Pilot Qualifications

Question 1

What are the eligibility requirements for a private pilot (airplanes) certificate? (14 CFR 61.103)

Answer 1

a. Minimum 17 years old
b. Able to read, speak, write, and understand english
c. Hold a U.S. student pilot certificate, sport pilot
certificate, or recreational pilot certificate
d. Receive flight training and logbook endorsement
from authorized instructor
e. Meet the aeronautical experience requirements for
the aircraft rating sought
f. Hold at least a current 3rd class Medical Certificate
g. Pass required knowledge and practical tests (FAA
PPL knowledge Test, Oral and Checkride)

Question 2

What are the minimum aeronautical experience requirements for PPL? (14 CFR 61.109)

Answer 2

a. 40 hours total time, 20 hours dual instruction, 10
hours solo time
b. 3 hours cross country training
c. 3 hours night flying with:
- 100nm cross country and 10
- 10 Takeoff’s & 10 Full stop landings (in traffic
pattern)
d. 3 Hours instrument flying
e. 3 hours of flight training within 2 months of
checkride in preparation for checkride
f. 10 hours solo time including:
i. 5 Hours Solo Cross Country
ii. Solo x-country of 150nm total distance with full
stop landings at 3 points, with 1 segment
consisting of at least 50nm between TO &
Landing locations
iii. 3 takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop (with each
landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at
an airport with an operating control tower.

Question 3

What recent flight experience requirements are required to act as PIC (PPL)? (14 CFR 61.57)

Answer 3

a.) May not act as PIC of aircraft carrying passengers or of an aircraft certified for more than one pilot flight crewmember unless that person has made at least 3 TO’s and 3 Landings within the preceding 90 days, and -
i. Acted as the sole manipulator of the flight controls
ii. Required TO and Landings were performed in an
aircraft of the same category, class and type (if
required) - if the aircraft is to be flown is a tailwheel,
the required TO and landings must be full stop
b. For the purpose of meeting the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, a person may act as a pilot in command of an aircraft under day VFR or day IFR, provided no persons or property are carried on board the aircraft, other than those necessary for the conduct of the flight.
c. The takeoffs and landings required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section may be accomplished in a flight simulator or flight training device that is—
i. Approved by the Administrator for landings
ii. Used in accordance with an approved course conducted by a training center certificated under part 142 of this chapter.
d. Night takeoff and landing experience
i. May not act as PIC in command of an aircraft carrying passengers during the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise, unless has made at least 3 TO and 3 Landings to FULL STOP in the last 90 days during time period above and:
- Acted as sole manipulator of the flight controls
- The required TO & Landings perofrmed in
aircraft of same cattegory, class and type (if req’d)

Question 4

Recordkeeping (Training Time & Aeronautical Experience) 14 CFR 61.51

Answer 4

Each person must document and record the follwing time in a manner acceptable to the Administrator:
1. Training and aeronautical experience used to
meet the requirements for a certificate, rating or
flight review of this part
2. The aeronautical experience required meeting
the recent flight experience requirements of this
part

*Trick Question: Only NEED to log hours when working towards certificate or demonstrate currency

Question 5

Logbook Entry Requirements (14 CFR 61.51 (b))

Answer 5

1. General:
   i. Date
   ii. Total flight/lesson time
   iii. Location (departure & arrival), or for lessons in
   simulator - location where lesson occurred
   iv. Type and Identification of aircraft
   v. Name of Safety pilot (if req’d by 91.109)
2. Type of pilot experience or training:
   
   • Solo, PIC, SIC, Flight and ground training received
     from an authorized instructor, simulator training
3. Conditions of Flight
   
   • Day / Night
   • Actual Instrument
   • Simulated Instrument (In flight or sim)
   • Use of night vision goggles (in flight or sim)

Question 6

Logging of Solo Fight Time (61.51 (d))

Answer 6

Except for a student pilot performing the duties of PIC of an airship requiring more than one pilot flight crewmember, a pilot may log as solo flight time only that flight time when the pilot is the sole occupant of the aircraft.

