14 CFR Part Subpart F--Commercial Pilots

Sec. 61.121 Applicability.

This subpart prescribes the requirements for the issuance of commercial

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. 61.123 Eligibility requirements: General. 61 Index

To be eligible for a commercial pilot certificate, a person must:

(a) Be at least 18 years of age;

(b) 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.

(c) Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:

(1) Conducted the required ground training or reviewed the person's home

study on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in Sec. 61.125 of this part

that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought; and

(2) Certified that the person is prepared for the required knowledge test

that applies to the aircraft category and class rating sought.

(d) Pass the required knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas

listed in Sec. 61.125 of this part;

(e) Receive the required training and a logbook endorsement from an

authorized instructor who:

(1) Conducted the training on the areas of operation listed in Sec.

61.127(b) of this part that apply to the aircraft category and class rating

sought; and

(2) Certified that the person is prepared for the required practical test.

(f) Meet the aeronautical experience requirements of this subpart that

apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought before applying for

the practical test;

(g) Pass the required practical test on the areas of operation listed in

Sec. 61.127(b) of this part that apply to the aircraft category and class

rating sought;

(h) Hold at least a private pilot certificate issued under this part or

meet the requirements of Sec. 61.73; and

(i) Comply with the sections of this part that apply to the aircraft

category and class rating sought.

 

 

Sec. 61.125 Aeronautical knowledge.61 Index

(a) General. A person who applies for a commercial 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 commercial pilot privileges,

limitations, and flight operations;

(2) Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety

Board;

(3) Basic aerodynamics and the principles of flight;

(4) Meteorology to include recognition of critical weather situations,

windshear recognition and avoidance, and the use of aeronautical weather

reports and forecasts;

(5) Safe and efficient operation of aircraft;

(6) Weight and balance computations;

(7) Use of performance charts;

(8) Significance and effects of exceeding aircraft performance limitations;

(9) Use of aeronautical charts and a magnetic compass for pilotage and dead

reckoning;

(10) Use of air navigation facilities;

(11) Aeronautical decision making and judgment;

(12) Principles and functions of aircraft systems;

(13) Maneuvers, procedures, and emergency operations appropriate to the

aircraft;

(14) Night and high-altitude operations;

(15) Procedures for operating within the National Airspace System; and

(16) Procedures for flight and ground training for lighter-than-air

ratings.

 

 

Sec. 61.127 Flight proficiency.61 Index

(a) General. A person who applies for a commercial 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) Emergency operations;

(x) High-altitude operations; and

(xi) 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) Navigation;

(vii) Slow flight and stalls;

(viii) Emergency operations;

(ix) Multiengine operations;

(x) High-altitude operations; and

(xi) 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) Special operations; 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) Navigation;

(vii) Flight at slow airspeeds;

(viii) Emergency operations; and

(ix) 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) Emergency operations;

(xi) High-altitude operations;

(xii) Special operations; 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) Fundamentals of instructing;

(ii) Technical subjects;

(iii) Preflight preparation;

(iv) Preflight lesson on a maneuver to be performed in flight;

(v) Preflight procedures;

(vi) Airport operations;

(vii) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;

(viii) Performance maneuvers;

(ix) Navigation;

(x) Emergency operations; and

(xi) Postflight procedures.

(8) For a lighter-than-air category rating with a balloon class rating: (i)

Fundamentals of instructing;

(ii) Technical subjects;

(iii) Preflight preparation;

(iv) Preflight lesson on a maneuver to be performed in flight;

(v) Preflight procedures;

(vi) Airport operations;

(vii) Launches and landings;

(viii) Performance maneuvers;

(ix) Navigation;

(x) Emergency operations; and

(xi) Postflight procedures.

 

 

Sec. 61.129 Aeronautical experience.61 Index

(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 (of which 50 hours may have been

accomplished in an approved flight simulator or approved flight training

device that is representative of a single-engine airplane) 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 in airplanes.

(3) 20 hours of training on the areas of operation listed in Sec.

