft in ground/flight operations

– Force cueing system• 3 degree freedom of motion system

– Visual system• 45 degree horizontal field of view• 30 degree vertical field of view

– Administrator• Evaluated, qualified, and approved

61.1 Applicability - Defined• Flight training

– Training other than ground training received from an authorized instructor in flight in an aircraft

• Ground training– Training other than flight training received

from an authorized instructor

61.1 Applicability - Defined• Flight simulator/training device

– Evaluated, qualified, and approved by the Administrator

• Instrument approach– Approach procedure defined by Part 97

• Instrument Training– Received from authorized instructor– Actual or simulated conditions

61.1 Applicability - Defined• Knowledge test

– Test on aeronautical knowledge areas required for:• Airman certificate• Rating

– Can be administered in written form or by computer

61.1 Applicability - Defined• Practical test

– Test on areas of operations for a certificate, rating, or authorization

– Respond to questions and demonstrate maneuvers• In-flight• Flight simulator• Flight training device

61.1 Applicability - Defined• Pilot time

– Serve as a required pilot flight crewmember

– Receive training from authorized instructor

– Gives training as an authorized instructor• Aircraft• Flight simulator• Flight training device

61.1 Applicability - Defined• Training time

– In flight from an authorized instructor– On ground from an authorized instructor– In a flight simulator or flight training

device from an authorized instructor

61.3 Certificate Requirements• Operating civil aircraft

– Physical possession or– Readily accessible in aircraft

• Pilot certificate – Valid– Can be temporary certificate

• Photo ID• Medical certificate

– Current and appropriate

61.3 Certificate Requirements• Flight instructor certificate

– Valid certificate• Physical possession• Readily accessible

– Provide training • Required to qualify a person for solo flight

and solo cross-country flight– Endorse applicant for

• Pilot certificate or rating• Flight instructor certificate or rating• Ground instructor certificate or rating• Pilot logbook for training• Student pilot certificate

61.3 Certificate Requirements• Instrument rating

– Required for PIC of civil aircraft when • IFR• Weather conditions less than VFR flight

– Appropriate aircraft category, class, type and instrument rating

– An ATP certificate with the appropriate aircraft category, class, type rating

61.3 Certificate Requirements• Category II or III authorization

– Cannot act as PIC or second in command unless hold certificate

• Ground instructor certificate– Physical possession– Immediately accessible– Provide

• Ground training required to qualify person for solo flight and solo cross-country flight

– Endorse • Knowledge test for applicant• Pilot book for ground training

61.3 Certificate Requirements• Age limitation

– Upon reaching 65th birthday, cannot act as a pilot on a civil airplane of U.S. registry

• Age Pairing– Pilot who has reached 60, but <65:

• Cannot serve as PIC unless• Another pilot on flight deck who is <60

61.3 Certificate Requirements• Inspection of certificate

– Must present certificates or authorizations and photo ID upon request from:• Administrator• Authorized representative from the NTSB• Any Federal, State or local law enforcement

officer• Authorized representative of the TSA

61.11 Expired Certificate• Same as not having certificates

61.13 Application – Suspension

• May not apply for any certificate, rating, or authorization during the period of suspension

– Revocation• May not apply for any certificate, rating, or

authorization for 1 year after the date of revocation

61.15 & .16 Alcohol/Drug Offenses• Refuse to submit to a drug or alcohol

test, or• Conviction for violation of any Federal or

State statue relating to drugs, or• Motor vehicle action while intoxicated by

alcohol or drug– Denial of application for any certificate,

rating, or authorization for a period of up to 1 year after the date of such refusal/conviction

– Suspension or revocation of any certificate, rating or authorization issued

61.15 & 61.16• A written report required of each motor

vehicle action (Certificate holder)– NLT 60 days after the motor vehicle action– Type of violation– Date of conviction or administrative action– State that holds record– Statement

• Refusal to submit report– Denial of an application for up to 1 year– Suspension or revocation of any certificate