Question 7

What privileges and limitations apply to a private pilot? (14 CFR 61.113)

Answer 7

a. May not act as a PIC of an A/C carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire.
b. Nor may they act as a PIC for an A/C for compensation or hire
c. A private pilot –
i. May act as a PIC of an A/C for a business or employment if it is only incidental to that business or employment AND the a/c does not does not carry passengers or property for comp or hire
ii. May not pay less than the pro rata share of the operating expenses of a flight with passengers, providing costs only include fuel, oil, airport expenses, and/or rental fee’s
iii. May act as PIC of a charitable, nonprofit, or community event flight described in 14 CFR 91.146, if the sponsor and pilot comply with the requirements for that reg.
iv. May be reimbursed for the a/c operating costs that are directly related to search and location services (provide expenses only iinvolve fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees). Must be sanctioned under the federal, state or local authorities that conduct the operations.
v. May demo an a/c in flight to a prospective buyer if the pilot is a salesman and has 200 hours logged.
vi. May act as PIC of and a/c towing a glider or unpowered ultralight vehicle provided they meet the requirements of 14 CFR 61.69
vii. May act as PIC for a production test flight in a light sport a/c intended for cert in the light sport category, must meet 14 CFR 61.113(h).

Question 8

What must a pilot have on his/her person to act as a Pilot crew member?

Answer 8

a. pilot cert
b. photo identification
c. a medical certificate

Question 9

What is a high performance a/c, and what must you do to act as a PIC of one?

Answer 9

a. Engine with over 200 HP
b. To act as PIC a pilot must have –
a. Received and logged ground and flight training by an authorized flight instructor in a high perf a/c, or in a sim that meets the requirements of the high perf a/c
b. Received and logged a one-time endorsement in logbook from an authorized instructor that certifies you are proficient to operate a high perf a/c

Question 10

What other types of a/c require specific training and logbook endorsements?

Answer 10

a. High Altitude Aircraft

b. Tail Wheel aircraft

Question 11

What is a high altitude a/c?

Answer 11

any a/c that has a service ceiling or maximum operating altitude above 25,000 feet MSL

Question 12

What is a complex a/c?

Answer 12

an a/c that has retractable gear, flaps, and cotrollable pitch prop
Also includes a/c with a full-authority digital engine control (FADEC)

Question 13

What must a pilot do to act as PIC of a complex a/c?

Answer 13

a. receive and logged ground and flight training from an authorized flight instructor
b. received a one-time endorsement from an authorized flight instructor

Question 14

With respect to cert, privileges, and limitations of airmen, define a “category”?

Answer 14

a broad classification of aircraft; i.e., airplane, rotorcraft, glider, ect.

Question 15

With respect to cert, privileges, and limitations of airmen, define a “class”?

Answer 15

a classification of a/c within a category having simular operating characteristics; i.e., single engine land, multi engine land, etc.

Question 16

With respect to cert, privileges, and limitations of airmen, define a “type”?

Answer 16

a specific make and basic model of a/c including modifications that do not change its handling or flight characteristics.

Question 17

What are the requirements to remain current as a day time private pilot?

Answer 17

a. biannual flight review (24 months)
b. to carry pax, must have 3 take offs and landings in the last 90 days in same category and class.
c. if tailwheel, landings must be to a full stop

Question 18

What are the requirements to remain current as a night time private pilot carrying pax?

Answer 18

3 t/o’s and landing within the preceding 90 days, from 1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise in the same category and class.

Question 19

What medical certificate is required to act as a private pilot?

Answer 19

1st class-
under 40: 12th month after exam
over 40: 6th month after exam

2nd class-
under 40:
over 40: 24th month after exam

3rd class-
under 40: 60th month after exam
over 40: 24th month after exam

Question 20

If a pilot changes his/her address how long do they have to notify the FAA Airmen Cert. Branch?

