Questions tagged [faa-regulations]

FAA regulations cover the aviation rules of the United States of America and its territories. This tag should be used for questions regarding requirements or limitations imposed by FAA regulations or other related guidance material. It should **not** be used for questions about contacting the FAA, filling out FAA forms, or other areas of FAA responsibility.

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4 votes
3 answers
505 views

Is there any reason not to get a student pilot certificate now?

I hope to get a PPL, IR, and possibly CPL someday. It looks like obtaining a student pilot certificate does not require anything except being 16 or older, knowing English, and completing a free ...
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0 answers
116 views

Is it against the regualtions to install a dummy set of landing gear during aircraft maintenance?

We will be removing a set of landing gear for overhaul, so we are arranging a set of unserviceable landing gear to keep the aircraft mobile. I would like to know if doing so is against any FAA or EASA ...
12 votes
1 answer
3k views

What to do when an AD is published but your aircraft is nowhere near a maintenance facility?

If an Airworthiness Directive is published for your aircraft which makes it illegal to operate until complied, and your aircraft is sitting in the Alaskan wilderness with the closest facility hours ...
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1 vote
1 answer
110 views

Can you be a pilot with level 1 ASD?

I'm not 100% sure, but I think I have level 1 autism spectrum disorder (formerly called "high-functioning autism" or "Asperger's syndrome"). I have never been diagnosed, and I have ...
0 votes
2 answers
81 views

Is a flight instructor certificate on the same physical card as a pilot certificate?

Are a flight instructor certificate and commercial/airline transport pilot certificate printed on the same physical piece of plastic, or on two different ones?
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26 votes
3 answers
4k views

Are tower controllers trained on not overloading pilots with complex taxi instructions while landing?

The above question comes from the following observations: I've noticed over the years of flying (small GA aircraft) that some towers are talking more and more to me while landing. It used to be ...
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0 votes
1 answer
111 views

Can you take off from a country road in a ultralight aircraft?

Can I take off from a country road in a ultralight aircraft (In the USA). I have seen resources online saying yes and no. Does it vary from state to state?
1 vote
1 answer
109 views

Can you fly a VFR practice approach at night that is Notam’ed “NA at night”?

To frame the question more specifically, at KCSV the ILS Z 26 approach is NOTAMed “NA at night”. So is it legal to fly the approach VFR not on an IFR flight plan for training purposes to satisfy ...
3 votes
1 answer
133 views

When is it required to enter an airway? (IFR)

Assuming I'm not using a computer program to generate a flight plan for me, for cross-country IFR flight planning in the United States, how quickly after finishing departure procedures is one supposed ...
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4 votes
2 answers
79 views

Currency requirement for a Private Pilot adding a glider rating?

I have a Private Pilot certificate {ASEL, instrument) that I got years ago, and I haven't flown airplanes in over ten years. I'm trying to get back into flying now, but not in airplanes; I want to get ...
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2 answers
130 views

Would I need a drone license if the drone is flown by ai and not a remote?

I heard of some AI flown UAV's and was wondering. if I made my own AI flown drone/plane would I need a drone license? (Assuming I would use it for commercial purposes and not just for fun).
0 votes
2 answers
113 views

Will ADS-B eventually replace TCAS antennas on airliners?

I still seem to confuse myself about ADS-B. Will ADS-B eventually replace TCAS antennas on airliners? Or are those still a relevant part of the ADS-B system? And I guess just to add in, why don't ...
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7 votes
2 answers
733 views

What are the separation requirements on the ground?

What are the FAA regulations for aircraft separation on the ground, outside of active runways?
1 vote
1 answer
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Hours needed to go from Private Pilot AMEL to ASEL

I was wondering about the minimum hours required to go from Private Multi-Engine Land to Private Single engine land.
3 votes
1 answer
108 views

Can an instructor with an Instrument Airplane Instructor rating instruct for PPL?

I'm graduating from college this May, and as a graduation gift, I'm planning on getting my FAA PPL. I'm wondering if my father (with the FAA ratings below) could be my instructor for the 20 hours of ...
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6 votes
1 answer
391 views

Can ATC reject a GA aircraft IFR flight plan to a busy Bravo/Charlie airport?

This may be a dumb question, but can ATC reject or amend your flight plan to prevent a GA training aircraft from flying into a busy airport (i.e. Atlanta)? As an example, flying VFR near Nashville, ...
2 votes
0 answers
81 views

Is there historical evidence whether or not FAR §21.9 applies to owner-manufactured avionics?

Looking at an explanation of §21.9 (formerly §21.303(b)2), it seems very straightforward for an owner to produce a part for an ...
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2 votes
2 answers
145 views

What ceiling does the FAA consider to be controlling for FAR 91.155(c)?

What ceiling does the FAA consider to be controlling for FAR 91.155(c)? The ceiling reported at the airport for which the surface-level controlled airspace is designated, or the ceiling directly ...
5 votes
2 answers
4k views

Is it legal to accept money for flight training as a gift?

