Pilot Certification & Rating Information

A Different Approach to Instrument Flight Training

2009-08-03T22:41:00.000-07:00

Author: Dan Pimentel

Any licensed private pilot who has tried to earn their instrument rating knows that traditional instrument flight training can be slow, frustrating and unnecessarily redundant. Medford, Oregon-based Certified Flight Instructor Field Morey realized long ago that he needed to get his instrument students away from the distractions of day-to-day life so they could focus on the process of learning IFR mastery.

To separate life from flight training, Morey takes two students at a time on what he calls "West Coast Adventure Flights" spanning six days flying throughout the American West. He has used this technique to teach instrument flying for over 40 years, with over 600 pilots building hours towards their IFR rating while seeing the Western United States from inside Morey's 2008 Cessna T182T Skylane aircraft.

Morey offers three different IFR adventure flights:

The Alaska Adventure is an incredible area to spend a week of flight training while enjoying the majestic scenery and grandeur of the great America wilderness. On this once-in-a-lifetime trip, is as important as the six days of IFR flight training you'll receive, much if it in the kind of real-world IMC that is found in Alaska.

After departure from Medford, IFR flight students cross over into Canada and clear Canadian customs using CANPASS. The flight then travels north along the British Columbia coastline, and after clearing U.S. Customs at Ketchikan, the trip has planned stops at Anchorage, Sitka,Yakutat, Cordova, Juneau, and other points of interest. If weather allows, students may also see Mt. McKinley (Denali).

For pilots seeking to learn backcountry flying and operations, Morey offers the Wilderness Adventure Flight, a six-day flight designed as an instrument refresher as well as a chance to learn the skills for operating in the Idaho backcountry.

The course begins in Medford with two flight students and Morey traveling north into Washington, Idaho and Montana to learn the "ins and outs" of operations from mountain strips as well as canyon techniques. On this adventure, pilots get time to hike, fish or just relax and enjoy the solitude of the Idaho Wilderness.

Pilot and flight student Blake Picquet of Fort Worth, TX was one of Morey's students on this adventure a few years ago. "Never will you find another opportunity to combine a legendary instructor with the panoramic views and intensity of the Idaho backcountry. The result is a trip that will put all your skills to the test...commercial, instrument, and of course, fly fishing," Picquet said.

Morey also offers the Rockies Adventure Flight, a six-day training session that combines IFR mountain techniques with beautiful scenery from the Rockies and American Southwest. After stops in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Arizona, the training continues in the busy Class Bravo airspace of the Los Angeles and San Francisco regions before arriving back in Medford, Oregon.

One aspect of Morey's Adventure Flights is the a brand new Cessna 182 Skylane with glass cockpit. The turbocharged Skylane provides the additional performance needed in the mountainous areas along with additional power to climb above the icing conditions during the winter months. The aircraft has a full Garmin G1000 instrument panel and is soon to be equipped with Garmin "Synthetic Vision Technology" plus TAWS-B Terrain and Obstruction Data, GDL-69 Datalink with XM Weather and Radio, and Garmin GFC700 Autopilot, Morey has even outfitted his Skylane with Bose noise canceling headsets to create a quiet training environment.

The training program has proven to be such a success, all trips during Morey's 2008 training season easily sold out. He has launched a new website that is sure to continue making his West Coast Adventure Flights one of the most popular IFR training programs in the country.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/a-different-approach-to-instrument-flight-training-798340.html

About the Author:
Author and private pilot Dan Pimentel owns a creative studio in Oregon and frequently writes about aviation topics at his blog, World of Flying.

Pass Your FAA Checkride - 10 Tips You MUST Know

2009-07-23T12:36:00.001-07:00

Author: Beto Valentine

Of all the tests you'll take in your life, the FAA practical flight test is one you don't want to repeat. Months of flight training and ground school have led to this one moment - the culmination of your aviation knowledge. Here's your chance to shine, to show the FAA examiner everything you've learned both on the ground and in the air. By following the 10 tips listed below, you'll not only pass your FAA checkride - you'll do it with skill and confidence.

Preparation is Everything - Days before your FAA checkride, have your homework done early. Know the practical test standards (PTS) inside and out, especially the suggested minimum altitudes for each required flight maneuver. Did you research your examiner? Have you talked to other pilots who might've gotten their license through him? You may be able to find out if there are certain aeronautical areas the FAA examiner stresses more than others. Are you taking your flight test at your home airport? If not, you'd make sure you take at least a few practice flights there. Know the runways, the taxiways - learn everything you possibly can beforehand, and arm yourself with that knowledge going into your flight test.

Get a Good Start - Not many people understand this, but your FAA checkride starts the night before. Forgo studying... getting a good night's sleep is way more important than anything you might cram into your head at the last minute. Wake refreshed, relaxed, and eat a solid breakfast. Think back to your flight training, and try to remember the good days: your first solo, your sharpest maneuvers, and all the best landings that you ever made. Get yourself into a mental state of cool confidence. Being a bit nervous is normal, but remember that to have reached this point you already know your stuff.

