14 CFR Part Subpart E--Private Pilots
Sec. 61.102 Applicability. Index
This subpart prescribes the requirements for the issuance of private pilot certificates and ratings, the conditions under which those certificates and ratings are necessary, and the general operating rules for persons who hold those certificates and ratings.
 
 
Sec. 61.103 Eligibility requirements: General. Index
To be eligible for a private pilot certificate, a person must:
(a) Be at least 17 years of age for a rating in other than a glider or balloon.
(b) Be at least 16 years of age for a rating in a glider or balloon.
(c) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If
the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical
reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that
applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft.
(d) Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
(1) Conducted the training or reviewed the person's home study on the
aeronautical knowledge areas listed in Sec. 61.105(b) of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought; and
(2) Certified that the person is prepared for the required knowledge test.
(e) Pass the required knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in Sec. 61.105(b) of this part.
(f) Receive flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
(1) Conducted the training in the areas of operation listed in Sec. 61.107(b) of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought; and
(2) Certified that the person is prepared for the required practical test.
(g) Meet the aeronautical experience requirements of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought before applying for the practical test.
(h) Pass a practical test on the areas of operation listed in Sec. 61.107(b) of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought.
(i) Comply with the appropriate sections of this part that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
 
Sec. 61.105 Aeronautical knowledge. Index
(a) General. A person who is applying for a private pilot certificate must
receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a
home-study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas of paragraph (b) of
this section that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
(b) Aeronautical knowledge areas. (1) Applicable Federal Aviation
Regulations of this chapter that relate to private pilot privileges,
limitations, and flight operations;
(2) Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety
Board;
(3) Use of the applicable portions of the "Aeronautical Information Manual"
and FAA ACs;
(4) Use of aeronautical charts for VFR navigation using pilotage, dead
reckoning, and navigation systems;
(5) Radio communication procedures;
(6) Recognition of critical weather situations from the ground and in
flight, windshear avoidance, and the procurement and use of aeronautical
weather reports and forecasts;
(7) Safe and efficient operation of aircraft, including collision
avoidance, and recognition and avoidance of wake turbulence;
(8) Effects of density altitude on takeoff and climb performance;
(9) Weight and balance computations;
(10) Principles of aerodynamics, powerplants, and aircraft systems;
(11) Stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery techniques for
the airplane and glider category ratings;
(12) Aeronautical decision making and judgment; and
(13) Preflight action that includes--
(i) How to obtain information on runway lengths at airports of intended
use, data on takeoff and landing distances, weather reports and forecasts,
and fuel requirements; and
(ii) How to plan for alternatives if the planned flight cannot be completed
or delays are encountered.
 
 
Sec. 61.107 Flight proficiency. Index
(a) General. A person who applies for a private pilot certificate must
receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on
the areas of operation of this section that apply to the aircraft category
and class rating sought.
(b) Areas of operation. (1) For an airplane category rating with a single-
engine class rating: (i) Preflight preparation;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport and seaplane base operations;
(iv) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(v) Performance maneuvers;
(vi) Ground reference maneuvers;
(vii) Navigation;
(viii) Slow flight and stalls;
(ix) Basic instrument maneuvers;
(x) Emergency operations;
(xi) Night operations, except as provided in Sec. 61.110 of this part; and
(xii) Postflight procedures.
(2) For an airplane category rating with a multiengine class rating: (i)
Preflight preparation;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport and seaplane base operations;
(iv) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(v) Performance maneuvers;
(vi) Ground reference maneuvers;
(vii) Navigation;
(viii) Slow flight and stalls;
(ix) Basic instrument maneuvers;
(x) Emergency operations;
(xi) Multiengine operations;
(xii) Night operations, except as provided in Sec. 61.110 of this part; and
(xiii) Postflight procedures.
(3) For a rotorcraft category rating with a helicopter class rating: (i)
Preflight preparation;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport and heliport operations;
(iv) Hovering maneuvers;
(v) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(vi) Performance maneuvers;
(vii) Navigation;
(viii) Emergency operations;
(ix) Night operations, except as provided in Sec. 61.110 of this part; and
(x) Postflight procedures.
(4) For a rotorcraft category rating with a gyroplane class rating: (i)
Preflight preparation;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport operations;
(iv) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(v) Performance maneuvers;
(vi) Ground reference maneuvers;
(vii) Navigation;
(viii) Flight at slow airspeeds;
(ix) Emergency operations;
(x) Night operations, except as provided in Sec. 61.110 of this part; and
(xi) Postflight procedures.
(5) For a powered-lift category rating: (i) Preflight preparation;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport and heliport operations;
(iv) Hovering maneuvers;
(v) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(vi) Performance maneuvers;
(vii) Ground reference maneuvers;
(viii) Navigation;
(ix) Slow flight and stalls;
(x) Basic instrument maneuvers;
(xi) Emergency operations;
(xii) Night operations, except as provided in Sec. 61.110 of this part; and
(xiii) Postflight procedures.
(6) For a glider category rating: (i) Preflight preparation;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport and gliderport operations;
(iv) Launches and landings;
(v) Performance speeds;
(vi) Soaring techniques;
(vii) Performance maneuvers;
(viii) Navigation;
(ix) Slow flight and stalls;
(x) Emergency operations; and
(xi) Postflight procedures.
(7) For a lighter-than-air category rating with an airship class rating:
(i) Preflight preparation;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport operations;
(iv) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(v) Performance maneuvers;
(vi) Ground reference maneuvers;
(vii) Navigation;
(viii) Emergency operations; and
(ix) Postflight procedures.
(8) For a lighter-than-air category rating with a balloon class rating: (i)
Preflight preparation;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport operations;
(iv) Launches and landings;
(v) Performance maneuvers;
(vi) Navigation;
(vii) Emergency operations; and
(viii) Postflight procedures.
 
