Pilot Certification and Regulations: Understanding Your License
Welcome to this comprehensive guide on pilot certification regulations. We'll explore how to obtain your pilot's license, the various privileges and limitations associated with different certificates, and the critical documentation required before flight.
Understanding these regulations is essential not only for obtaining your license but also for maintaining it and operating aircraft safely within the legal framework established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

by Yas Wellington

Essential Regulatory References
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14 CFR Part 1
Contains definitions and abbreviations critical for pilots, including "night" which means "the time between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight" - a definition used for logging night time.
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14 CFR Part 61
Covers pilot and flight instructor certificates and ratings, detailing the conditions of issue and the privileges and limitations of those certificates and ratings.
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14 CFR Part 91
Governs the operation of aircraft in U.S. airspace, establishing the rules pilots must follow during flight operations.
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NTSB Part 830
The National Transportation Safety Board regulations concerning aircraft accidents and incidents, establishing reporting requirements and investigation procedures.
Pilot Certificate Privileges and Limitations
Student Pilot
Entry-level certificate for flight training. Requires endorsements for solo flight in specific aircraft. Cannot carry passengers or fly for compensation.
Recreational Pilot
May carry one passenger, fly within 50 nautical miles of departure airport, and operate only in daylight hours in good weather conditions. Aircraft limited to four seats and engine power under 180 horsepower.
Sport Pilot
Limited to light-sport aircraft (LSA), daylight hours, and specific airspace. Restrictions on altitude and airspeed. Can operate for certain flight schools or charities.
Private Pilot
Can carry passengers and cargo, but not for compensation or hire (with some exceptions for charity flights). May share expenses with passengers. Various aircraft ratings can be added (e.g., instrument rating, multi-engine rating).
Commercial Pilot
Fly for compensation or hire. Requires more rigorous training and testing. Can be paid for flying jobs, such as aerial photography, banner towing, and sightseeing tours. Often a stepping stone to becoming an airline pilot.
Airline Transport Pilot
Highest level of pilot certification. Requires extensive flight experience (1,500 hours). Necessary to act as pilot-in-command (captain) for scheduled airlines. Multiple ratings, including specific aircraft type ratings, may be held.
Understanding Pilot Ratings

Airplane Category Ratings

Pilots can obtain airplane category ratings such as single-engine land (SEL), single-engine sea (SES), multi-engine land (MEL), and multi-engine sea (MES). Each rating specifies the type of airplane a pilot is qualified to operate.

Airplane Class Ratings

For airplanes, class ratings include single-engine and multi-engine, as well as land and sea. A pilot with a single-engine land rating can operate various single-engine airplanes on land, while a multi-engine sea rating allows operation of seaplanes with more than one engine.

Airplane Type Ratings

Type ratings are required for large airplanes (over 12,500 pounds) and turbojet airplanes. For example, pilots flying a Boeing 737 or an Airbus A320 need a specific type rating for that aircraft, demonstrating proficiency in its systems and handling.

Instrument Rating (Airplane)

An instrument rating allows pilots to fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), relying solely on cockpit instruments for navigation. This rating requires additional training in instrument procedures, navigation systems, and approaches, enhancing safety in low-visibility conditions.

Medical Certification Requirements
Pilots are required to hold valid medical certificates, the class of which varies depending on the type of flying they intend to undertake. These certificates ensure that pilots meet the necessary health standards to safely operate an aircraft.
First Class
Mandatory for Airline Transport Pilots (ATP). Valid for 12 months for pilots under 40, and 6 months for pilots over 40, ensuring the highest level of health oversight for those in command of commercial airliners.
Second Class
Required for Commercial Pilots. Valid for 12 months, it permits pilots to fly for compensation or hire, such as aerial photography or banner towing, provided they meet specific health criteria.
Third Class
Necessary for Private Pilots, Student Pilots, Recreational Pilots, and Flight Instructors. Valid for 60 months for pilots under 40 and 24 months for pilots over 40, enabling non-commercial flying activities.
BasicMed
An alternative to the Third Class medical certificate, available for Private, Student, and Recreational Pilots (excluding IFR instruction for compensation). Requires completion of an online medical education course and a medical examination every four years.
BasicMed Alternative Pathway
Passenger Limit
Max 5 passengers, aircraft max 6 occupants.
Aircraft Restriction
Aircraft max takeoff weight 6,000 pounds.
Operating Limits
Within US, ≤250 knots, ≤18,000 feet MSL. No flying for hire.
Safety Pilot
Cannot be safety pilot unless acting as PIC.
Required Documentation and Currency
Required Documents
Present to any law enforcement
1) license,
2) photo ID,
3) medical certificate
Flight Review Requirements
Pilots need to complete a flight review every 24 months with an authorized instructor, ensuring continued proficiency.
Passenger Carrying Currency
To carry passengers, pilots must complete three takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days in the same aircraft category and class.
Special Endorsements and
Requirements
High-Performance Aircraft
To operate aircraft with more than 200 horsepower, pilots must receive specific training and a logbook endorsement from a certified instructor. This ensures pilots can safely handle the increased power and performance capabilities.
Glider Towing Experience
Pilots must have logged at least 100 hours in the same aircraft category or 200 hours total pilot time. Additionally, within the past 24 months, they must have completed three actual or simulated glider tows with a qualified pilot, or made three flights as PIC of a towed glider.
Address Changes
Pilots must notify the FAA Airmen's Certification Branch in writing within 30 days of any change of permanent mailing address. This ensures that important safety information and regulatory updates reach pilots in a timely manner.
Pilot-in-Command (PIC) Authority and Responsibility
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Ultimate Responsibility
The pilot-in-command (PIC) is directly responsible and is the final authority for the safety and operation of the aircraft. This responsibility cannot be delegated and remains with the PIC throughout the entire flight operation.
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Deviate in Emergency
In emergency situations, the PIC may deviate from Part 91 regulations in the interest of safety. However, upon request, a written report of any deviation must be submitted to the FAA Administrator explaining the circumstances and justification.
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ATC Compliance
  • When operating under air traffic control, a PIC should comply with ATC
  • PIC can query the controller for any deviation from rules, and
  • PIC can request that the clearance be amended if necessary.
This ensures proper coordination while maintaining the PIC's ultimate authority for safety.
Alcohol, Drugs, and License Revocation
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Alcohol Restrictions
  • No flying within 8 hours after alcohol consumption ("bottle-to-throttle rule")
  • Maximum blood alcohol level: 0.04%
  • Stricter than 0.08% driving limit; applies to all crew
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Drug Prohibitions
  • No operating while using substances that impair faculties
  • Includes illegal drugs and legal medications with impairing side effects
  • Covers prescription drugs with machinery operation warnings
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Reporting Requirements
  • Report alcohol/drug-related driving convictions to FAA within 60 days
  • Includes DUI, DWI, and administrative actions even without conviction
  • Failure to report can result in certificate suspension
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Consequences of Violations
Violations result in certificate denial (up to 1 year for first offense, 5 years for repeat offenses). Existing certificates may be suspended or revoked. Refusing alcohol testing equals a positive test result.