14CFR 61 Subpart A--General (61.1 - 61.27) (61.29 - 61.60)
Sec. 61.1 Applicability and definitions.
(a) This part prescribes:
(1) The requirements for issuing pilot, flight instructor, and ground
instructor certificates and ratings; the conditions under which those
certificates and ratings are necessary; and the privileges and limitations of
those certificates and ratings.
(2) The requirements for issuing pilot, flight instructor, and ground
instructor authorizations; the conditions under which those authorizations
are necessary; and the privileges and limitations of those authorizations.
(3) The requirements for issuing pilot, flight instructor, and ground
instructor certificates and ratings for persons who have taken courses
approved by the Administrator under other parts of this chapter.
(b) For the purpose of this part:
(1) Aeronautical experience means pilot time obtained in an aircraft,
approved flight simulator, or approved flight training device for meeting the
appropriate training and flight time requirements for an airman certificate,
rating, flight review, or recency of flight experience requirements of this
part.
(2) Authorized instructor means--
(i) A person who holds a valid ground instructor certificate issued under
part 61 or part 143 of this chapter when conducting ground training in
accordance with the privileges and limitations of his or her ground
instructor certificate;
(ii) A person who holds a current flight instructor certificate issued
under part 61 of this chapter when conducting ground training or flight
training in accordance with the privileges and limitations of his or her
flight instructor certificate; or
(iii) A person authorized by the Administrator to provide ground training
or flight training under SFAR No. 58, or part 61, 121, 135, or 142 of this
chapter when conducting ground training or flight training in accordance with
that authority.
(3) Cross-country time means that time obtained in flight in an aircraft
and, except as provided in paragraph (b)(3)(iv) of this section, each flight
must include a landing at a point other than the point of departure, and--
(i) The person must--
(A) Hold a pilot certificate issued under this part; and
(B) Use dead reckoning, pilotage, electronic navigation aids, radio aids,
or other navigation systems to navigate to the landing point.
(ii) For the purpose of meeting the cross-country time eligibility
requirements for a private pilot certificate (except with a rotorcraft
rating), commercial pilot certificate, or an instrument rating, any point of
landing must be at least a straight-line distance of more than 50 nautical
miles from the original point of departure.
(iii) For the purpose of meeting the cross-country time eligibility
requirements for a private pilot certificate with a rotorcraft rating, any
point of landing must be at least a straight-line distance of more than 25
nautical miles from the original point of departure.
(iv) For a commercial pilot, airline transport pilot, or a military pilot
who is qualified for a commercial pilot certificate under Sec. 61.73 of this
part, cross-country time includes a flight that is at least a straight-line
distance of more than 50 nautical miles from the original point of departure
and uses dead reckoning, pilotage, electronic navigation aids, radio aids, or
other navigation systems.
(4) Examiner means any person who is authorized by the Administrator to
conduct a pilot proficiency test or a practical test for an airman
certificate or rating issued under this part, or a person who is authorized
to conduct a knowledge test under this part.
(5) Flight simulator means a device that--
(i) Is a full-size aircraft cockpit replica of a specific type of aircraft,
or make, model, and series of aircraft;
(ii) Includes the hardware and software necessary to represent the aircraft
in ground operations and flight operations;
(iii) Uses a force cueing system that provides cues at least equivalent to
those cues provided by a 3 degree freedom of motion system;
(iv) Uses a visual system that provides at least a 45 degree horizontal
field of view and a 30 degree vertical field of view simultaneously for each
pilot; and
(v) Has been evaluated, qualified, and approved by the Administrator.
(6) Flight training means that training, other than ground training,
received from an authorized instructor in flight in an aircraft.
(7) Flight training device means a device that--
(i) Is a full-size replica of the instruments, equipment, panels, and
controls of an aircraft, or set of aircraft, in an open flight deck area or
in an enclosed cockpit, including the hardware and software for the systems
installed, that is necessary to simulate the aircraft in ground and flight
operations;
(ii) Need not have a force (motion) cueing or visual system; and
(iii) Has been evaluated, qualified, and approved by the Administrator.
(8) Ground training means that training, other than flight training,
received from an authorized instructor.
(9) Instrument approach means an approach procedure defined in part 97 of
this chapter.
(10) Instrument training means that time in which instrument training is
received from an authorized instructor under actual or simulated instrument
conditions.
(11) Knowledge test means a test on the aeronautical knowledge areas
required for an airman certificate or rating that can be administered in
written form or by a computer.
(12) Pilot time means that time in which a person--
(i) Serves as a required pilot;
(ii) Receives training from an authorized instructor in an aircraft,
approved flight simulator, or approved flight training device; or
(iii) Gives training as an authorized instructor in an aircraft, approved
flight simulator, or approved flight training device.
(13) Practical test means a test on the areas of operations for an airman
certificate, rating, or authorization that is conducted by having the
applicant respond to questions and demonstrate maneuvers in flight, in an
approved flight simulator, or in an approved flight training device.
(14) Set of aircraft means aircraft that share similar performance
characteristics, such as similar airspeed and altitude operating envelopes,
similar handling characteristics, and the same number and type of propulsion
systems.
(15) Training time means training received--
(i) In flight from an authorized instructor;
(ii) On the ground from an authorized instructor; or
(iii) In an approved flight simulator or approved flight training device
from an authorized instructor.
 