Have all your Paperwork Ready - Believe it or not, many pilots show up to their FAA checkride without all their identification or paperwork in order. Go over your 8710 airman certificate application with a fine-tooth comb, then ask your flight instructor to do it also. Inconveniencing the FAA examiner by having to fill out a new application during your flight test is going to leave a bad taste in his or her mouth. Check your sectional charts to make sure they're current. Ditto for your airport directory. Get two weather briefings: a standard briefing the night before and an abbreviated one the morning of your flight test. Write everything down and bring it to the test with you. Check and re-check your logbook, to make sure you have all the minimum flight hours for each area of your training. Have your CFI double-check to make sure you've been signed off on all necessary ratings and endorsements, and that all your dates are straight. Having everything current, neatly filled out, and in proper order will start your checkride off on the right foot.

Know your Route - Understand the route the examiner asked you to plot for your flight plan, as well as the route to your alternate airport. While you probably won't be flying the full length of the plotted course, you should know everything about these routes inside and out including altitude minimums or airspace requirements. Prepare a lapboard cheat sheet the night before, with all necessary frequencies of surrounding airports written down and easily accessible. Mentally prepare contingency plans based upon an in-flight emergency anywhere along those routes, because your examiner might pull the throttle on you at any time.

Know that you Don't Know Everything - The oral part of your FAA flight exam is just as important as the flying portion, and you should certainly treat it as such. However, remember here that you're an aviation student, and the FAA examiner is most likely an experienced pilot or aviation professional. The examiner isn't expecting you to know everything, but he or she is looking for serious holes in your aeronautical knowledge. Don't give the examiner a reason to fail you by not knowing the basics - you should know the fundamentals of flight inside and out. On the more complicated subjects you should have identified your weaknesses and worked on strengthening them before arriving at your checkride. Giving one word answers will demonstrate a lack of knowledge; always try to elaborate when answering a question but don't give false information or guess at the answers. You'll be asked situational and hypothetical questions as well. The instructor will not only be looking for the right answer, he'll be more interested in seeing if you know why your answer is correct. It's okay if you don't know everything, but it's not okay if you're showing the examiner a lack of having studied the material in your practical test standards.

Organize your Airplane - Don't show up to your checkride with under-inflated tires, low on oil, or anything else that could ding you right off the bat. When the preflight inspection starts, you're going to be concentrating on your checklist. This isn't the time to have to dig through the plane for your AROW and aircraft documents, so have them readily available and accessible way beforehand. Double check that you have the instrument visor or foggles within easy reach during the flight test. Clean the floor of the airplane of any charts, debris or other clutter, and make sure the seatbelts are adjusted correctly and in good working order. All of these little things add up to a smooth preflight and runup.

Maintain Balance - While flying, try to maintain a good balance of attention both inside and outside the aircraft. The examiner wants to see you scan for traffic, so when you do it, make it overly obvious to him. However, don't allow yourself to get lost in the world outside the cockpit for too long. You need to maintain airspeed and altitude minimums according to the practical test standards, and you also need to keep the aircraft within it's acceptable limitations. Trim the airplane as soon as you can, usually upon reaching cruise altitude. Not only will this help you concentrate more on flying and less on making small constant corrections, but it will also show the examiner that you value control. When asked to demonstrate steep turns, stalls, or any other flight maneuver, make certain you're at the proper altitude and airspeed (according to the PTS) before beginning. If not, announce to the examiner that you're going to climb, descend, or adjust your speed, then make your clearing turn before starting.

Use your Checklists - Just as the FAA examiner wants to see that you prepared for your checkride, he wants to see you prepared during your checkride. During every phase of your flight, make sure you use your checklist. Don't speed through the motions out of nervousness either - take your time and do things correctly. Aside from your standard checklist and sectional map, you should have a piece of scrap paper on your kneeboard with a pencil readily available. Use this during your preflight to jot down the ATIS information and wind direction. Before arriving for your flight test, you should also have neatly listed all of the frequencies you'll need during your flight. Don't be afraid to refer to this information during various stages of your checkride, but never forget to maintain control of the airplane.

Acknowledge Mistakes - Very few student pilots will fly a perfect checkride - mistakes happen. If you make a mistake during your flight test, don't expect it to go unnoticed. The best thing to do is announce the mistake, explain why it was a mistake, and then ask the FAA examiner if you can repeat the maneuver. Most likely you'll be given another chance to do it, and the examiner will appreciate that you recognized the failure before having to be told. If the examiner points the mistake out, once again apologize and ask to repeat. Don't make excuses or try the manuever again without asking the examiner. Maintain positive control of the aircraft, and try not to overcorrect when repeating the procedure the second time.

Fly Confidently and Safely - More important than just about everything else, you must be master of the airplane during your flight test. Put your nervousness aside and remember that flying the aircraft comes first before anything else. Make smooth movements through the throttle, and make coordinated turns with your rudder. Confidently announce your intentions to the instructor during various stages of the flight, such as when making clearning turns or leaning out the mixture. Throughout your flight test the FAA examiner will be writing things down - this is neither good nor bad, so don't let it distract you. If you don't fixate on the fact that you're being tested, you'll be more prone to relax and fly the plane a lot more smoothly and normally. If you need to, mentally remind yourself that you've flown and landed your airplane dozens of times before.