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;

(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 Sec. 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. 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 (of which 50

hours may have been accomplished in an approved flight simulator or approved

flight training device that is representative of a multiengine airplane) 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 in airplanes.

(3) 20 hours of training on the areas of operation listed in Sec.

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;

(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 flight time performing the duties of pilot in command in a

multiengine airplane with an authorized instructor on the areas of operation

listed in Sec. 61.127(b)(2) 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 with a traffic pattern) at an airport with an

operating control tower.

(c) For a helicopter rating. A person who applies for a commercial pilot

certificate with a rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating must log

at least 150 hours of flight time as a pilot (of which 25 hours may have been

accomplished in an approved flight simulator or approved flight training

device that is representative of a helicopter) that consists of at least:

(1) 100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in

helicopters.

(2) 100 hours of pilot in command flight time, which includes at least--

(i) 35 hours in helicopters; and

(ii) 10 hours in cross-country flight in helicopters.

(3) 20 hours of training on the areas of operation listed in Sec.

61.127(b)(3) of this part that includes at least--

(i) 10 hours of instrument training in an aircraft;

(ii) One cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a helicopter in day

VFR conditions, consisting of a total straight-line distance of more than 50

nautical miles from the original point of departure;

(iii) One cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a helicopter in night

VFR conditions, consisting of a total straight-line distance of more than 50

nautical miles from the original point of departure; and

(iv) 3 hours in a helicopter 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 helicopter on the areas of operation

listed in Sec. 61.127(b)(3) of this part, which includes at least--

(i) One cross-country flight with landings at a minimum of three points,

with one segment consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 50

nautical miles from the original point of departure; and

(ii) 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings (with

each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern).

(d) For a gyroplane rating. A person who applies for a commercial pilot

certificate with a rotorcraft category and gyroplane class rating must log at

least 150 hours of flight time as a pilot (of which 5 hours may have been

accomplished in an approved flight simulator or approved flight training

device that is representative of a gyroplane) that consists of at least:

(1) 100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 25 hours must be in gyroplanes.

(2) 100 hours of pilot in command flight time, which includes at least--

(i) 10 hours in gyroplanes; and

(ii) 3 hours in cross-country flight in gyroplanes.

(3) 20 hours of training on the areas of operation listed in Sec.

61.127(b)(4) of this part that includes at least--

(i) 5 hours of instrument training in an aircraft;

(ii) One cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a gyroplane in day VFR

conditions, consisting of a total straight-line distance of more than 50

nautical miles from the original point of departure;

(iii) One cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a gyroplane in night

VFR conditions, consisting of a total straight-line distance of more than 50

nautical miles from the original point of departure; and

(iv) 3 hours in a gyroplane 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 gyroplane on the areas of operation listed

in Sec. 61.127(b)(4) of this part, which includes at least--

(i) One cross-country flight with landings at a minimum of three points,

with one segment consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 50

nautical miles from the original point of departure; and

(ii) 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings (with

each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern).

(e) For a powered-lift rating. A person who applies for a commercial pilot

certificate with a powered-lift category rating must log at least 250 hours

of flight time as a pilot (of which 50 hours may have been accomplished in an

approved flight simulator or approved flight training device that is

representative of a powered-lift) that consists of at least:

(1) 100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in a powered-

lift.

(2) 100 hours of pilot in command flight time, which includes at least--

(i) 50 hours in a powered-lift; and

(ii) 50 hours in cross-country flight in a powered-lift.

(3) 20 hours of training on the areas of operation listed in Sec.

61.127(b)(5) of this part that includes at least--

(i) 10 hours of instrument training, of which at least 5 hours must be in a

powered-lift;

(ii) One cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a powered-lift in day

VFR conditions, consisting of a total straight-line distance of more than 100

nautical miles from the original point of departure;

(iii) One cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a powered-lift,

consisting of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles

from the original point of departure; and

(iv) 3 hours in a powered-lift 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 powered-lift on the areas of operation

listed in Sec. 61.127(b)(5) 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.