 
 
 
 
Sec. 61.2 Certification of foreign pilots, flight instructors, and ground
instructors.
(a) Except as provided for in paragraph (b) of this section, an airman
certificate may not be issued to a person who is not a citizen of the United
States or a resident alien of the United States unless that person passes the
appropriate knowledge or practical test within the United States.
(b) A person who is not a citizen of the United States or a resident alien
of the United States may be issued an airman certificate, and the knowledge
test and practical test for that certificate may be administered outside the
United States when:
(1) The Administrator determines the person needs a pilot certificate to
operate as a required pilot crewmember of a civil aircraft of U.S. registry;
(2) The Administrator determines the person needs a flight instructor
certificate or ground instructor certificate to train persons who are
citizens of the United States;
(3) The certificate is for an addition of a category, class, instrument, or
type rating onto an existing U.S. pilot certificate, provided the certificate
is not one that was issued on the basis of a foreign pilot license;
(4) The certificate is for an addition, renewal, or reinstatement of a
category, class, or instrument rating onto an existing U.S. flight instructor
certificate; or
(5) The certificate is for an addition of a rating onto an existing U.S.
ground instructor certificate.
(c) Training centers and their satellite training centers certificated
under part 142 of this chapter, may, outside the United States--
(1) Prepare and recommend applicants for additional ratings of and
endorsements to certificates issued under this part, and issue additional
ratings and provide endorsements within the authority granted to that
training center by the Administrator; and
(2) Prepare and recommend U.S. citizen applicants for airman certificates,
and issue certificates to U.S. citizens within the authority granted to that
training center by the Administrator.
 
 
 
