14 CFR Part 61 Subpart H--Flight Instructors

Sec. 61.181 Applicability. 61 Index

This subpart prescribes the requirements for the issuance of flight instructor certificates and ratings, the conditions under which those certificates and ratings are necessary, and the limitations on those certificates and ratings.

 

Sec. 61.183 Eligibility requirements. 61 Index

To be eligible for a flight instructor certificate or rating 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 flight instructor certificate as are necessary;

(c) Hold either a commercial pilot certificate or airline transport pilot certificate with:

(1) An aircraft category and class rating that is appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought; and

(2) An instrument rating, if the person holds a commercial pilot certificate that is appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought, if applying for--

(i) A flight instructor certificate with an airplane category and single-engine class rating;

(ii) A flight instructor certificate with an airplane category and multiengine class rating;

(iii) A flight instructor certificate with a powered-lift rating; or

(iv) A flight instructor certificate with an instrument rating.

(d) Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor on the

fundamentals of instructing listed in Sec. 61.185 of this part appropriate to the required knowledge test;

(e) Pass a knowledge test on the areas listed in Sec. 61.185(a) of this part, unless the applicant:

(1) Holds a flight instructor certificate or ground instructor certificate issued under this part;

(2) Holds a current teacher's certificate issued by a State, county, city, or municipality that authorizes the person to teach at an educational level of the 7th grade or higher; or (3) Is employed as a teacher at an accredited college or university.

(f) Pass a knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in Sec. 61.185(a)(2) and (a)(3) of this part that are appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought;

(g) Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor on the areas of operation listed in Sec. 61.187(b) of this part, appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought; (h) Pass the required practical test that is appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought in an:

(1) Aircraft that is representative of the category and class of aircraft for the aircraft rating sought; or

(2) Approved flight simulator or approved flight training device that is representative of the category and class of aircraft for the rating sought, and used in accordance with an approved course at a training center

certificated under part 142 of this chapter.

(i) Accomplish the following for a flight instructor certificate with an airplane or a glider rating:

(1) Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor indicating that the applicant is competent and possesses instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures after providing the applicant with flight training in those training areas in an airplane or glider, as appropriate, that is certificated for spins; and

(2) Demonstrate instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures. However, upon presentation of the endorsement specified in paragraph (i)(1) of this section an examiner may accept that endorsement as satisfactory evidence of instructional proficiency

in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures for the practical test, provided that the practical test is not a retest as a result of the applicant failing the previous test for deficiencies in the knowledge or skill of stall awareness, spin entry, spins, or spin recovery instructional procedures. If the retest is a result of deficiencies in the ability of an applicant to demonstrate knowledge or skill of stall awareness, spin entry, spins, or spin recovery instructional procedures, the examiner must test the person on stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery instructional procedures in an airplane or glider, as appropriate, that is certificated for spins;

(j) Log at least 15 hours as pilot in command in the category and class of aircraft that is appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought; and (k) Comply with the appropriate sections of this part that apply to the flight instructor rating sought.

 

Sec. 61.185 Aeronautical knowledge. 61 Index

(a) A person who is applying for a flight instructor certificate must receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor on:

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the fundamentals

of instructing, including:

(i) The learning process;

(ii) Elements of effective teaching;

(iii) Student evaluation and testing;

(iv) Course development;

(v) Lesson planning; and

(vi) Classroom training techniques.

(2) The aeronautical knowledge areas for a recreational, private, and

commercial pilot certificate applicable to the aircraft category for which

flight instructor privileges are sought; and

(3) The aeronautical knowledge areas for the instrument rating applicable

to the category for which instrument flight instructor privileges are sought.

(b) The following applicants do not need to comply with paragraph (a) of this section:

(1) The holder of a flight instructor certificate or ground instructor

certificate issued under this part;

(2) The holder of a current teacher's certificate issued by a State,

county, city, or municipality that authorizes the person to teach at an

educational level of the 7th grade or higher; or

(3) A person employed as a teacher at an accredited college or university.

 

Sec. 61.187 Flight proficiency. 61 Index

(a) General. A person who is applying for a flight instructor certificate

must receive and log flight and ground training from an authorized instructor

on the areas of operation listed in this section that apply to the flight

instructor rating sought. The applicant's logbook must contain an endorsement

from an authorized instructor certifying that the person is proficient to

pass a practical test on those areas of operation.