61.17 Temporary Certificates• Issued for up to 120 days when a

permanent certificate will be issued• Temporary certificate expires

– On the expiration date shown– Upon receipt of the permanent certificate– Upon receipt of a notice that the certificate or

rating sought is denied or revoked

61.19 Duration of Certificates• Student pilot certificate expires

– Not yet reached 40th birthday• 60 calendar months from date of examination

– After reaching 40th birthday• 24 calendar months from date of examination

• Other pilot certificates– Issued without specific expiration dates

• Flight instructor certificate– 24 calendar months from issue month

• Ground instructor certificate– Issued without specific expiration dates

61.21 Duration of Certificates• Cat II or Cat III pilot authorization

– Pass practical test• Month prior to expiration• Considered passed during expiration month

– Expires end of the sixth calendar month after month issued or renewed

– Specific type aircraft pilot authorization• Cannot be renewed beyond 12 calendar months

after practical test

61.23 Medical Certificates• 1st class medical

– ATP certificate– Reached 60th birthday serving as pilot flight

crewmember in part 121 operations• 2nd class medical

– Commercial pilot certificate• 3rd class medical

– Private pilot certificate– Recreational pilot certificate– Student pilot certificate– Flight instructor

61.23 Medical Certificates• No medical certificate required

– Flight instructor certificate• When not acting as a PIC or serving as a required

crewmember– Ground instructor certificate– Serving as an examiner during

administration of a check in a flight simulator or flight training device

– When taking a practical test in a flight simulator or flight training device

61.23 Medical Certificate Duration1st class medical

Operation Age Certificate Expires on ATPUnder 40 12th month after month on exam ATP40 or older 6th month after month on exam

Commercial any age 12th month after month on examTower Op any age 12th month after month on exam

Private pilot Under 40 60th month after month on examPrivate pilot 40 or older 24th month after month on exam

Flt instructor Under 40 60th month after month on examFlt instructor 40 or older 24th month after month on exam

Student pilot Under 40 60th month after month on examStudent pilot 40 or older 24th month after month on exam

61.23 Medical Certificate Duration2nd class medical

Operation Age Certificate Expires onCommercial any age 12th month after month on examTower Op any age 12th month after month on exam

Private pilot Under 40 60th month after month on examPrivate pilot 40 or older 24th month after month on exam



61.23 Medical Certificate Duration3rd class medical

Operation Age Certificate Expires onPrivate pilot Under 40 60th month after month on examPrivate pilot 40 or older 24th month after month on exam



61.25 Change of nameCurrent airman certificateCopy of marriage license, court order, or other document

61.29 Lost airman/medical certificateLetter requesting replacement

Name Permanent mailing address Date and place of birth Information for

Grade Number Date of issuance Class of medical certificate Circumstance of loss

Facsimile of certificate may be carried for up to 60 days

61.35 Knowledge Tests• Prerequisite

– Received endorsement, if required, from authorized instructor saying appropriate ground training accomplished

– ATP requires graduation certificate• Identification

– Photograph– Signature– Date of birth (age requirement of certificate)– Residential address (if different than mailing)

61.37 Tests - Cheating• Cannot

– Copy/intentionally remove test– Give another person part of test– Give aid during test period– Take a test for another person– Use material not authorized

• Prohibited for 1 year:– Applying for any certificate, rating, or

authorization issued– Applying for and taking any test

• Any certificate or rating held– May be revoked or suspended

61.39 Practical Tests - Prerequisites• Applicant must:

– Pass required knowledge test• Within the 24-calendar month period preceding the

month applicant completes the practical test– Present knowledge test report at time of

application– Satisfactorily accomplished

• Required training and• Obtained aeronautical experience prescribed for

certificate– If medical certificate is required

• Hold at least a current 3rd class medical certificate

61.39 Practical Tests - Prerequisites• Applicant must:

– Meet required age requirement for the issuance of the certificate or rating

– If endorsement required• Authorized instructor has signed and certified

applicant’s logbook/record– Received and logged training time within 2 calendar

months preceding the month of application in preparation for the practical test

– Is prepared for the practical test– Demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of the subject

areas in which the applicant was deficient on the knowledge test

– Have a completed and signed application form

61.39 Practical Tests - ATP• Applicant may:

– Take test with expired knowledge test if passed after 31 July 2014 and employed:• Crewmember by Part 125 or 135• Crewmember by Part 121• U.S. Armed Forces