Sec. 61.3 Requirement for certificates, ratings, and authorizations.
(a) Pilot certificate. A person may not act as pilot in command or in any
other capacity as a required pilot of a civil aircraft of U.S. registry,
unless that person has a valid pilot certificate or special purpose pilot
authorization issued under this part in that person's physical possession or
readily accessible in the aircraft when exercising the privileges of that
pilot certificate or authorization. However, when the aircraft is operated
within a foreign country, a current pilot license issued by the country in
which the aircraft is operated may be used.
(b) Required pilot certificate for operating a foreign-registered aircraft.
A person may not act as pilot in command or in any other capacity as a
required pilot of a civil aircraft of foreign registry within the United
States, unless that person's pilot certificate:
(1) Is valid and in that person's physical possession, or readily
accessible in the aircraft when exercising the privileges of that pilot
certificate; and
(2) Has been issued under this part, or has been issued or validated by the
country in which the aircraft is registered.
(c) Medical certificate. (1) Except as provided for in paragraph (c)(2) of
this section, a person who is acting as pilot in command or in any other
capacity as a required crewmember under any part of this chapter must have a
current and appropriate medical certificate, or other documentation
acceptable to the Administrator, that has been issued under part 67 of this
chapter and is in the person's physical possession or readily accessible in
the aircraft.
(2) A person is not required to meet the requirements of paragraph (c)(1)
of this section if that person--
(i) Is exercising the privileges of a student pilot certificate while
seeking a pilot certificate with a glider category rating or balloon class
rating;
(ii) Is holding a pilot certificate with a balloon class rating and is
piloting or providing training in a balloon as appropriate;
(iii) Is holding a pilot certificate or a flight instructor certificate
with a glider category rating, and is piloting or providing training in a
glider, as appropriate;
(iv) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section, is
exercising the privileges of a flight instructor certificate, provided the
person is not acting as pilot in command or as a required crewmember;
(v) Is exercising the privileges of a ground instructor certificate;
(vi) Is operating an aircraft within a foreign country using a pilot
license issued by that country and possesses evidence of current medical
qualification for that license; or
(vii) Is operating an aircraft with a U.S. pilot certificate, issued on the
basis of a foreign pilot license, issued under Sec. 61.75 of this part, and
holds a current medical certificate issued by the foreign country that issued
the foreign pilot license, which is in that person's physical possession or
readily accessible in the aircraft when exercising the privileges of that
airman certificate.
(d) Flight instructor certificate. (1) A person who holds a flight
instructor certificate must have that certificate, or other documentation
acceptable to the Administrator, in that person's physical possession or
readily accessible in the aircraft when exercising the privileges of that
flight instructor certificate.
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, no person other
than the holder of a flight instructor certificate with the appropriate
rating on that certificate may--
(i) Give training required to qualify a person for solo flight and solo
cross-country flight;
(ii) Endorse an applicant for a pilot, flight instructor, or ground
instructor certificate or rating issued under this part;
(iii) Endorse a pilot logbook to show training given; or
(iv) Endorse a student pilot certificate and logbook for solo operating
privileges.
(3) A flight instructor certificate is not necessary if the training is
given by--
(i) The holder of a commercial pilot certificate with a lighter-than-air
rating, provided the training is given in accordance with the privileges of
the certificate in a lighter-than-air aircraft;
(ii) The holder of an airline transport pilot certificate with a rating
appropriate to the aircraft in which the training is given, provided the
training is given in accordance with the privileges of the certificate and
conducted in accordance with an approved air carrier training program
approved under part 121 or 135 of this chapter;
(iii) A person who is qualified in accordance with subpart C of part 142 of
this chapter, provided the training is conducted in accordance with an
approved part 142 training program;
(iv) A flight instructor not certificated by the FAA in accordance with
Sec. 61.41 of this part; or
(v) The holder of a ground instructor certificate in accordance with the
privileges of the certificate.
(e) Instrument rating. No person may act as pilot in command of a civil
aircraft under IFR or in weather conditions less than the minimums prescribed
for VFR flight unless that person holds:
(1) The appropriate aircraft category, class, type (if required), and
instrument rating on that person's pilot certificate for any airplane,
helicopter, or powered-lift being flown;
(2) An airline transport pilot certificate with the appropriate aircraft
category, class, and type rating (if required) for the aircraft being flown;
(3) For a glider, a pilot certificate with a glider category rating and an
airplane instrument rating; or
(4) For an airship, a commercial pilot certificate with a lighter-than-air
category rating and airship class rating.
(f) Category II pilot authorization. Except for a pilot conducting Category
II operations under part 121 or part 135, a person may not:
(1) Act as pilot in command of a civil aircraft during Category II
operations unless that person--
(i) Holds a current Category II pilot authorization for that category or
class of aircraft, and the type of aircraft, if applicable; or
(ii) In the case of a civil aircraft of foreign registry, is authorized by
the country of registry to act as pilot in command of that aircraft in
Category II operations.
(2) Act as second in command of a civil aircraft during Category II
operations unless that person--
(i) Holds a valid pilot certificate with category and class ratings for
that aircraft and a current instrument rating for that category aircraft;
(ii) Holds an airline transport pilot certificate with category and class
ratings for that aircraft; or
(iii) In the case of a civil aircraft of foreign registry, is authorized by
the country of registry to act as second in command of that aircraft during
Category II operations.
(g) Category III pilot authorization. Except for a pilot conducting
Category III operations under part 121 or part 135, a person may not:
(1) Act as pilot in command of a civil aircraft during Category III
operations unless that person--
(i) Holds a current Category III pilot authorization for that category or
class of aircraft, and the type of aircraft, if applicable; or
(ii) In the case of a civil aircraft of foreign registry, is authorized by
the country of registry to act as pilot in command of that aircraft in
Category III operations.
(2) Act as second in command of a civil aircraft during Category III
operations unless that person--
(i) Holds a valid pilot certificate with category and class ratings for
that aircraft and a current instrument rating for that category aircraft;
(ii) Holds an airline transport pilot certificate with category and class
ratings for that aircraft; or
(iii) In the case of a civil aircraft of foreign registry, is authorized by
the country of registry to act as second in command of that aircraft during
Category III operations.
(h) Category A aircraft pilot authorization. The Administrator may issue a
certificate of authorization for a Category II or Category III operation to
the pilot of a small aircraft that is a Category A aircraft, as identified in
Sec. 97.3(b)(1) of this chapter if:
(1) The Administrator determines that the Category II or Category III
operation can be performed safely by that pilot under the terms of the
certificate of authorization; and
(2) The Category II or Category III operation does not involve the carriage
of persons or property for compensation or hire.
(i) Ground instructor certificate. (1) Each person who holds a ground
instructor certificate must have that certificate in that person's physical
possession or immediately accessible when exercising the privileges of that
certificate.
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, no person other
than the holder of a ground instructor certificate with the appropriate
rating on that certificate or a person authorized by the Administrator may--
(i) Give ground training required to qualify a person for solo flight and
solo cross-country flight;
(ii) Endorse an applicant for a knowledge test required for a pilot, flight
instructor, or ground instructor certificate or rating issued under this
part; or
(iii) Endorse a pilot logbook to show ground training given.
(j) Age limitation for certain operations.
(1) Age limitation. Except as provided in paragraph (j)(3) of this section,
no person who holds a pilot certificate issued under this part shall serve as
a pilot on a civil airplane of U.S. registry in the following operations if
the person has reached his or her 60th birthday--
(i) Scheduled international air services carrying passengers in turbojet-
powered airplanes;
(ii) Scheduled international air services carrying passengers in airplanes
having a passenger-seat configuration of more than nine passenger seats,
excluding each crewmember seat;
(iii) Nonscheduled international air transportation for compensation or
hire in airplanes having a passenger-seat configuration of more than 30
passenger seats, excluding each crewmember seat; or
(iv) Scheduled international air services, or nonscheduled international
air transportation for compensation or hire, in airplanes having a payload
capacity of more than 7,500 pounds.
(2) Definitions. (i) "International air service," as used in paragraph (j)
of this section, means scheduled air service performed in airplanes for the
public transport of passengers, mail, or cargo, in which the service passes
through the airspace over the territory of more than one country.
(ii) "International air transportation," as used in paragraph (j) of this
section, means air transportation performed in airplanes for the public
transport of passengers, mail, or cargo, in which the service passes through
the airspace over the territory of more than one country.
(3) Delayed pilot age limitation. Until December 20, 1999, a person may
serve as a pilot in operations covered by this paragraph after that person
has reached his or her 60th birthday if, on March 20, 1997, that person was
employed as a pilot in operations covered by this paragraph.
(k) Special purpose pilot authorization. Any person that is required to
hold a special purpose pilot authorization, issued in accordance with Sec.
61.77 of this part, must have that authorization and the person's foreign
pilot license in that person's physical possession or have it readily
accessible in the aircraft when exercising the privileges of that
authorization.
(l) Inspection of certificate. Each person who holds an airman certificate,
medical certificate, authorization, or license required by this part must
present it for inspection upon a request from:
(1) The Administrator;
(2) An authorized representative of the National Transportation Safety
Board; or
(3) Any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer.
 