(f) For a glider rating. A person who applies for a commercial pilot

certificate with a glider category rating must log at least:

(1) 25 hours as a pilot in gliders and 100 flights in gliders as pilot in

command; which includes at least--

(i) 3 hours of flight training or 10 training flights in gliders on the

areas of operation listed in Sec. 61.127(b)(6) of this part;

(ii) 2 hours of solo flight that includes not less than 10 solo flights in

gliders on the areas of operation listed in Sec. 61.127(b)(6) of this part;

and

(iii) Three training flights in preparation for the practical test within

the 60-day period preceding the date of the test; or

(2) 200 hours of flight time as a pilot in heavier-than-air aircraft, and

20 flights in gliders as pilot in command, which includes at least--

(i) 3 hours of flight training or 10 training flights on the areas of

operation listed in Sec. 61.127(b)(6) of this part;

(ii) Five solo flights in a glider on the areas of operation listed in Sec.

61.127(b)(6) of this part; and

(iii) Three training flights in preparation for the practical test within

the 60-day period preceding the date of the test.

(g) For an airship rating. A person who applies for a commercial pilot

certificate with a lighter-than-air category and airship class rating must

log at least 200 hours of flight time as a pilot, which includes at least the

following hours:

(1) 50 hours in airships.

(2) 30 hours of pilot-in-command time in airships, which consists of at

least--

(i) 10 hours of cross-country flight time in airships; and

(ii) 10 hours of night flight time in airships.

(3) 40 hours of instrument time, which consists of at least 20 hours in

flight, of which 10 hours must be in flight in airships.

(4) 20 hours of flight training in airships on the areas of operation

listed in Sec. 61.127(b)(7) of this part, which includes at least--

(i) 3 hours in an airship in preparation for the practical test within the

60-day period preceding the date of the test;

(ii) One cross-country flight of at least 1 hour in duration in an airship

in day VFR conditions, consisting of a total straight-line distance of more

than 25 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and

(iii) One cross-country flight of at least 1 hour in duration in an airship

in night VFR conditions, consisting of a total straight-line distance of more

than 25 nautical miles from the original point of departure.

(5) 10 hours of flight training performing the functions of pilot in

command with an authorized instructor on the areas of operation listed in

Sec. 61.127(b)(7) of this part, which includes at least--

(i) One cross-country flight with landings at a minimum of three points,

with one segment consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 25

nautical miles from the original point of departure; and

(ii) 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings (with

each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern).

(h) For a balloon rating. A person who applies for a commercial pilot

certificate with a lighter-than-air category and a balloon class rating must

log at least 35 hours of flight time as a pilot, which includes at least the

following requirements:

(1) 20 hours in balloons;

(2) 10 flights in balloons;

(3) Two flights in balloons as the pilot in command; and

(4) 10 hours of flight training that includes at least 10 training flights

in balloons on the areas of operation listed in Sec. 61.127(b)(8) of this

part, which consists of at least--

(i) For a gas balloon--

(A) Two training flights of 2 hours each in a gas balloon on the areas of

operation appropriate to a gas balloon within 60 days prior to application

for the rating;

(B) Two flights performing the functions of pilot in command in a gas

balloon on the appropriate areas of operation; and

(C) One flight involving a controlled ascent to 5,000 feet above the launch

site.

(ii) For a balloon with an airborne heater--

(A) Two training flights of 1 hour each in a balloon with an airborne

heater on the areas of operation appropriate to a balloon with an airborne

heater within 60 days prior to application for the rating;

(B) Two solo flights in a balloon with an airborne heater on the

appropriate areas of operation; and

(C) One flight involving a controlled ascent to 3,000 feet above the launch

site.