Answer 20

30 days

Question 21

What documents are required on board the a/c prior to flight?

Answer 21

Airworthiness
Registration
Radio cert (if int'l)
Owners Manual (POH)
Weight and Balance

Question 22

How can a pilot determine if his/her a/c is equipped with a Mode C altitude encoding transponder?

Answer 22

by referencing the current W&B and looking at the equipment list.

Question 23

Does an a/c registration have an expiration date?

Answer 23

yes, as of Oct. 31, 2010 specific registration dates have been established for all a/c registered before Oct. 31, 2010. All a/c registering after Oct. 10, 2010 will have an expiration after 36 months.

Question 24

Who is responsible for ensuring that an a/c is maintained in an airworthy condition?

Answer 24

Owner or operator

Question 25

After a/c inspections have been made and defects have been repaired, who is responsible for determining that the a/c is in an airworthy condition?

Answer 25

The PIC of that flight

Question 26

What records or documents should be checked to determine that the owner operator of an a/c has complied with all required inspections and A/D’s?

Answer 26

Maintenance records, look for appropriate entries and sign off’s

Question 27

What regs apply concerning the operation of an a/c that has had alterations or repairs which may have substantially affected its operation in flight?

Answer 27

No person may operate or carry pax in any a/c that has substantial alterations until a pilot with at least a private pilots license:

a. flies the a/c
b. makes an operational check of the mx performed or alterations made
c. logs the flight in the a/c records

Question 28

What is an airworthiness certificate?

Answer 28

is issued by the FAA after an a/c has met all the requirements of 14 CFR Part 21, and is in a condition safe for operation. It is good for the life of the a/c or until it no longer meets the requirements of 14 CFR Part 21, or type A/D’s.

Question 29

Can a pilot conduct flight operations in an a/c with known inoperable equipment?

Answer 29

yes, (1) operation with an MEL one can defer the item, (2) without an MEL as long as they are not essential for flight, 14 CFR 91.213(d)

Question 30

What are MEL’s?

Answer 30

Minimum Equipment List: precise listing of instruments, equipment, and procedures that allows the a/c to operate under specific conditions with inop equip.

Question 31

How is the deferral provision used?

Answer 31

It is a preflight provision that allows you to defer an item and release the a/c or ground the a/c and have maintenance done on it before returning it to flight, it is not an inflight provision

Question 32

What limitations apply to a/c operations being conducted using MEL’s?

Answer 32

Once an MEL is requested and issued it is mandatory to use the MEL for all maintenance deferrals.

Question 33

What inspections are required for a/c? (AVIATE)

Answer 33

A - Airworthiness Directives (AD’s)
V - VOR Check (Req’d every 30 Days for IFR A/C)
I - Inspections (100 hour and Annual - 91.409)
A - Altimeter / Pitot - Static System (IFR Only - 24 mo’s;
91.411)
T - Transponder (Every 24 mo’s; 91.413)
E - Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)
i. FAR 91.207
ii. Tested and Inspected every 12 months
iii. Must be replaced or recharged if transmitter has
been used for more than 1 hour cumulatively
iv. Must be replaced or recharged if 50% of useful
life has expired

Question 34

If an a/c has been on schedule of inspection every 100 hours, under what condition may it continue to operate beyond the 100 hours without a new inspection?

Answer 34

the 100 hour limitation may be exceeded by not more than 10 hours while en route to a place where the inspection can be done. This time must be included in computing the next 100 hours of service time.

Question 35

What is the difference between an annual inspection and a 100 hour inspection?

Answer 35

No differences other than the annual requires an A&P with and Inspection Authorization, the 100 hour only requires that an A&P performs it.

Question 36

What does locating the required maintenance and inspection in the a/c and engine logbooks look like?

Answer 36

Annual inspection and applicable AD’s every 12 months
VOR Check if used every 30 days
100 hour inspection, if used for hire or flight instructing
Transponder tests and inspections every 24 calendar months
Emergency Location Transmitter, battery and operation condition inspected every 12 months

Question 37

What are some of the responsibilities that an a/c owner has pertaining to documents, inspections, and maintenance?