 
Sec. 61.109 Aeronautical experience. Index
Except as provided in paragraph (i) of this section, a person who applies
for a private pilot certificate with an airplane, rotorcraft, or powered-lift
category rating must receive and 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 Sec.
61.107 of this part, and the training must include at least:
(a) For an airplane single-engine rating: (1) 3 hours of cross-country
flight training in a single-engine airplane;
(2) Except as provided in Sec. 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 instrument flight training in a single-engine airplane;
(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 flight;
(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: (1) 3 hours of cross-country flight
training in a multiengine airplane;
(2) Except as provided in Sec. 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 instrument flight training in a multiengine airplane;
(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 flight;
(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.
(c) For a helicopter rating: (1) 3 hours of cross-country flight training
in a helicopter;
(2) Except as provided in Sec. 61.110 of this part, 3 hours of night flight
training in a helicopter that includes--
(i) One cross-country flight of over 50 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 preparation for the practical test in a
helicopter, which must have been performed within 60 days preceding the date
of the test; and
(4) 10 hours of solo flight time in a helicopter, consisting of at least--
(i) 3 hours cross-country flight time;
(ii) One solo cross-country flight of at least 75 nautical miles total
distance, with landings at a minimum of three points, and one segment of the
flight being a straight-line distance of at least 25 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.
(d) For a gyroplane rating: (1) 3 hours of cross-country flight training in
a gyroplane;
(2) Except as provided in Sec. 61.110 of this part, 3 hours of night flight
training in a gyroplane that includes--
(i) One cross-country flight of over 50 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 preparation for the practical test in a
gyroplane, which must have been performed within the 60-day period preceding
the date of the test; and
(4) 10 hours of solo flight time in a gyroplane, and consisting of at
least--
(i) 3 hours of cross-country flight time;
(ii) One solo cross-country flight of over 75 nautical miles total
distance, with landings at a minimum of three points, and one segment of the
flight being a straight-line distance of at least 25 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.
(e) For a powered-lift rating: (1) 3 hours of cross-country flight training
in a powered-lift;
(2) Except as provided in Sec. 61.110 of this part, 3 hours of night flight
training in a powered-lift 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 instrument flight training in a powered-lift;
(4) 3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test in a
powered-lift, 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 or powered-lift consisting
of at least--
(i) 5 hours cross-country flight time;
(ii) One cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles total
distance, with landings at a minimum of three points, and one segment of the
flight being 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.
(f) For a glider category rating: (1) If the applicant has not logged at
least 40 hours of flight time as a pilot in a heavier-than-air aircraft, at
least 10 hours of flight training in a glider, and 20 training flights
performed on the areas of operation listed in Sec. 61.107(b)(6) of this part
that apply to gliders that include--
(i) 2 hours of solo flight in gliders in the areas of operation listed in
Sec. 61.107(b)(6) of this part that apply to gliders, with not less than 10
launches and landings being performed; and