To pass your FAA checkride, you'll need to remain calm and focused. By following the tips above, any student pilot will begin and end his or her flight test by making a positive impression on the FAA examiner. In closing, remember that the flight training involved in getting to your checkride should have been the hard part. The checkride itself should be nothing more than nice day of flying.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/pass-your-faa-checkride-10-tips-you-must-know-540455.html

About the Author:
Visit Student Flying Club for more flying tips including flight planning, aviation articles, and all kinds of flight training tools for the student pilot - including an online E6B Flight Calculator. Also read the day-to-day flight journals of actual student pilots during their flight training.

What To Look For In A Pilot School

2009-07-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

Author: Jack Stanley

Flying may be a natural talent for birds, but it's something you have to learn and work hard for as a human. You can, however, learn more quickly and easily with the help of a good pilot school.

Tips on Choosing a Pilot School Consider the following factors to find the best choice of pilot school:

61 or 141 - These are the two primary types of pilot schools. Part 141 are schools approved by the Federal Aviation Administration and allow you to earn a certificate after 35 hours' worth of flying. Part 61 schools on the other hand aren't FAA-approved and must therefore subject you to 40 flying hours before awarding you a certificate.

LOCATION - Naturally, it's best to choose a pilot school that's conveniently located near your home, but if there's none in the area that you like, choose one that won't force you to adjust to a higher cost-of-living.

EXPERIENCE - How long has the pilot school been in business? Is its faculty made up of veteran pilots? What have you heard about the quality of their education?

FACILITIES - Not all students have their own planes so will they be able to offer you use of aircraft of good working order during training?

TIME - How much time do you have? Do you wish to study part-time or full-time? Not all schools may allow you to study part-time.

OBJECTIVES - Why do you wish to learn to fly an aircraft? Is it for recreational or career purposes? Naturally, hoping for a professional flying career will require you to put in more hours during training. Also, what kind of flights do you wish to make - local or international? What kind of aircraft do you wish to fly - a chopper, jet, or a huge Boeing 747? Answering these questions will help you know not only which the best pilot school to choose is but the best flight course for you as well.

RATES - Tuition fees differ for pilot schools as well so look for one that will offer you great education for an affordable value. If you are a military veteran, your pension will let you enjoy lower rates only with Part 141 pilot schools.

ALLIANCES - If you're interested in getting additional flight courses and aviation degrees in universities and other educational institutions, look for an aviation school that has tie-ups with these establishments so that transfer of school will be made easier. When you find a pilot school that meets all your requirements based on the aforementioned factors then that's the best place for you to learn how to fly!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/what-to-look-for-in-a-pilot-school--813347.html

About the Author:
Visit the About Animals website to learn about cow pictures and types of cows .

Law Enforcement Pilot as a Career

2009-07-21T11:30:00.000-07:00

Author: Darryl Kimiball

How does one actually become a law enforcement helicopter of fixed wing pilot? This is a question asked by many young people who one day aspire to be a pilot, or more specifically a law enforcement pilot. The standard answer you will hear, is that most police agencies "hire their pilots from within." This is true for the most part but let's take a closer look at this possible career choice. Another related question I see often is how much do law enforcement pilots make?

Indeed there are some agencies who hire civilian pilots. We will take a closer look at this in a future article.

First let's look at where most of the law enforcment pilots are found in the United States. By far the vast majority are found in state and local law enforcement agencies. In other words your local police and sheriff's department, or your state highway patrol. Yes there are a number of federal agencies who employee pilots, but the vast majority are local law enforcement agencies.

Take LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department) for example. They operate approximately 18 aircraft, most of which are helicopters, and have somewhere in the neighborhood of 70 people assigned to their aviation unit. They are one of the largest law enforcement aviation units in the country, if not the largest.

I probably don't have to tell you that the helicopter dominates the law enforcement aircraft inventory, though many agencies will operate one or two fixed wing aircraft for prisoner transports and surveillance operations. So the majority of law enforcement pilots are helicopter pilots.

The vast majority of agencies do in fact take their sworn officers and deputies, and either train them in house, or send them to flight school to obtain their helicopter pilot license. Why do they do it this way instead of just hiring people who are already pilots? Well I can't answer for every agency, but suffice it to say that the majority do, do it this way and they have for many years.

So how long would you have to spend on the ground as a patrol officer before being able to transfer into a law enforcement air unit? This varies significantly from agency to agency. There is usually a minimum amount of time, such as 2 or 4 years, and then there is the actual time and experience you will need in order to be competetive for such a position. I know of some law enforcement officers who were able to transfer into their air units with as little as 5 or 6 years on the department.

About that pay. Most law enforcement pilots do receive a premium pay for being a pilot in the air unit. However, all you really need to do is look at the salary of a law enforcement officer on a large department with about 10 years on. This will give you a good idea of what a law enforcement pilot makes. Depending on the part of the country I would estimate most law enforcement pilots are making $60,000 to $70,000 at a minimum. Some make much more. Ultimately, law enforcement and law enforcement pilot are excellent and rewarding career choices.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/law-enforcement-pilot-as-a-career-661601.html

About the Author:
Darryl Kimball is a law enforcment helicopter pilot with a large Southern California Sheriff's Department. You can visit his website at http://www.policehelicopterpilot.com

Pilot Training Requirements and Types

2009-07-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

Author: Dave Text

Pilot training is a must after graduating from a pilot school. It also has a lot of training system one can choose from. Thus, there are also certain requirements which students should comply with in order to stay in various pilot training programs.