(b) Areas of operation. (1) For an airplane category rating with a single-

engine class rating: (i) Fundamentals of instructing;

(ii) Technical subject areas;

(iii) Preflight preparation;

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

(v) Preflight procedures;

(vi) Airport and seaplane base operations;

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

(viii) Fundamentals of flight;

(ix) Performance maneuvers;

(x) Ground reference maneuvers;

(xi) Slow flight, stalls, and spins;

(xii) Basic instrument maneuvers;

(xiii) Emergency operations; and

(xiv) Postflight procedures.

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

Fundamentals of instructing;

(ii) Technical subject areas;

(iii) Preflight preparation;

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

(v) Preflight procedures;

(vi) Airport and seaplane base operations;

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

(viii) Fundamentals of flight;

(ix) Performance maneuvers;

(x) Ground reference maneuvers;

(xi) Slow flight and stalls;

(xii) Basic instrument maneuvers;

(xiii) Emergency operations;

(xiv) Multiengine operations; and

(xv) Postflight procedures.

(3) For a rotorcraft category rating with a helicopter class rating: (i)

Fundamentals of instructing;

(ii) Technical subject areas;

(iii) Preflight preparation;

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

(v) Preflight procedures;

(vi) Airport and heliport operations;

(vii) Hovering maneuvers;

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

(ix) Fundamentals of flight;

(x) Performance maneuvers;

(xi) Emergency operations;

(xii) Special operations; and

(xiii) Postflight procedures.

(4) For a rotorcraft category rating with a gyroplane class rating: (i)

Fundamentals of instructing;

(ii) Technical subject areas;

(iii) Preflight preparation;

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

(v) Preflight procedures;

(vi) Airport operations;

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

(viii) Fundamentals of flight;

(ix) Performance maneuvers;

(x) Flight at slow airspeeds;

(xi) Ground reference maneuvers;

(xii) Emergency operations; and

(xiii) Postflight procedures.

(5) For a powered-lift category rating: (i) Fundamentals of instructing;

(ii) Technical subject areas;

(iii) Preflight preparation;

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

(v) Preflight procedures;

(vi) Airport and heliport operations;

(vii) Hovering maneuvers;

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

(ix) Fundamentals of flight;

(x) Performance maneuvers;

(xi) Ground reference maneuvers;

(xii) Slow flight and stalls;

(xiii) Basic instrument maneuvers;

(xiv) Emergency operations;

(xv) Special operations; and

(xvi) Postflight procedures.

(6) For a glider category rating: (i) Fundamentals of instructing;

(ii) Technical subject areas;

(iii) Preflight preparation;

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

(v) Preflight procedures;

(vi) Airport and gliderport operations;

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

(viii) Fundamentals of flight;

(ix) Performance speeds;

(x) Soaring techniques;

(xi) Performance maneuvers;

(xii) Slow flight, stalls, and spins;

(xiii) Emergency operations; and

(xiv) Postflight procedures.

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

class rating: (i) Fundamentals of instructing;

(ii) Technical subject areas;

(iii) Preflight preparation;

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

(v) Air traffic control clearances and procedures;

(vi) Flight by reference to instruments;

(vii) Navigation aids;

(viii) Instrument approach procedures;

(ix) Emergency operations; and

(x) Postflight procedures.

(c) The flight training required by this section may be accomplished:

(1) In an aircraft that is representative of the category and class of

aircraft for the rating sought; or

(2) In an approved flight simulator or approved flight training device

representative of the category and class of aircraft for the rating sought,

and used in accordance with an approved course at a training center

certificated under part 142 of this chapter.

 

Sec. 61.189 Flight instructor records. 61 Index

(a) A flight instructor must sign the logbook of each person to whom that

instructor has given flight training or ground training.

(b) A flight instructor must maintain a record in a logbook or a separate

document that contains the following:

(1) The name of each person whose logbook or student pilot certificate that

instructor has endorsed for solo flight privileges, and the date of the

endorsement; and

(2) The name of each person that instructor has endorsed for a knowledge

test or practical test, and the record shall also indicate the kind of test,

the date, and the results.

(c) Each flight instructor must retain the records required by this section

for at least 3 years.

 

Sec. 61.191 Additional flight instructor ratings. 61 Index

(a) A person who applies for an additional flight instructor rating on a

flight instructor certificate must meet the eligibility requirements listed

in Sec. 61.183 of this part that apply to the flight instructor rating

sought.