 
 
 
Sec. 61.4 Approval of flight simulators and flight training devices.
(a) Except as specified in paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, each
flight simulator and flight training device used for training, and for which
an airman is to receive credit to satisfy any training, testing, or checking
requirement under this chapter, must be approved by the Administrator for--
(1) The training, testing, and checking for which it is used;
(2) Each particular maneuver, procedure, or crewmember function performed;
and
(3) The representation of the specific category and class of aircraft, type
of aircraft, particular variation within the type of aircraft, or set of
aircraft for certain flight training devices.
(b) Any device used for flight training, testing, or checking that has been
determined to be acceptable to or approved by the Administrator prior to
August 1, 1996, which can be shown to function as originally designed, is
considered to be a flight training device, provided it is used for the same
purposes for which it was originally accepted or approved and only to the
extent of such acceptance or approval.
(c) The Administrator may approve a device other than a flight training
simulator or flight training device for specific purposes.
 
 
 
Sec. 61.5 Certificates and ratings issued under this part.
(a) The following certificates are issued under this part to an applicant
who satisfactorily accomplishes the training and certification requirements
for the certificate sought:
(1) Pilot certificates--
(i) Student pilot.
(ii) Recreational pilot.
(iii) Private pilot.
(iv) Commercial pilot.
(v) Airline transport pilot.
(2) Flight instructor certificates.
(3) Ground instructor certificates.
(b) The following ratings are placed on a pilot certificate (other than
student pilot) when an applicant satisfactorily accomplishes the training and
certification requirements for the rating sought:
(1) Aircraft category ratings--
(i) Airplane.
(ii) Rotorcraft.
(iii) Glider.
(iv) Lighter-than-air.
(v) Powered-lift.
(2) Airplane class ratings--
(i) Single-engine land.
(ii) Multiengine land.
(iii) Single-engine sea.
(iv) Multiengine sea.
(3) Rotorcraft class ratings--
(i) Helicopter.
(ii) Gyroplane.
(4) Lighter-than-air class ratings--
(i) Airship.
(ii) Balloon.
(5) Aircraft type ratings--
(i) Large aircraft other than lighter-than-air.
(ii) Turbojet-powered airplanes.
(iii) Other aircraft type ratings specified by the Administrator through
the aircraft type certification procedures.
(6) Instrument ratings (on private and commercial pilot certificates
only)--
(i) Instrument--Airplane.
(ii) Instrument--Helicopter.
(iii) Instrument--Powered-lift.
(c) The following ratings are placed on a flight instructor certificate
when an applicant satisfactorily accomplishes the training and certification
requirements for the rating sought:
(1) Aircraft category ratings--
(i) Airplane.
(ii) Rotorcraft.
(iii) Glider.
(iv) Powered-lift.
(2) Airplane class ratings--
(i) Single-engine.
(ii) Multiengine.
(3) Rotorcraft class ratings--
(i) Helicopter.
(ii) Gyroplane.
(4) Instrument ratings--
(i) Instrument--Airplane.
(ii) Instrument--Helicopter.
(iii) Instrument--Powered-lift.
(d) The following ratings are placed on a ground instructor certificate
when an applicant satisfactorily accomplishes the training and certification
requirements for the rating sought:
(1) Basic.
(2) Advanced.
(3) Instrument.
 