Pilot training requires a maximum of 45 hours training experience in order to be a Licensed Pilot. Private pilots are required to complete three perfect landings and three takeoffs in a span of 90 days in order to carry passengers. The national average that is required for every trainee is about 65 hours. There is leadership and command training for pilots.

Listed are the basic requirements in order to obtain a Private Pilot License.

Must be at least 17 and above year of age.
Able to understand the English language, write, speak and read.
At least has 40 hours flight training.
Passed the knowledge test.
Obtained the pilot medical certificate.
Completed 20 hours of SOLO flight training.
Passed the Practical Test of flight test and oral examination.

Types of pilot training

Alternate Recurrent Pilot Training: This pilot training is topic-based and a traditional recurrent preparation. The pilot must qualify for a pilot-in-command proficiency and for the second-in-command check. Alternative recurrent pilot training has three types such as Crew resource management, high altitude flight as well as international flight. The Crew Resource management teaches the pilot the exact usage of the minimum equipments. The rule of a High altitude flight is to examine the result of the highest altitude flight in the aircraft body. International Pilot Flight reviews the international procedure, ATC, /FR and ICAO weather.

Accelerated flight school and flight training: This training program offers the best and strictly advanced aircraft training, best accelerated pilot training in the industry. It has certified trained instructors that teach the pilots. It is located in Florida Airlines, Kissimmee, and Orlando.

Regional Airline academy: This pilot school offers airline pilot discussions, pilot flight trainings. It also gives job placements after completing the flight or pilot training. The academy also has a financial help service for trainees so that they may enroll in the program.

Advanced flight pilot training: This training school had specialist instructors that are based along the Coast airport, Australia airport as well as Queensland. It also offers the highest quality of ATPL airlines transport for pilot licenses. It even offers full-time courses such as airplane pilot training and helicopter pilot training.

Hamilton pilot training system: It has a comprehensive system for learning in passing certain flight test. The school simply progresses in learning because of their materials that are passed in sequential and logical order.

Professional Pilot Training: The objective of professional pilot training is to educate and train finished flight pilots because they have superb manipulative skills and an in depth understanding of the theory. This pilot training program offers personalized preparation or training for little classes of airline cadets. Professional pilot training uses a (CBT) Competency Based Training system that uses the very skill assessment guidelines which are based on pilot skill development and recent aviation psychology. This pilot training facility operates on a full arena of HPT or Hawker Pilot synthetic trainers, which are considered as instruments for flying pilot training as well as procedural training. Professional pilot training has internal review trainings for its student or new pilots.

Balloon Pilot Training: It has 8 hours flight training or preparation and 20 hours ground training. Balloon pilot training has a requirement such as pre-flight preparation, aircraft familiarization, and launching, along with inflation procedures. It also teaches how to regulate during emergencies, long distances, and high altitude landings.

Eurocopter Pilot Training: This training program gives a closed-book examination on helicopter limitation. This training program requires a 75% or higher score before one is allowed to enroll. This pilot training program also teaches Emergency procedures, aircraft systems, balance and weight of the helicopters, autopilots, controls and cockpit displays plus a review of the aircraft manuals.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/pilot-training-requirements-and-types-482669.html

About the Author:
For more information on Pilot Training Requirements and Types please visit our website.

Search Results

2009-01-01T00:01:00.021-08:00

§61.159 Aeronautical experience

2009-01-01T00:01:00.017-08:00

Here's what the FAA's wording on §61.159 Aeronautical experience:

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section, a person who is applying for an airline transport pilot certificate with an airplane category and class rating must have at least 1,500 hours of total time as a pilot that includes at least:

(1) 500 hours of cross-country flight time.
(2) 100 hours of night flight time.
(3) 75 hours of instrument flight time, in actual or simulated instrument conditions, subject to the following:

(i) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(3)(ii) of this section, an applicant may not receive credit for more than a total of 25 hours of simulated instrument time in a flight simulator or flight training device.
(ii) A maximum of 50 hours of training in a flight simulator or flight training device may be credited toward the instrument flight time requirements of paragraph (a)(3) of this section if the training was accomplished in a course conducted by a training center certificated under part 142 of this chapter.
(iii) Training in a flight simulator or flight training device must be accomplished in a flight simulator or flight training device, representing an airplane.

(4) 250 hours of flight time in an airplane as a pilot in command, or as second in command performing the duties of pilot in command while under the supervision of a pilot in command, or any combination thereof, which includes at least—

(i) 100 hours of cross-country flight time; and
(ii) 25 hours of night flight time.

(5) Not more than 100 hours of the total aeronautical experience requirements of paragraph (a) of this section may be obtained in a flight simulator or flight training device that represents an airplane, provided the aeronautical experience was obtained in an approved course conducted by a training center certificated under part 142 of this chapter.

(b) A person who has performed at least 20 night takeoffs and landings to a full stop may substitute each additional night takeoff and landing to a full stop for 1 hour of night flight time to satisfy the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this section; however, not more than 25 hours of night flight time may be credited in this manner.

(c) A commercial pilot may credit the following second-in-command flight time or flight-engineer flight time toward the 1,500 hours of total time as a pilot required by paragraph (a) of this section:

(1) Second-in-command time, provided the time is acquired in an airplane—

(i) Required to have more than one pilot flight crewmember by the airplane's flight manual, type certificate, or the regulations under which the flight is being conducted;
(ii) Engaged in operations under subpart K of part 91, part 121, or part 135 of this chapter for which a second in command is required; or
(iii) That is required by the operating rules of this chapter to have more than one pilot flight crewmember.