(b) A person who applies for an additional rating on a flight instructor

certificate is not required to pass the knowledge test on the areas listed in

Sec. 61.185(a) of this part.

 

Sec. 61.193 Flight instructor privileges. 61 Index

A person who holds a flight instructor certificate is authorized within the

limitations of that person's flight instructor certificate and ratings, and

that person's pilot certificate and ratings, to give training and

endorsements that are required for, and relate to:

(a) A student pilot certificate;

(b) A pilot certificate;

(c) A flight instructor certificate;

(d) A ground instructor certificate;

(e) An aircraft rating;

(f) An instrument rating;

(g) A flight review, operating privilege, or recency of experience

requirement of this part;

(h) A practical test; and

(i) A knowledge test.

 

Sec. 61.195 Flight instructor limitations and qualifications. 61 Index

A person who holds a flight instructor certificate is subject to the

following limitations:

(a) Hours of training. In any 24-consecutive-hour period, a flight

instructor may not conduct more than 8 hours of flight training.

(b) Aircraft ratings. A flight instructor may not conduct flight training

in any aircraft for which the flight instructor does not hold:

(1) A pilot certificate and flight instructor certificate with the

applicable category and class rating; and

(2) If appropriate, a type rating.

(c) Instrument Rating. A flight instructor who provides instrument flight

training for the issuance of an instrument rating or a type rating not

limited to VFR must hold an instrument rating on his or her flight instructor

certificate and pilot certificate that is appropriate to the category and

class of aircraft in which instrument training is being provided.

(d) Limitations on endorsements. A flight instructor may not endorse a:

(1) Student pilot's certificate or logbook for solo flight privileges,

unless that flight instructor has--

(i) Given that student the flight training required for solo flight

privileges required by this part; and

(ii) Determined that the student is prepared to conduct the flight safely

under known circumstances, subject to any limitations listed in the student's

logbook that the instructor considers necessary for the safety of the flight.

(2) Student pilot's certificate and logbook for a solo cross-country

flight, unless that flight instructor has determined the student's flight

preparation, planning, equipment, and proposed procedures are adequate for

the proposed flight under the existing conditions and within any limitations

listed in the logbook that the instructor considers necessary for the safety

of the flight;

(3) Student pilot's certificate and logbook for solo flight in a Class B

airspace area or at an airport within Class B airspace unless that flight

instructor has--

(i) Given that student ground and flight training in that Class B airspace

or at that airport; and

(ii) Determined that the student is proficient to operate the aircraft

safely.

(4) Logbook of a recreational pilot, unless that flight instructor has--

(i) Given that pilot the ground and flight training required by this part;

and

(ii) Determined that the recreational pilot is proficient to operate the

aircraft safely.

(5) Logbook of a pilot for a flight review, unless that instructor has

conducted a review of that pilot in accordance with the requirements of Sec.

61.56(a) of this part; or

(6) Logbook of a pilot for an instrument proficiency check, unless that

instructor has tested that pilot in accordance with the requirements of Sec.

61.57(d) of this part.

(e) Training in an aircraft that requires a type rating. A flight

instructor may not give flight training in an aircraft that requires the

pilot in command to hold a type rating unless the flight instructor holds a

type rating for that aircraft on his or her pilot certificate.

(f) Training received in a multiengine airplane, a helicopter, or a

powered-lift. A flight instructor may not give training required for the

issuance of a certificate or rating in a multiengine airplane, a helicopter,

or a powered-lift unless that flight instructor has at least 5 flight hours

of pilot-in-command time in the specific make and model of multiengine

airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift, as appropriate.

(g) Position in aircraft and required pilot stations for providing flight

training.

(1) A flight instructor must perform all training from in an aircraft that

complies with the requirements of Sec. 91.109 of this chapter.

(2) A flight instructor who provides flight training for a pilot

certificate or rating issued under this part must provide that flight

training in an aircraft that meets the following requirements--

(i) The aircraft must have at least two pilot stations and be of the same

category, class, and type, if appropriate, that applies to the pilot

certificate or rating sought.

(ii) For single-place aircraft, the pre-solo flight training must have been

provided in an aircraft that has two pilot stations and is of the same

category, class, and type, if appropriate.

(h) Qualifications of the flight instructor for training first-time flight

instructor applicants. (1) The ground training provided to an initial

applicant for a flight instructor certificate must be given by an authorized

instructor who--

(i) Holds a current ground or flight instructor certificate with the

appropriate rating, has held that certificate for at least 24 months, and has

given at least 40 hours of ground training; or

(ii) Holds a current ground or flight instructor certificate with the

appropriate rating, and has given at least 100 hours of ground training in an

FAA-approved course.