 
 
 
Sec. 61.6 Certificates and ratings issued under this part.
(a) The following certificates are issued under this part:
(1) Pilot certificates:
(i) Student pilot.
(ii) Recreational pilot.
(iii) Private pilot.
(iv) Commercial pilot.
(v) Airline transport pilot.
(2) Flight instructor certificates.
(b) The following ratings are placed on pilot certificates (other than
student pilot) where applicable:
(1) Aircraft category ratings:
(i) Airplane.
(ii) Rotorcraft.
(iii) Glider.
(iv) Lighter-than-air.
(2) Airplane class ratings:
(i) Single-engine land.
(ii) Multiengine land.
(iii) Single-engine sea.
(iv) Multiengine sea.
(3) Rotorcraft class ratings:
(i) Helicopter.
(ii) Gyroplane.
(4) Lighter-than-air class ratings:
(i) Airship.
(ii) Free balloon.
(5) Aircraft type ratings are listed in Advisory Circular 61-1 entitled
"Aircraft Type Ratings." This list includes ratings for the following:
(i) Large aircraft, other than lighter-than-air.
(ii) Small turbojet-powered airplanes.
(iii) Small helicopters for operations requiring an airline transport pilot
certificate.
(iv) Other aircraft type ratings specified by the Administrator through
aircraft type certificate procedures.
(6) Instrument ratings (on private and commercial pilot certificates only):
(i) Instrument--airplanes.
(ii) Instrument--helicopter.
(c) The following ratings are placed on flight instructor certificates
where applicable:
(1) Aircraft category ratings:
(i) Airplane.
(ii) Rotorcraft.
(iii) Glider.
(2) Airplane class ratings:
(i) Single-engine.
(ii) Multiengine.
(3) Rotorcraft class ratings:
(i) Helicopter.
(ii) Gyroplane.
(4) Instrument ratings:
(i) Instrument--airplane.
(ii) Instrument--helicopter.
 
[Doc. No. 11802, Amdt. 61-60, 38 FR 3161, Feb. 1, 1973, as amended by Amdt.
61-64, 41 FR 51392, Nov. 22, 1976; Amdt. 61-82, 54 FR 13037, Mar. 29, 1989.
Redesignated by Amdt. 61-100, 61 FR 34547, July 2, 1996]
 
 
 
 
Sec. 61.7 Obsolete certificates and ratings.
 
(a) The holder of a free-balloon pilot certificate issued before November
1, 1973, may not exercise the privileges of that certificate.
(b) The holder of a pilot certificate that bears any of the following
category ratings without an associated class rating may not exercise the
privileges of that category rating:
(1) Rotorcraft.
(2) Lighter-than-air.
(3) Helicopter.
(4) Autogyro.
 
 
 
 
Sec. 61.9 [Reserved.]
 
 
 
Sec. 61.11 Expired pilot certificates and reissuance.
(a) No person who holds an expired pilot certificate or rating may:
(1) Exercise the privileges of that pilot certificate or rating; or
(2) Act as pilot in command or as a required crewmember of an aircraft of
the same category and class specified on the expired pilot certificate or
rating.
(b) The following pilot certificates and ratings have expired and may not
be reissued:
(1) An airline transport pilot certificate issued before May 1, 1949, or an
airline transport pilot certificate that contains a horsepower limitation;
(2) A private or commercial pilot certificate issued before July 1, 1945;
and
(3) A pilot certificate with a lighter-than-air or free-balloon rating
issued before July 1, 1945.
(c) A pilot certificate issued on the basis of a foreign pilot license will
expire on the date the foreign license expires.
(d) An airline transport pilot certificate issued after April 30, 1949,
that bears an expiration date but does not contain a horsepower limitation
may be reissued without an expiration date.
(e) A private or commercial pilot certificate issued after June 30, 1945,
that bears an expiration date may be reissued without an expiration date.
(f) A pilot certificate with a lighter-than-air or free-balloon rating
issued after June 30, 1945, that bears an expiration date may be reissued
without an expiration date.
(g) A U.S. pilot certificate issued on the basis of a foreign pilot license
that does not have an expiration date may be issued without an expiration
date.
 