(2) Flight-engineer time, provided the time—

(i) Is acquired in an airplane required to have a flight engineer by the airplane's flight manual or type certificate;
(ii) Is acquired while engaged in operations under part 121 of this chapter for which a flight engineer is required;
(iii) Is acquired while the person is participating in a pilot training program approved under part 121 of this chapter; and
(iv) Does not exceed more than 1 hour for each 3 hours of flight engineer flight time for a total credited time of no more than 500 hours.

(d) An applicant may be issued an airline transport pilot certificate with the endorsement, “Holder does not meet the pilot in command aeronautical experience requirements of ICAO,” as prescribed by Article 39 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, if the applicant:

(1) Credits second-in-command or flight-engineer time under paragraph (c) of this section toward the 1,500 hours total flight time requirement of paragraph (a) of this section;
(2) Does not have at least 1,200 hours of flight time as a pilot, including no more than 50 percent of his or her second-in-command time and none of his or her flight-engineer time; and
(3) Otherwise meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section.

(e) When the applicant specified in paragraph (d) of this section presents satisfactory evidence of the accumulation of 1,200 hours of flight time as a pilot including no more than 50 percent of his or her second-in-command flight time and none of his or her flight-engineer time, the applicant is entitled to an airline transport pilot certificate without the endorsement prescribed in that paragraph.

§61.187 Flight proficiency

2009-01-01T00:01:00.016-08:00

Here's what the FAA's wording on §61.187 Flight proficiency:

(a) General. A person who is applying for a flight instructor certificate must receive and log flight and ground training from an authorized instructor on the areas of operation listed in this section that apply to the flight instructor rating sought. The applicant's logbook must contain an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the person is proficient to pass a practical test on those areas of operation.
(b) Areas of operation.

(1) For an airplane category rating with a single-engine class rating:

(i) Fundamentals of instructing;
(ii) Technical subject areas;
(iii) Preflight preparation;
(iv) Preflight lesson on a maneuver to be performed in flight;
(v) Preflight procedures;
(vi) Airport and seaplane base operations;
(vii) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(viii) Fundamentals of flight;
(ix) Performance maneuvers;
(x) Ground reference maneuvers;
(xi) Slow flight, stalls, and spins;
(xii) Basic instrument maneuvers;
(xiii) Emergency operations; and
(xiv) Postflight procedures.

(2) For an airplane category rating with a multiengine class rating:

(i) Fundamentals of instructing;
(ii) Technical subject areas;
(iii) Preflight preparation;
(iv) Preflight lesson on a maneuver to be performed in flight;
(v) Preflight procedures;
(vi) Airport and seaplane base operations;
(vii) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(viii) Fundamentals of flight;
(ix) Performance maneuvers;
(x) Ground reference maneuvers;
(xi) Slow flight and stalls;
(xii) Basic instrument maneuvers;
(xiii) Emergency operations;
(xiv) Multiengine operations; and
(xv) Postflight procedures.

(7) For an instrument rating with the appropriate aircraft category and class rating:

(i) Fundamentals of instructing;
(ii) Technical subject areas;
(iii) Preflight preparation;
(iv) Preflight lesson on a maneuver to be performed in flight;
(v) Air traffic control clearances and procedures;
(vi) Flight by reference to instruments;
(vii) Navigation aids;
(viii) Instrument approach procedures;
(ix) Emergency operations; and
(x) Postflight procedures.

(1) In an aircraft that is representative of the category and class of aircraft for the rating sought; or
(2) In a flight simulator or flight training device representative of the category and class of aircraft for the rating sought, and used in accordance with an approved course at a training center certificated under part 142 of this chapter.

§61.129 Aeronautical experience

2009-01-01T00:01:00.015-08:00

Here's what the FAA's wording on §61.129 Aeronautical experience:

(a) For an airplane single-engine rating. Except as provided in paragraph (i) of this section, a person who applies for a commercial pilot certificate with an airplane category and single-engine class rating must log at least 250 hours of flight time as a pilot that consists of at least:

(1) 100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in airplanes.
(2) 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, which includes at least—

(i) 50 hours in airplanes; and
(ii) 50 hours in cross-country flight of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes.

(3) 20 hours of training on the areas of operation listed in §61.127(b)(1) of this part that includes at least—

(i) 10 hours of instrument training of which at least 5 hours must be in a single-engine airplane;
(ii) 10 hours of training in an airplane that has a retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable pitch propeller, or is turbine-powered, or for an applicant seeking a single-engine seaplane rating, 10 hours of training in a seaplane that has flaps and a controllable pitch propeller;
(iii) One cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a single-engine airplane in day VFR conditions, consisting of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure;
(iv) One cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a single-engine airplane in night VFR conditions, consisting of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and
(v) 3 hours in a single-engine airplane in preparation for the practical test within the 60-day period preceding the date of the test.