(2) Except for an instructor who meets the requirements of paragraph

(h)(3)(ii) of this section, a flight instructor who provides training to an

initial applicant for a flight instructor certificate must--

(i) Meet the eligibility requirements prescribed in Sec. 61.183 of this

part;

(ii) Hold the appropriate flight instructor certificate and rating;

(iii) Have held a flight instructor certificate for at least 24 months;

(iv) For training in preparation for an airplane, rotorcraft, or powered-

lift rating, have given at least 200 hours of flight training as a flight

instructor; and

(v) For training in preparation for a glider rating, have given at least 80

hours of flight training as a flight instructor.

(3) A flight instructor who serves as a flight instructor in an FAA-

approved course for the issuance of a flight instructor rating must hold a

current flight instructor certificate with the appropriate rating and pass

the required initial and recurrent flight instructor proficiency tests, in

accordance with the requirements of the part under which the FAA-approved

course is conducted, and must--

(i) Meet the requirements of paragraph (h)(2) of this section; or

(ii) Have trained and endorsed at least five applicants for a practical

test for a pilot certificate, flight instructor certificate, ground

instructor certificate, or an additional rating, and at least 80 percent of

those applicants passed that test on their first attempt; and

(A) Given at least 400 hours of flight training as a flight instructor for

training in an airplane, a rotorcraft, or for a powered-lift rating; or

(B) Given at least 100 hours of flight training as a flight instructor, for

training in a glider rating.

(i) Prohibition against self-endorsements. A flight instructor shall not

make any self-endorsement for a certificate, rating, flight review,

authorization, operating privilege, practical test, or knowledge test that is

required by this part.

(j) A flight instructor may not give training in Category II or Category

III operations unless the flight instructor has been trained and tested in

Category II or Category III operations, pursuant to Sec. 61.67 or Sec. 61.68

of this part, as applicable.

 

Sec. 61.197 Renewal of flight instructor certificates. 61 Index

(a) A person who holds a flight instructor certificate that has not expired

may renew that certificate for an additional 24 calendar months if the

holder:

(1) Passes a practical test for--

(i) Renewal of the flight instructor certificate; or

(ii) An additional flight instructor rating; or

(2) Presents to an authorized FAA Flight Standards Inspector--

(i) A record of training students that shows during the preceding 24

calendar months the flight instructor has endorsed at least five students for

a practical test for a certificate or rating, and at least 80 percent of

those students passed that test on the first attempt;

(ii) A record that shows that within the preceding 24 calendar months, the

flight instructor has served as a company check pilot, chief flight

instructor, company check airman, or flight instructor in a part 121 or part

135 operation, or in a position involving the regular evaluation of pilots,

in which that authorized FAA Flight Standards Inspector is acquainted with

the duties and responsibilities of the position, and has satisfactory

knowledge of its current pilot training, certification, and standards; or

(iii) A graduation certificate showing the person has successfully

completed an approved flight instructor refresher course consisting of ground

training or flight training, or both, within the 90 days preceding the

expiration month of his or her flight instructor certificate.

(b) If a person accomplishes the renewal requirements of paragraph (a)(1)

or (a)(2) of this section within the 90 days preceding the expiration month

of his or her flight instructor certificate:

(1) That person is considered to have accomplished the renewal requirement

of this section in the month due; and

(2) The current flight instructor certificate will be renewed for an

additional 24 calendar months from its expiration date.

(c) The practical test required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section may be

accomplished in an approved flight simulator or approved flight training

device if the test is accomplished pursuant to an approved course conducted

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

 

Sec. 61.199 Expired flight instructor certificates and ratings. 61 Index

(a) Flight instructor certificates. The holder of an expired flight

instructor certificate may exchange that certificate for a new certificate by

passing a practical test prescribed in Sec. 61.183(h) of this part.

(b) Flight instructor ratings. (1) A flight instructor rating or a limited

flight instructor rating on a pilot certificate is no longer valid and may

not be exchanged for a similar rating or a flight instructor certificate.

(2) The holder of a flight instructor rating or a limited flight instructor

rating on a pilot certificate may be issued a flight instructor certificate

with the current ratings, but only if the person passes the required

knowledge and practical test prescribed in this subpart for the issuance of

the current flight instructor certificate and rating.

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