– Have a completed and signed application form

61.41 Flight Training Received• Flight instructors not certificated by FAA

– May credit flight training if received from:• Flight instructor of an Armed Forces in a program

for training military pilots of either– The United States– Foreign contracting State to the Convention on

International Civil Aviation**

**A foreign instructor may give training, but a foreign instructor can NOT endorse a person for satisfactory completion

61.43 Practical Tests - Procedures• Based on applicant’s ability to safely:

– Perform tasks specified for certificate or rating

– Demonstrate mastery of aircraft by performing each task successfully

– Demonstrate proficiency and competency within the approved standards

– Demonstrate sound judgment– Demonstrate single-pilot proficiency, if

applicable

61.43 Practical Tests - Procedures• Fail any area of operation

– Fail practical test– Not eligible for certificate/rating until all

areas of operations are passed• Examiner may discontinue test if:

– Applicant fails one or more areas of operation

– Inclement weather, aircraft worthiness, or any other safety-of-flight concern

61.43 Practical Tests - Procedures• Discontinued practical test

– Applicant entitled credit for areas passed if:• Remainder of test is passed with the 60-day

period• Presents to examiner original notice of

disapproval or discontinuance form• Satisfactorily accomplishes any additional

training needed with appropriate instructor endorsements

• Give retest examiner completed and signed application

61.49 Retest After Failure• Applicant can reapply only after:

– Receiving necessary training from an authorized instructor and determined to be proficient to pass the test

– Received an endorsement from an authorized instructor who gave additional training

• Flight instructor certificate failure– If due to deficiencies in instructional

proficiency on stall awareness, spin entry, or spin recovery

• There must be an actual demonstration of the maneuvers

**Failure for any reason used up an endorsement

61.51 Pilot Logbook• Document and record:

– Training/aeronautical experience used to meet requirements for a certificate

– Aeronautical experience required to meet recent flight experience

– Logbook Entries (General)• Date• Total flight time or lesson time• Arrival and departure location (For flight Training

Device or Flight Simulator, location where lesson occurred)

• Type & ID of aircraft, flight simulator, or flight training device

• Name of safety pilot, if required By 91.109

61.51 Pilot Logbook Entries• Document and record:

– Pilot experience/training• Solo• Pilot in Command/Second in Command• From authorized instructor

– Flight and Ground training– Training received in a flight simulator or FTD

– Conditions of flight• Day or night• Actual instrument• Simulated instrument conditions in flight, a flight

simulator, or a flight training device**See Part 61 pages 56 – 58 for what flight time can be logged and requirements

61.51 Pilot Logbook Entries• Pilot-in-command flight time

– Sole manipulator of aircraft controls– Sole occupant of the aircraft– Acting as PIC when more than one pilot is

required under aircraft certification– Under pilot holding a commercial or ATP

• Log PIC time all flight time while acting as PIC– Authorized instructor

• Log PIC time all flight time while acting as instructor

61.51 Pilot Logbook Entries• Pilot-in-command flight time

– Student pilot• Sole occupant of aircraft• Performing duties of PIC with more than pilot is

required under aircraft certification• Current solo endorsement• Undergoing training for a pilot certificate or rating

61.51 Pilot Logbook Entries• Second-in-command flight time

– Occupies a crewmember station that requires more than one pilot

– Hold appropriate category, class, and instrument rating

61.51 Pilot Logbook Entries• Instrument flight time

– Only flight time when person operates aircraft solely by reference to instruments (actual or simulated)

– Authorized instructor may log instrument time when instructing in actual instrument flight conditions

– Must be recorded in logbook• Location and type of each instrument approach

accomplished• Name of the safety pilot, if required

– Flight simulator or approved flight training device may be used to log time

61.51 Pilot Logbook Entries• Training time

– Training received from authorized instructor • Aircraft• Flight simulator• Flight training device

– Must be logged in logbook and must:• Be endorsed in a legible manner by the authorized

instructor• Description of the training given• Length of training lesson• Authorized instructor signature• Certificate number• Certificate expiration date