 
 
 
Sec. 61.13 Issuance of airman certificates, ratings, and authorizations.
 
(a) An applicant for an airman certificate, rating, or authorization under
this part must make that application on a form and in a manner acceptable to
the Administrator.
(b) An applicant who is neither a citizen of the United States nor a
resident alien of the United States:
(1) Must show evidence that the appropriate fee has been paid when that
person applies for a--
(i) Student pilot certificate that is issued outside the United States; or
(ii) Knowledge test or practical test for a U.S. airman certificate or
rating issued under this part, if the test is administered outside the United
States.
(2) May be refused issuance of any U.S. airman certificate, rating, or
authorization by the Administrator.
(c) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, an applicant
who satisfactorily accomplishes the training and certification requirements
for the certificate, rating, or authorization sought is entitled to receive
that airman certificate, rating, or authorization.
(d) Limitations. (1) An applicant who cannot comply with certain areas of
operation required on the practical test because of physical limitations may
be issued an airman certificate, rating, or authorization with the
appropriate limitation placed on the applicant's airman certificate provided
the--
(i) Applicant is able to meet all other certification requirements for the
airman certificate, rating, or authorization sought;
(ii) Physical limitation has been recorded with the FAA on the applicant's
medical records; and
(iii) The Administrator determines that the applicant's inability to
perform the particular area of operation will not adversely affect safety.
(2) A limitation placed on a person's airman certificate may be removed,
provided that person demonstrates for an examiner satisfactory proficiency in
the area of operation appropriate to the airman certificate, rating, or
authorization sought.
(e) Additional requirements for Category II and Category III pilot
authorizations. (1) A Category II or Category III pilot authorization is
issued by a letter of authorization as a part of an applicant's instrument
rating or airline transport pilot certificate.
(2) Upon original issue the authorization contains the following
limitations--
(i) For Category II operations, the limitation is 1,600 feet RVR and a 150-
foot decision height; and
(ii) For Category III operations, each initial limitation is specified in
the authorization document.
(3) The limitations on a Category II or Category III pilot authorization
may be removed as follows:
(i) In the case of Category II limitations, a limitation is removed when
the holder shows that, since the beginning of the sixth preceding month, the
holder has made three Category II ILS approaches with a 150-foot decision
height to a landing under actual or simulated instrument conditions.
(ii) In the case of Category III limitations, a limitation is removed as
specified in the authorization.
(4) To meet the experience requirement of paragraph (e)(3) of this section,
and for the practical test required by this part for a Category II or a
Category III pilot authorization, a flight simulator or flight training
device may be used if it is approved by the Administrator for such use.
(f) Unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator, a person whose pilot,
flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate has been suspended may
not apply for any certificate, rating, or authorization during the period of
suspension.
(g) Unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator, a person whose pilot,
flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate has been revoked may not
apply for any certificate, rating, or authorization for 1 year after the date
of revocation.
 
 
 
Sec. 61.14 Refusal to submit to a drug or alcohol test.
(a) This section applies to an employee who performs a function listed in
appendix I to part 121 or appendix J to part 121 of this chapter directly or
by contract for a part 121 air carrier, a part 135 air carrier, or for a
person conducting operations as specified in Sec. 135.1(a)(5) of this
chapter.
(b) Refusal by the holder of a certificate issued under this part to take a
drug test required under the provisions of appendix I to part 121 or an
alcohol test required under the provisions of appendix J to part 121 is
grounds for:
(1) Denial of an application for any certificate, rating, or authorization
issued under this part for a period of up to 1 year after the date of such
refusal; and
(2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate, rating, or authorization
issued under this part.
 
 
 