(4) 10 hours of solo flight in a single-engine airplane on the areas of operation listed in §61.127(b)(1) of this part, which includes at least—

(i) One cross-country flight of not less than 300 nautical miles total distance, with landings at a minimum of three points, one of which is a straight-line distance of at least 250 nautical miles from the original departure point. However, if this requirement is being met in Hawaii, the longest segment need only have a straight-line distance of at least 150 nautical miles; and
(ii) 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.

(b) For an airplane multiengine rating. Except as provided in paragraph (i) of this section, a person who applies for a commercial pilot certificate with an airplane category and multiengine class rating must log at least 250 hours of flight time as a pilot that consists of at least:

(1) 100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in airplanes.
(2) 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, which includes at least—

(i) 50 hours in airplanes; and
(ii) 50 hours in cross-country flight of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes.

(3) 20 hours of training on the areas of operation listed in §61.127(b)(2) of this part that includes at least—

(i) 10 hours of instrument training of which at least 5 hours must be in a multiengine airplane;
(ii) 10 hours of training in a multiengine airplane that has a retractable landing gear, flaps, and controllable pitch propellers, or is turbine-powered, or for an applicant seeking a multiengine seaplane rating, 10 hours of training in a multiengine seaplane that has flaps and a controllable pitch propeller;
(iii) One cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a multiengine airplane in day VFR conditions, consisting of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure;
(iv) One cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a multiengine airplane in night VFR conditions, consisting of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and
(v) 3 hours in a multiengine airplane in preparation for the practical test within the 60-day period preceding the date of the test.

(4) 10 hours of solo flight time in a multiengine airplane or 10 hours of flight time performing the duties of pilot in command in a multiengine airplane with an authorized instructor (either of which may be credited towards the flight time requirement in paragraph (b)(2) of this section), on the areas of operation listed in §61.127(b)(2) of this part that includes at least—

(i) One cross-country flight of not less than 300 nautical miles total distance with landings at a minimum of three points, one of which is a straight-line distance of at least 250 nautical miles from the original departure point. However, if this requirement is being met in Hawaii, the longest segment need only have a straight-line distance of at least 150 nautical miles; and
(ii) 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings (with each landing involving a flight with a traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.

§61.65 Instrument rating requirements

2009-01-01T00:01:00.013-08:00

Here's what the FAA's wording on §61.65 Instrument rating requirements:

(a) General. A person who applies for an instrument rating must:

(1) Hold at least a current private pilot certificate with an airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift rating appropriate to the instrument rating sought;
(2) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet any of these requirements due to a medical condition, the Administrator may place such operating limitations on the applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft;
(3) Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or accomplish a home-study course of training on the aeronautical knowledge areas of paragraph (b) of this section that apply to the instrument rating sought;
(4) Receive a logbook or training record endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the person is prepared to take the required knowledge test;
(5) Receive and log training on the areas of operation of paragraph (c) of this section from an authorized instructor in an aircraft, flight simulator, or flight training device that represents an airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift appropriate to the instrument rating sought;
(6) Receive a logbook or training record endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the person is prepared to take the required practical test;
(7) Pass the required knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas of paragraph (b) of this section; however, an applicant is not required to take another knowledge test when that person already holds an instrument rating; and
(8) Pass the required practical test on the areas of operation in paragraph (c) of this section in—

(i) An airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift appropriate to the rating sought; or
(ii) A flight simulator or a flight training device appropriate to the rating sought and for the specific maneuver or instrument approach procedure performed. If an approved flight training device is used for the practical test, the instrument approach procedures conducted in that flight training device are limited to one precision and one nonprecision approach, provided the flight training device is approved for the procedure performed.

(b) Aeronautical knowledge. A person who applies for an instrument rating must have received and logged ground training from an authorized instructor or accomplished a home-study course on the following aeronautical knowledge areas that apply to the instrument rating sought:

(1) Federal Aviation Regulations of this chapter that apply to flight operations under IFR;
(2) Appropriate information that applies to flight operations under IFR in the “Aeronautical Information Manual;”
(3) Air traffic control system and procedures for instrument flight operations;
(4) IFR navigation and approaches by use of navigation systems;
(5) Use of IFR en route and instrument approach procedure charts;
(6) Procurement and use of aviation weather reports and forecasts and the elements of forecasting weather trends based on that information and personal observation of weather conditions;
(7) Safe and efficient operation of aircraft under instrument flight rules and conditions;
(8) Recognition of critical weather situations and windshear avoidance;
(9) Aeronautical decision making and judgment; and
(10) Crew resource management, including crew communication and coordination.

(c) Flight proficiency. A person who applies for an instrument rating must receive and log training from an authorized instructor in an aircraft, or in a flight simulator or flight training device, in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section, that includes the following areas of operation:

(1) Preflight preparation;
(2) Preflight procedures;
(3) Air traffic control clearances and procedures;
(4) Flight by reference to instruments;
(5) Navigation systems;
(6) Instrument approach procedures;
(7) Emergency operations; and
(8) Postflight procedures.