61.51 Required Documents• Must Present:

– Pilot Certificate– Medical Certificate– Logbook– Other record required by inspection

• Upon Reasonable request by:– Administrator– Authorized representative of NTSB– Any Federal, State, or local law enforcement

officer

61.51 Student Pilot Documents• Must Present:

– Pilot Logbook– Student pilot certificate– Other record required by inspection

61.53 Medical Deficiency• Medical Certificate Required

– Known or has reason to know of any medical condition which prevents obtaining a medical certificate

– Taking medication or receiving treatment which prevent obtaining a medical certificate• Shall not act as PIC or a required pilot flight

crewmember• Medical Certificate not Required

– Shall not act as PIC, or any capacity as a required pilot flight crewmember

61.55 Second in Command Qual• Serve as SIC only if person holds:

– At least a private pilot certificate with appropriate category and class rating

– Instrument rating/privilege if flight under IFR

61.55 Second in Command Qual• Within previous 12 months:

– Become familiar with aircraft information• Operation procedures applicable to powerplant,

equipment, and systems• Performance specifications and limitations• Normal, abnormal, emergency operating

procedures• Flight manual and placards and markings

– Performed/logged pilot time in aircraft/sim:• 3 takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop as sole

manipulator• Engine-out procedures and maneuvering with

engine out as PIC• Crew resource management training

61.56 Flight Review• Flight Review consists of:

– Minimum • 1 hour flight training and• 1 hour ground training

– Review of current general operating procedures and flight rules of Part 91

– Review of maneuvers and procedures necessary for pilot to demonstrate safe exercise of privileges of certificate

61.56 Flight Review• To act as PIC:

– Since beginning of 24th month before month in which pilot acted as PIC, pilot must• Accomplish flight review by authorized instructor• Logbook endorsed by authorized instructor who

gave review

61.56 Flight Review• Not required (within period specified) if:

– Passed pilot proficiency check or practical test

– Accomplished one or more phases of FAA-sponsored pilot proficiency award program

– Hold current flight instructor certificate• Satisfactorily completed renewal of a flight

instructor certificate– Need not accomplish 1 hour of ground training

– Student pilot• Undergoing training for a certificate and • Has a current solo flight endorsement

61.56 Flight Review• Flight simulator or flight training device

may be used to meet flight review requirements– Used with approved course conducted by

training center under part 142– Flight simulator must be approved for

landing for flight review• Applicant must meet takeoff and landing

requirements– Must represent aircraft which pilot is

rated

61.57 Recent Flight Experience - PIC• General (within preceding 90 days)

– At least 3 takeoff and 3 landings• Sole manipulator of the flight controls• May be accomplished in a flight simulator or flight

training device– Approved by Administrator– Approved course (Part 142 training center)

• Night takeoffs and landings (within preceding 90 days**)– 3 takeoff and 3 landings to a full stop

• During the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise

• Act as sole manipulator of flight controls• Takeoffs and landings in same rated aircraft

**May be accomplished in a flight simulator

61.57 Recent Flight Experience - PIC• Instrument experience required for IFR flight

– Within preceding 6 calendar months– Performed and logged under

• Actual or simulated instrument conditions• Aircraft or flight simulator or flight training device

– At least 6 instrument approaches– Holding procedures and tasks– Intercepting and tracking courses through use of

navigation systems

61.57 Recent Flight Experience - PIC• Do not meet instrument experience

– Require instrument proficiency check• Representative number of tasks required by the

instrument rating practical test• Check must be in an:

– Aircraft, flight simulator, or FTD• Instrument check given by

– Examiner– U.S. Armed Forced member– Company check pilot– Authorized instructor– Person approved by Administrator

61.58 PIC Proficiency Check• Within preceding 12 months• Complete PIC proficiency check in aircraft

requiring more than one pilot• Within preceding 24 months• Complete PIC proficiency check in particular

type of aircraft in which person will serve as PIC

61.60 Change of Address• Pilot• Flight Instructor• Ground Instructor• Must be made with 30 days