(ii) Three training flights in a glider in preparation for the practical
test within the 60-day period preceding the practical test.
(2) If the applicant has logged at least 40 hours of flight time in
heavier-than-air aircraft, at least 3 hours of flight training in a glider,
and 10 training flights performed on the areas of operation listed in Sec.
61.107 of this part that apply to gliders that include--
(i) 10 solo flights in gliders on the areas of operation listed in Sec.
61.107 of this part that apply to gliders; and
(ii) Three training flights in preparation for the practical test within
the 60-day waiting period preceding the test.
(g) For an airship rating: (1) 25 hours of flight training in airships on
the areas of operation listed in Sec. 61.107(b)(7) of this part, which
consists of at least--
(i) 3 hours of cross-country flight training in an airship;
(ii) Except as provided in Sec. 61.110 of this part, 3 hours of night
flight training in an airship that includes--
(A) A cross-country flight of over 25 nautical miles total distance; and
(B) Five takeoffs and five landings to a full stop (with each landing
involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport.
(2) 3 hours of instrument training;
(3) 3 hours of flight training in an airship in preparation for the
practical test within the 60 days preceding the date of the test; and
(4) 5 hours of solo flight in an airship and with an authorized instructor.
(h) For a balloon rating: 10 hours of flight training that includes at
least six training flights in the areas of operation listed in Sec.
61.107(b)(8) of this part, that includes--
(1) Gas balloon. If the training is being performed in a gas balloon, at
least two flights of 2 hours each that consists of--
(i) At least one training flight within 60 days prior to application for
the rating on the areas of operation for a gas balloon;
(ii) At least one flight performing the functions of pilot in command in a
gas balloon; and
(iii) At least one flight involving a controlled ascent to 3,000 feet above
the launch site.
(2) Balloon with an airborne heater. If the training is being performed in
a balloon with an airborne heater, at least--
(i) Two flights of 1 hour each within 60 days prior to application for the
rating on the areas of operation appropriate to a balloon with an airborne
heater;
(ii) One solo flight in a balloon with an airborne heater; and
(iii) At least one flight involving a controlled ascent to 2,000 feet above
the launch site.
(i) Permitted credit for use of an approved flight simulator or an approved
flight training device. (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (i)(2) and
(i)(3) of this section, a maximum of 2.5 hours of training in an approved
flight simulator or an approved flight training device representing the
category, class, and type, if applicable, of aircraft appropriate to the
rating sought, may be credited toward the flight training time required by
this section, if received from an authorized instructor.
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (i)(1) or paragraph (i)(3) of this
section, a maximum of 5 hours of training in an approved flight simulator or
an approved flight training device representing the category, class, and
type, if applicable, of aircraft appropriate to the rating sought, may be
credited toward the flight training time required by this section if the
training is accomplished in a course conducted by a training center
certificated under part 142 of this chapter.
(3) Except when fewer hours are approved by the Administrator, an applicant
for a private pilot certificate with an airplane, rotorcraft, or powered-lift
rating, who has satisfactorily completed an approved private pilot course
conducted by a training center certificated under part 142 of this chapter
need only have a total of 35 hours of aeronautical experience to meet the
requirements of this section.
 