(d) Aeronautical experience. A person who applies for an instrument rating must have logged the following:

(1) At least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command, of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes for an instrument—airplane rating; and
(2) A total of 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time on the areas of operation of this section, to include—

(i) At least 15 hours of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor in the aircraft category for which the instrument rating is sought;
(ii) At least 3 hours of instrument training that is appropriate to the instrument rating sought from an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test within the 60 days preceding the date of the test;
(iii) For an instrument—airplane rating, instrument training on cross- country flight procedures specific to airplanes that includes at least one cross-country flight in an airplane that is performed under IFR, and consists of—

(A) A distance of at least 250 nautical miles along airways or ATC-directed routing;
(B) An instrument approach at each airport; and
(C) Three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems;

(iv) For an instrument—helicopter rating, instrument training specific to helicopters on cross-country flight procedures that includes at least one cross-country flight in a helicopter that is performed under IFR, and consists of—

(A) A distance of at least 100 nautical miles along airways or ATC-directed routing;
(B) An instrument approach at each airport; and
(C) Three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems; and

(v) For an instrument—powered-lift rating, instrument training specific to a powered-lift on cross-country flight procedures that includes at least one cross-country flight in a powered-lift that is performed under IFR and consists of—

(A) A distance of at least 250 nautical miles along airways or ATC-directed routing;
(B) An instrument approach at each airport; and
(C) Three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems.

(e) Use of flight simulators or flight training devices. If the instrument training was provided by an authorized instructor in a flight simulator or flight training device—

(1) A maximum of 30 hours may be performed in that flight simulator or flight training device if the training was accomplished in accordance with part 142 of this chapter; or
(2) A maximum of 20 hours may be performed in that flight simulator or flight training device if the training was not accomplished in accordance with part 142 of this chapter.

§61.109 Aeronautical experience

2009-01-01T00:01:00.012-08:00

Here's the FAA's wording on §61.109 Aeronautical experience:

(a) For an airplane single-engine rating. Except as provided in paragraph (k) of this section, a person who applies for a private pilot certificate with an airplane category and single-engine class rating must log at least 40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in §61.107(b)(1) of this part, and the training must include at least—

(1) 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a single-engine airplane;
(2) Except as provided in §61.110 of this part, 3 hours of night flight training in a single-engine airplane that includes—

(i) One cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles total distance; and
(ii) 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport.

(3) 3 hours of flight training in a single-engine airplane on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments, including straight and level flight, constant airspeed climbs and descents, turns to a heading, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, radio communications, and the use of navigation systems/facilities and radar services appropriate to instrument flight;
(4) 3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test in a single-engine airplane, which must have been performed within 60 days preceding the date of the test; and
(5) 10 hours of solo flight time in a single-engine airplane, consisting of at least—

(i) 5 hours of solo cross-country time;
(ii) One solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles total distance, with full-stop landings at a minimum of three points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 50 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and
(iii) Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.

(b) For an airplane multiengine rating. Except as provided in paragraph (k) of this section, a person who applies for a private pilot certificate with an airplane category and multiengine class rating must log at least 40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in §61.107(b)(2) of this part, and the training must include at least—

(1) 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a multiengine airplane;
(2) Except as provided in §61.110 of this part, 3 hours of night flight training in a multiengine airplane that includes—

(i) One cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles total distance; and
(ii) 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport.

(3) 3 hours of flight training in a multiengine airplane on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments, including straight and level flight, constant airspeed climbs and descents, turns to a heading, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, radio communications, and the use of navigation systems/facilities and radar services appropriate to instrument flight;
(4) 3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test in a multiengine airplane, which must have been performed within the 60-day period preceding the date of the test; and
(5) 10 hours of solo flight time in an airplane consisting of at least—

(i) 5 hours of solo cross-country time;
(ii) One solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles total distance, with full-stop landings at a minimum of three points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 50 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and
(iii) Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.

Flight Instructor Rating

2009-01-01T00:01:00.009-08:00

The information below is provided only as a quick reference guide for the required aeronautical experience requirements of Part 61. You should always refer to the Federal Aviation Regulation for the most current and complete requirements for the certificate or rating you are interested in.

Reference: §61.187 - Flight proficiency

For all ratings: Have logged at least-
A. Dual: No specific min or max amount of time required, just so the applicant has received the appropriate training of §61.187.
B. PIC: 15 hours as PIC in the category and class of aircraft for the flight instructor rating sought.

For additional flight instructor ratings: Have logged at least—
A. Dual: No specific min or max amount of time required, just so the applicant has received the appropriate training of §61.187.
B. PIC: 15 hours as PIC in the category and class of aircraft for the flight instructor rating sought.

Pilot Resources

2009-01-01T00:01:00.005-08:00

Federal Aviation Administration

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

AirNav

AVweb

Airline Transport Pilot

2009-01-01T00:01:00.004-08:00

The information below is provided only as a quick reference guide for the required aeronautical experience requirements of Part 61. You should always refer to the Federal Aviation Regulation for the most current and complete requirements for the certificate or rating you are interested in.

Reference: §61.159 - Aeronautical experience: Airplane category rating

For an Airplane Ratings:
Total Time - 1,500 hours that includes at least-

A. 500 hours of cross-country flying;
B. 100 hours of night time;
C. 75 hours of instrument time; and
D. 250 hours in an airplane as a PIC, or as SIC performing the duties of PIC, or any combination thereof, that includes at least —

1. 100 hours of cross-country flying; and
2. 25 hours of night time.

Commercial Pilot Certificate

2009-01-01T00:01:00.003-08:00

1. 50 hours in airplanes; and
2. 50 hours in cross-country flying of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes.