 
Sec. 61.15 Offenses involving alcohol or drugs.
(a) A conviction for the violation of any Federal or State statute relating
to the growing, processing, manufacture, sale, disposition, possession,
transportation, or importation of narcotic drugs, marijuana, or depressant or
stimulant drugs or substances is grounds for:
(1) Denial of an application for any certificate, rating, or authorization
issued under this part for a period of up to 1 year after the date of final
conviction; or
(2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate, rating, or authorization
issued under this part.
(b) Committing an act prohibited by Sec. 91.17(a) or Sec. 91.19(a) of this
chapter is grounds for:
(1) Denial of an application for a certificate, rating, or authorization
issued under this part for a period of up to 1 year after the date of that
act; or
(2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate, rating, or authorization
issued under this part.
(c) For the purposes of paragraphs (d), (e), and (f) of this section, a
motor vehicle action means:
(1) A conviction after November 29, 1990, for the violation of any Federal
or State statute relating to the operation of a motor vehicle while
intoxicated by alcohol or a drug, while impaired by alcohol or a drug, or
while under the influence of alcohol or a drug;
(2) The cancellation, suspension, or revocation of a license to operate a
motor vehicle after November 29, 1990, for a cause related to the operation
of a motor vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or a drug, while impaired by
alcohol or a drug, or while under the influence of alcohol or a drug; or
(3) The denial after November 29, 1990, of an application for a license to
operate a motor vehicle for a cause related to the operation of a motor
vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or a drug, while impaired by alcohol or
a drug, or while under the influence of alcohol or a drug.
(d) Except for a motor vehicle action that results from the same incident
or arises out of the same factual circumstances, a motor vehicle action
occurring within 3 years of a previous motor vehicle action is grounds for:
(1) Denial of an application for any certificate, rating, or authorization
issued under this part for a period of up to 1 year after the date of the
last motor vehicle action; or
(2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate, rating, or authorization
issued under this part.
(e) Each person holding a certificate issued under this part shall provide
a written report of each motor vehicle action to the FAA, Civil Aviation
Security Division (AMC-700), P.O. Box 25810, Oklahoma City, OK 73125, not
later than 60 days after the motor vehicle action. The report must include:
(1) The person's name, address, date of birth, and airman certificate
number;
(2) The type of violation that resulted in the conviction or the
administrative action;
(3) The date of the conviction or administrative action;
(4) The State that holds the record of conviction or administrative action;
and
(5) A statement of whether the motor vehicle action resulted from the same
incident or arose out of the same factual circumstances related to a
previously reported motor vehicle action.
(f) Failure to comply with paragraph (e) of this section is grounds for:
(1) Denial of an application for any certificate, rating, or authorization
issued under this part for a period of up to 1 year after the date of the
motor vehicle action; or
(2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate, rating, or authorization
issued under this part.
 
 
 
 
Sec. 61.16 Refusal to submit to an alcohol test or to furnish test results.
A refusal to submit to a test to indicate the percentage by weight of
alcohol in the blood, when requested by a law enforcement officer in
accordance with Sec. 91.17(c) of this chapter, or a refusal to furnish or
authorize the release of the test results requested by the Administrator in
accordance with Sec. 91.17(c) or (d) of this chapter, is grounds for:
(a) Denial of an application for any certificate, rating, or authorization
issued under this part for a period of up to 1 year after the date of that
refusal; or
(b) Suspension or revocation of any certificate, rating, or authorization
issued under this part.
 
 
 
 
Sec. 61.17 Temporary certificate.
(a) A temporary pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate
or rating is issued for up to 120 days, at which time a permanent certificate
will be issued to a person whom the Administrator finds qualified under this
part.
(b) A temporary pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate
or rating expires:
(1) On the expiration date shown on the certificate;
(2) Upon receipt of the permanent certificate; or
(3) Upon receipt of a notice that the certificate or rating sought is
denied or revoked.
 
 
 
 
Sec. 61.19 Duration of pilot and instructor certificates.
(a) General. The holder of a certificate with an expiration date may not,
after that date, exercise the privileges of that certificate.
(b) Student pilot certificate. A student pilot certificate expires 24
calendar months from the month in which it is issued.
(c) Other pilot certificates. A pilot certificate (other than a student
pilot certificate) issued under this part is issued without a specific
expiration date. The holder of a pilot certificate issued on the basis of a
foreign pilot license may exercise the privileges of that certificate only
while that person's foreign pilot license is effective.
(d) Flight instructor certificate. A flight instructor certificate:
(1) Is effective only while the holder has a current pilot certificate; and
(2) Except as specified in Sec. 61.197(b) of this part, expires 24 calendar
months from the month in which it was issued or renewed.
(e) Ground instructor certificate. A ground instructor certificate issued
under this part is issued without a specific expiration date.
(f) Surrender, suspension, or revocation. Any certificate issued under this
part ceases to be effective if it is surrendered, suspended, or revoked.
(g) Return of certificates. The holder of any certificate issued under this
part that has been suspended or revoked must return that certificate to the
FAA when requested to do so by the Administrator.
 
 
 
 
Sec. 61.21 Duration of a Category II and a Category III pilot authorization
(for other than part 121 and part 135 use).
(a) A Category II pilot authorization or a Category III pilot authorization
expires at the end of the sixth calendar month after the month in which it
was issued or renewed.
(b) Upon passing a practical test for a Category II or Category III pilot
authorization, the authorization may be renewed for each type of aircraft for
which the authorization is held.
(c) A Category II or Category III pilot authorization for a specific type
aircraft for which an authorization is held will not be renewed beyond 12
calendar months from the month the practical test was accomplished in that
type aircraft.
(d) If the holder of a Category II or Category III pilot authorization
passes the practical test for a renewal in the month before the authorization
expires, the holder is considered to have passed it during the month the
authorization expired.
 