 
Sec. 61.110 Night flying exceptions. Index
(a) Subject to the limitations of paragraph (b) of this section, a person
is not required to comply with the night flight training requirements of this
subpart if the person receives flight training in and resides in the State of
Alaska.
(b) A person who receives flight training in and resides in the State of
Alaska but does not meet the night flight training requirements of this
section:
(1) May be issued a pilot certificate with a limitation "Night flying
prohibited;" and
(2) Must comply with the appropriate night flight training requirements of
this subpart within the 12-calendar-month period after the issuance of the
pilot certificate. At the end of that period, the certificate will be
suspended until the person complies with the appropriate night training
requirements of this subpart. The person may have the "Night flying
prohibited" limitation removed if the person--
(i) Accomplishes the appropriate night flight training requirements of this
subpart; and
(ii) Presents to an examiner a logbook or training record endorsement from
an authorized instructor that verifies accomplishment of the appropriate
night flight training requirements of this subpart.
 
 
Sec. 61.111 Cross-country flights: Pilots based on small islands. Index
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, an applicant
located on an island from which the cross-country flight training required in
Sec. 61.109 of this part cannot be accomplished without flying over water for
more than 10 nautical miles from the nearest shoreline need not comply with
the requirements of that section.
(b) If other airports that permit civil operations are available to which a
flight may be made without flying over water for more than 10 nautical miles
from the nearest shoreline, the applicant must show completion of two round-
trip solo flights between those two airports that are farthest apart,
including a landing at each airport on both flights.
(c) An applicant who complies with paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) of this
section, and meets all requirements for the issuance of a private pilot
certificate, except the cross-country training requirements of Sec. 61.109 of
this part, will be issued a pilot certificate with an endorsement containing
the following limitation, "Passenger carrying prohibited on flights more than
10 nautical miles from (the appropriate island)." The limitation may be
subsequently amended to include another island if the applicant complies with
the requirements of paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) of this section for
another island.
(d) Upon meeting the cross-country training requirements of Sec. 61.109 of
this part, the applicant may have the limitation in paragraph (c) of this
section removed.
 
 
Sec. 61.113 Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command. Index
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (g) of this section, no
person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as pilot in command of
an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire;
nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an
aircraft.
(b) A private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command
of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if:
(1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and
(2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or
hire.
(c) A private pilot may not pay less than the pro rata share of the
operating expenses of a flight with passengers, provided the expenses involve
only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees.
(d) A private pilot may act as pilot in command of an aircraft used in a
passenger-carrying airlift sponsored by a charitable organization described
in paragraph (d)(7) of this section, and for which the passengers make a
donation to the organization, when the following requirements are met:
(1) The sponsor of the airlift notifies the FAA Flight Standards District
Office with jurisdiction over the area concerned at least 7 days before the
event and furnishes--
(i) A signed letter from the sponsor that shows the name of the sponsor,
the purpose of the charitable event, the date and time of the event, and the
location of the event; and
(ii) A photocopy of each pilot in command's pilot certificate, medical
certificate, and logbook entries that show the pilot is current in accordance
with Secs. 61.56 and 61.57 of this part and has logged at least 200 hours of
flight time.
(2) The flight is conducted from a public airport that is adequate for the
aircraft to be used, or from another airport that has been approved by the
FAA for the operation.
(3) No aerobatic or formation flights are conducted.
(4) Each aircraft used for the charitable event holds a standard
airworthiness certificate.
(5) Each aircraft used for the charitable event is airworthy and complies
with the applicable requirements of subpart E of part 91 of this chapter.
(6) Each flight for the charitable event is made during day VFR conditions.
(7) The charitable organization is an organization identified as such by
the U.S. Department of Treasury.
(e) A private pilot may be reimbursed for aircraft operating expenses that
are directly related to search and location operations, provided the expenses
involve only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees, and the
operation is sanctioned and under the direction and control of:
(1) A local, State, or Federal agency; or
(2) An organization that conducts search and location operations.
(f) A private pilot who is an aircraft salesman and who has at least 200
hours of logged flight time may demonstrate an aircraft in flight to a
prospective buyer.
(g) A private pilot who meets the requirements of Sec. 61.69 of this part
may act as pilot in command of an aircraft towing a glider.
 
 
Sec. 61.115 Balloon rating: Limitations. Index
(a) If a person who applies for a private pilot certificate with a balloon
rating takes a practical test in a balloon with an airborne heater:
(1) The pilot certificate will contain a limitation restricting the
exercise of the privileges of that certificate to a balloon with an airborne
heater; and
(2) The limitation may be removed when the person obtains the required
aeronautical experience in a gas balloon and receives a logbook endorsement
from an authorized instructor who attests to the person's accomplishment of
the required aeronautical experience and ability to satisfactorily operate a
gas balloon.
(b) If a person who applies for a private pilot certificate with a balloon
rating takes a practical test in a gas balloon:
(1) The pilot certificate will contain a limitation restricting the
exercise of the privilege of that certificate to a gas balloon; and
(2) The limitation may be removed when the person obtains the required
aeronautical experience in a balloon with an airborne heater and receives a
logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who attests to the person's
accomplishment of the required aeronautical experience and ability to
satisfactorily operate a balloon with an airborne heater.
 
 
Sec. 61.117 Private pilot privileges and limitations: Second in command of
aircraft requiring more than one pilot. Index
Except as provided in Sec. 61.113 of this part, no private pilot may, for
compensation or hire, act as second in command of an aircraft that is type
certificated for more than one pilot, nor may that pilot act as second in
command of such an aircraft that is carrying passengers, or property for
compensation or hire.

14 CFR Index | 14 CFR 61 Index | Private Pilot - Airplane