Answer 37

a. must have airworthiness cert, and a/c registration
b. maintain the a/c in an airworthy condition, comply with all AD’s
c. Ensure mx is properly recorded
d. keep up on the current regs concerning the operation of that a/c
e. notify the FAA Civil Aviation Registry immediately of any change of perm mailing address, or the sale or export of the a/c, or loss of citizenship
f. have current FCC radio station license if equipped with radios, including ELT, if operated outside the US.

Question 38

Define “preventative maintenance”?

Answer 38

simple or minor preservation operations and the replacement of small standard parts not including complex assembly operations. Certified private pilots may perform “preventative mx”

Question 39

What are “special flight permits” and when are they necessary?

Answer 39

may be issued for an a/c that may not currently meet applicable airworthiness requirements but is capable if safe flight.

Question 40

What are “special flight permits” issued for?

Answer 40

a. flying an a/c to a base where repairs, alterations, or mx is performed, or to storage.
b. delivering or exporting an a/c
c. production flight testing new production a/c
d. evacuating a/c from areas of impending danger
e. conducting customer demo flight in new production a/c that have completed production flights

Question 41

How are “special flight permits” obtained?

Answer 41

Must be obtained by the local FSDO or the Designated Airworthiness Representative.

Question 42

What are “Airworthiness Directives”?

Answer 42

medium for the FAA to notify a/c owners and other persons of unsafe conditions that may exist b/c of design defects, mx, or other causes, and to specify the conditions under which the product may continue to be operated. They are regulatory in nature and require mandatory compliance.

Question 43

Are Electronic Flight Bags (EFB) approved for use as a replacement for paper reference material in the cockpit?

Answer 43

Yes, during all phases of flight operations. It is recommended that secondary back up is carried for the flight.

Question 44

What is BasicMed and requirements?

Answer 44

BasicMed is an alternate way for pilots to fly without holding an FAA medical certificate as long as they meet certain requirements

• Must hold current and US driver’s license and comply
  with all medical requirements
• complete the comprehensive medical examination
  checklist (CMEC) every 24 months in collaboration
  with a physical examination by a state-licensed
  physician every 48 months.
• Must Complete BasicMed medical education course

Question 45

What are the privileges and limitations of BasicMed?

Answer 45

• Operate as PIC with student, recreational or PPL privileges’, can operate as CFI as well
• Operating Limitations
  - Fly with no more than five passengers.
  - Fly an aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff
  weight of no more than 6,000 lbs.
  - Fly an aircraft that is authorized to carry no more
  than 6 occupants.
  - Flights within the United States, at an indicated
  airspeed of 250 knots or less, and at an altitude at
  or below 18,000 feet mean sea level (MSL).
  - You may not fly for compensation or hire.

Question 46

To operate under BasicMed the pilot in command must have completed a physical examination by a state-licensed physician within the preceding:

Answer 46

BasicMed regulations require you to complete the CMEC every 24 months while a physical examination by a state-licensed physician must be completed every 48 months.

Question 47

For private pilot operations under BasicMed, the pilot in command is allowed to fly with no more then:

 a. 6 Passengers
 b. 5 passengers
 c. 5 occupants

Answer 47

As PIC during private pilot operations under BasicMed, the aircraft is restricted to fly with no more than 5 passengers and authorized to carry no more than 6 total occupants. Answer (A) is incorrect because 6 passengers plus the PIC would equal 7 total occupants. Answer (C) is incorrect because BasicMed allows for aircraft authorized to carry no more than 6 total occupants.

Question 48

To maintain BasicMed privileges you are required to complete the CMEC every:

 a. 48 months
 b. 24 Months
 c. 12 Months

Answer 48

Correct answer is B. BasicMed regulations require you to complete the comprehensive medical exanimation checklist (CMEC) every 24 months while a physical examination by a state-licensed physician must be completed every 48 months.