C. Dual: 20 hours of flight training on the Commercial Pilot areas of operation that includes at least--

1. 10 hours of instrument training of which at least 5 hours must be in a single engine airplane;
2. 10 hours of training in a complex airplane or a turbine powered airplane;
3. 1 cross-country of 2 hours in a single engine airplane in day VFR conditions of a total straight line distance of more than 100 nm. from the departure point;
4. 1 cross-country of 2 hours in a single engine airplane in night VFR conditions of a total straight line distance of more than 100 nm. from the departure point;
5. 3 hours of flight training in a single engine airplane within the preceding 60 days prior to the practical test.

D. Solo: 10 hours of solo flight in a single engine airplane on the Commercial Pilot areas of operation, that
includes—

1. One cross-country flight of not less than 300 nm. with landings with a min of 3 points, one of which is a straight line distance of more than 250 nm.; and
2. 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings at a controlled airport.

For a Multiengine Airplane Rating:
Total Time: 250 hours of flight time as a pilot that consists of at least:

A. 100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in airplanes.
B. 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, that includes at least--

1. 50 hours in airplanes; and
2. 50 hours in cross-country flying of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes.

C. Dual: 20 hours of flight training on the Commercial Pilot areas of operation that includes at least--

1. 10 hours of instrument training of which at least 5 hours must be in a multiengine airplane;
2. 10 hours of training in a complex multiengine airplane or turbine powered multiengine airplane;
3. 1 cross-country of 2 hours in a multiengine airplane in day VFR conditions of a total straight line distance of more than 100 nm. from the departure point;
4. 1 cross-country of 2 hours in a multiengine airplane in night VFR conditions of a total straight line distance of more than 100 nm. from the departure point;
5. 3 hours of flight training in a multiengine airplane within the preceding 60 days prior to the practical test.

D. Solo or Performing PIC: 10 hours of solo flying or performing the duties as PIC with an instructor in a multiengine airplane on the Commercial Pilot areas of operation, that includes at least-

1. One cross-country flight of not less than 300 nm. with landings with a min of 3 points, one of which is a straight line distance of more than 250 nm.; and
2. 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings at a controlled airport.

Instrument Rating

2009-01-01T00:01:00.002-08:00

The information below is provided only as a quick reference guide for the required aeronautical experience requirements of Part 61. You should always refer to the Federal Aviation Regulation for the most current and complete requirements for the certificate or rating you are interested in.

Reference: §61.65 - Instrument rating requirements

For all Instrument Ratings.
Total Time: Must have logged the following:

A. At least 50 hours of cross-country flying as a PIC, of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes for an Instrument Airplane rating; and
B. Total of 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time on the Instrument areas of operation, that includes at least--

1. Dual: 15 hours of instrument training with an instructor in the aircraft category, that includes at
least:
a. 3 hours of the instrument training were within the preceding 60 days prior to the practical test; and
b. 1 IFR cross-country flight of more than 250 nm. (more than 100 nm. for helicopters) in the instrument-aircraft rating sought.

or, if for an

C. Additional instrument rating, 15 hours of instrument training with an instructor for the rating sought, that includes at least:

1. 1 IFR cross-country flight of more than 250 nm. (more than 100 nm. for helicopters) in the instrument-aircraft rating sought; and
2. 3 hours of the instrument training were within the preceding 60 days prior to the practical test

Private Pilot Certificate

2009-01-01T00:01:00.001-08:00

1. 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a single engine airplane;
2. 3 hours of night flight training in a single engine airplane, that includes at least-
a. 1 cross-country flight of over 100 nm. total distance; and
b. 10 takeoffs and 10 landings with each involving a flight in the traffic pattern.
3. 3 hours of flight training by reference to instruments in a single engine airplane; and
4. 3 hours of flight training in a single engine airplane within the preceding 60 days prior to the practical test.

B. Solo: 10 hours of solo flying in a single engine airplane on the Private Pilot areas of operation, that includes:

1. 5 hours of solo cross-country flying;
2. 1 solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nm. total distance with 3 points and one segment of at least 50 nm. between takeoff and landings; and
3. 3 takeoffs and landings at a controlled airport.

For a Multiengine Airplane Rating:
Total Time: 40 hours which consists of at least-

A. Dual: 20 hours of flight training with an instructor on the Private Pilot areas of operation that includes:

1. 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a multiengine airplane;
2. 3 hours of night flight training in a multiengine airplane, that includes at least-
a. 1 cross-country flight of over 100 nm. total distance; and
b. 10 takeoffs and 10 landings with each involving a flight in the traffic pattern.
3. 3 hours of flight training by reference to instruments in a multiengine airplane; and
4. 3 hours of flight training in a multiengine airplane within the preceding 60 days prior to the practical test.

B. Solo: 10 hours of solo flying in an airplane on the Private Pilot areas of operation, that includes:

1. 5 hours of solo cross-country flying;
2. 1 solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nm. total distance with 3 points and one segment of at least 50 nm. between takeoff and landing; and
3. 3 takeoffs and landings at a controlled airport.

Student Pilot

2009-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Be 16 Years old (for powered airplanes)

Read, Speak, Write, Understand English

Third Class or higher medical certificate (this is issued by an FAA authorized
doctor, a Medical Examiner, requirements are minimal)

Lots of information for student pilots can be found on the AOPA's flight training page.