(i) Permitted credit for use of an approved flight simulator or approved

flight training device. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (i)(3) of this

section, an applicant who has not accomplished the training required by this

section in a course conducted by a training center certificated under part

142 of this chapter may:

(i) Credit a maximum of 50 hours toward the total aeronautical experience

requirements for an airplane or powered-lift rating, provided the

aeronautical experience was obtained from an authorized instructor in an

approved flight simulator or an approved flight training device that

represents that class of airplane or powered-lift category and type, if

applicable, appropriate to the rating sought; and

(ii) Credit a maximum of 25 hours toward the total aeronautical experience

requirements of this section for a helicopter rating, provided the

aeronautical experience was obtained from an authorized instructor in an

approved flight simulator or an approved flight training device that

represents a helicopter and type, if applicable, appropriate to the rating

sought.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (i)(3) of this section, an applicant

who has accomplished the training required by this section in a course

conducted by a training center certificated under part 142 of this chapter

may:

(i) Credit a maximum of 100 hours toward the total aeronautical experience

requirements of this section for an airplane and powered-lift rating,

provided the aeronautical experience was obtained from an authorized

instructor in an approved flight simulator or an approved flight training

device that represents that class of airplane or powered-lift category and

type, if applicable, appropriate to the rating sought; and

(ii) Credit a maximum of 50 hours toward the total aeronautical experience

requirements of this section for a helicopter rating, provided the

aeronautical experience was obtained from an authorized instructor in an

approved flight simulator or an approved flight training device that

represents a helicopter and type, if applicable, appropriate to the rating

sought.

(3) Except when fewer hours are approved by the Administrator, an applicant

for a commercial pilot certificate with an airplane, helicopter, or a

powered-lift rating who has satisfactorily completed an approved commercial

pilot course conducted by a training center certificated under part 142 of

this chapter need only have the following total aeronautical experience to

meet the aeronautical experience requirements of this section:

(i) 190 hours for an airplane or powered-lift rating; and

(ii) 150 hours for a helicopter rating.

 

 

Sec. 61.131 Exceptions to the night flying requirements. 61 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 the limitation "night flying

prohibited."

(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 flight

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. 61.133 Commercial pilot privileges and limitations.61 Index

(a) Privileges. (1) General. A person who holds a commercial pilot

certificate may act as pilot in command of an aircraft--

(i) Carrying persons or property for compensation or hire, provided the

person is qualified in accordance with this part and with the applicable

parts of this chapter that apply to the operation; and

(ii) For compensation or hire, provided the person is qualified in

accordance with this part and with the applicable parts of this chapter that

apply to the operation.

(2) Commercial pilots with lighter-than-air category ratings. A person with

a commercial pilot certificate with a lighter-than-air category rating may--

(i) For an airship--(A) Give flight and ground training in an airship for

the issuance of a certificate or rating;

(B) Give an endorsement on a pilot certificate for an airship;

(C) Endorse a student pilot certificate or logbook for solo operating

privileges in an airship; and

(D) Act as pilot in command of an airship under IFR or in weather

conditions less than the minimum prescribed for VFR flight.

(ii) For a balloon--(A) Give flight and ground training in a balloon for

the issuance of a certificate or rating;

(B) Give an endorsement on a pilot certificate for a balloon; and

(C) Endorse a student pilot certificate or logbook for solo operating

privileges in a balloon.

(b) Limitations. (1) A person who applies for a commercial pilot

certificate with an airplane category or powered-lift category rating and

does not hold an instrument rating in the same category and class will be

issued a commercial pilot certificate that contains the limitation, "The

carriage of passengers for hire in (airplanes) (powered-lifts) on cross-

country flights in excess of 50 nautical miles or at night is prohibited."

The limitation may be removed when the person satisfactorily accomplishes the

requirements listed in Sec. 61.65 of this part for an instrument rating in

the same category and class of aircraft listed on the person's commercial

pilot certificate.

(2) If a person who applies for a commercial pilot certificate with a

balloon rating takes a practical test in a balloon with an airborne heater--

(i) The pilot certificate will contain a limitation restricting the

exercise of the privileges of that certificate to a balloon with an airborne

heater.

(ii) The limitation specified in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section 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.

(3) If a person who applies for a commercial pilot certificate with a

balloon rating takes a practical test in a gas balloon--

(i) The pilot certificate will contain a limitation restricting the

exercise of the privileges of that certificate to a gas balloon.

(ii) The limitation specified in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section 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.

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