 
 
Sec. 61.23 Medical certificates: Requirement and duration.
(a) Operations requiring a medical certificate. Except as provided in
paragraph (b) of this section, a person:
(1) Must hold a first-class medical certificate when exercising the
privileges of an airline transport pilot certificate;
(2) Must hold at least a second-class medical certificate when exercising
the privileges of a commercial pilot certificate; or
(3) Must hold at least a third-class medical certificate--
(i) When exercising the privileges of a private pilot certificate;
(ii) When exercising the privileges of a recreational pilot certificate;
(iii) Except as specified in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, when
exercising the privileges of a student pilot certificate;
(iv) When exercising the privileges of a flight instructor certificate,
except for a flight instructor certificate with a glider category rating, if
the person is acting as the pilot in command or is serving as a required
crewmember; or
(v) Except for a glider category rating or a balloon class rating, prior to
taking a practical test that is performed in an aircraft for a certificate or
rating at the recreational, private, commercial, or airline transport pilot
certificate level.
(b) Operations not requiring a medical certificate. A person is not
required to hold a medical certificate:
(1) When exercising the privileges of a pilot certificate with a glider
category rating;
(2) When exercising the privileges of a pilot certificate with a balloon
class rating;
(3) When exercising the privileges of a student pilot certificate while
seeking a pilot certificate with a glider category rating or balloon class
rating;
(4) When exercising the privileges of a flight instructor certificate with
a glider category rating;
(5) When exercising the privileges of a flight instructor certificate if
the person is not acting as pilot in command or serving as a required
crewmember;
(6) When exercising the privileges of a ground instructor certificate;
(7) When serving as an examiner or check airman during the administration
of a test or check for a certificate, rating, or authorization conducted in
an approved flight simulator or approved flight training device; or
(8) When taking a test or check for a certificate, rating, or authorization
conducted in an approved flight simulator or approved flight training device.
(c) Duration of a medical certificate. (1) A first-class medical
certificate expires at the end of the last day of--
(i) The sixth month after the month of the date of examination shown on the
certificate for operations requiring an airline transport pilot certificate;
(ii) The 12th month after the month of the date of examination shown on the
certificate for operations requiring a commercial pilot certificate or an air
traffic control tower operator certificate; and
(iii) The period specified in paragraph (c)(3) of this section for
operations requiring a recreational pilot certificate, a private pilot
certificate, a flight instructor certificate (when acting as pilot in command
or a required crewmember in operations other than glider or balloon), or a
student pilot certificate.
(2) A second-class medical certificate expires at the end of the last day
of--
(i) The 12th month after the month of the date of examination shown on the
certificate for operations requiring a commercial pilot certificate or an air
traffic control tower operator certificate; and
(ii) The period specified in paragraph (c)(3) of this section for
operations requiring a recreational pilot certificate, a private pilot
certificate, a flight instructor certificate (when acting as pilot in command
or a required crewmember in operations other than glider or balloon), or a
student pilot certificate.
(3) A third-class medical certificate for operations requiring a
recreational pilot certificate, a private pilot certificate, a flight
instructor certificate (when acting as pilot in command or a required
crewmember in operations other than glider or balloon), or a student pilot
certificate issued--
(i) Before September 16, 1996, expires at the end of the 24th month after
the month of the date of examination shown on the certificate; or
(ii) On or after September 16, 1996, expires at the end of:
(A) The 36th month after the month of the date of the examination shown on
the certificate if the person has not reached his or her 40th birthday on or
before the date of examination; or
(B) The 24th month after the month of the date of the examination shown on
the certificate if the person has reached his or her 40th birthday on or
before the date of the examination.
 
 
 
Sec. 61.25 Change of name.
(a) An application to change the name on a certificate issued under this
part must be accompanied by the applicant's:
(1) Current airman certificate; and
(2) A copy of the marriage license, court order, or other document
verifying the name change.
(b) The documents in paragraph (a) of this section will be returned to the
applicant after inspection.
 
 
Sec. 61.27 Voluntary surrender or exchange of certificate.
(a) The holder of a certificate issued under this part may voluntarily
surrender it for:
(1) Cancellation;
(2) Issuance of a lower grade certificate; or
(3) Another certificate with specific ratings deleted.
(b) Any request made under paragraph (a) of this section must include the
following signed statement or its equivalent: "This request is made for my
own reasons, with full knowledge that my (insert name of certificate or
rating, as appropriate) may not be reissued to me unless I again pass the
tests prescribed for its issuance."

14CFR Index | 14CFR 61 Index