If John offers to pay for Jane's PPL flight training, and Jane accepts it, is she violating rules against compensation? If so, is it feasible to get some kind of waiver? Does it matter whether or not ...
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5 votes
3 answers
221 views

Under FAA rules, can a private pilot act as PIC in aircraft furnished by someone else if they're not otherwise compensated?

Let's say I'm visiting a friend who happens to own an airplane, and I happen to be a private pilot holding a valid FAA PPL, as well as being familiar with the make and model my friend owns. Suppose my ...
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1 vote
0 answers
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What are lateral boundaries? [duplicate]

In regard to: 103.17 OPERATIONS IN CERTAIN AIRSPACE No Person may operate an ultralight vehicle within Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface ...
1 vote
1 answer
199 views

Can a private pilot flying a passenger to a hospital use a MEDEVAC callsign?

Normal air ambulance flights in medical emergency situations use a callsign consisting of the word "MEDEVAC" followed by the registration number excluding the prefix (e.g. N912MF is "...
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6 votes
0 answers
117 views

Can a non-US registered aircraft be based in the US?

I am a Swiss citizen and I might have to move to the US for a couple of years. I own a small plane in Switzerland (HB-registered) and I'd like to take it with me to the US. As my stay in the US would ...
1 vote
1 answer
83 views

Traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) protected volume calculation

I am attempting to determine the TCAS-protected volume by utilizing the tau values listed in the TCAS table (Reference: Page 23 FAA TCAS-II guilines) The TCAS table provides distinct tau values for ...
-1 votes
1 answer
265 views

Is there a safe and legal way to use airplanes in laser tag?

Would there be a safe and legal way to use airplanes in laser tag? The pilot would not be shooting to avoid distractions; a passenger would do it. Could shooting an infrared laser tag gun at a plane ...
1 vote
1 answer
79 views

Are the question pools for written exams publicly available?

Can you download the question pool with answers for the FAA knowledge exams?
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-1 votes
1 answer
141 views

Are there "distracted flying" laws for GA other than laws against reckless flying?

I am aware of the sterile cockpit rule for airliners, but are there any laws against "distracted flying" (analogous to distracted driving laws, or the sterile cockpit rule for airliners) for ...
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6 votes
2 answers
2k views

Are there certification requirements for software that is intended to be used in flight, but runs on uncertified hardware and is not safety-critical?

If I wrote a navigation app for pilots, designed it to run on non-built-in tablets, and included a disclaimer and warning not to rely on it (I would hire a lawyer for this part), would that be legal, ...
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3 votes
1 answer
234 views

Could medevac/air ambulance flights take off during the NOTAM system disruption?

While the NOTAM system was down on the morning of January 11, 2023, was there a way for medical flights to take off legally and safely?
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15 votes
3 answers
4k views

Can I become an aircraft technician if I have color-blindness?

Are there any restrictions imposed by any aviation-authorities that would prevent a color-blind person from becoming an aircraft technician?
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2 votes
2 answers
228 views

Carrying passengers under part 91

I’m a commercial single pilot. I’m current right now but haven’t done 3 t/o & ldgs in preceding 90days. In 2 weeks, I’m planning on a trip and we will have a hour flight with a local instructor. ...
17 votes
6 answers
6k views

Am I allowed to take a liferaft onto a commerical flight?

I am planning on taking my aviation certified life-raft (Revere Aero Compact liferaft): "Raft inflates automatically in less than 30 seconds with self-contained CO₂ inflation system" on a ...
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0 votes
1 answer
72 views

Can people perform major modifications to an aircraft without an A/P license, as long as their company is certified per part 145?

If a company is part 145 certified wanted to do a major modification, can they do so without having A/Ps? Or does an A/P need to be present to verify/sign off? or no A/P's need to be present? At that ...
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0 votes
0 answers
104 views

PROB30 in a TAF as an alternate still legal to use

Does a PROB30 in a TAF report affect your ability to use an airport as an alternate if conditions still remain above landing minima but less than alternate minima. Example: TAF XYZA 061335Z 0615/0715 ...
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0 votes
1 answer
163 views

In Virginia, can a crop dusting/seeding operation refuel and re-supply on agricultural property that they are working?

It has been reported that a crop dusting/seeding operator is refueling and re-supplying his plane on agricultural property that he is working. Just trying to make sure this operator is operating ...
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2 votes
1 answer
120 views

Class D under Class C but through another Class D?

New Pilot here, just planning a VFR trip to KGMU but not sure of the transition rules here. I know flight following will take care of the Class C but who do I need to talk to about the other Class D? ...
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4 votes
1 answer
98 views

Can I log Simulated Instrument time with a safety pilot if I need an Instrument Proficiency Check?

Can I log Simulated Instrument flight time and instrument approaches with a safety pilot if I need an Instrument Proficiency Check? I am instrument rated but haven't done my 6 Instrument approaches ...
3 votes
2 answers
2k views

What are the weather minimums in order to take off under IFR conditions?

I've heard different answers for what limits if you can take off IFR from an airfield. I've heard that you have to be restricted to the lowest compatible mins on an instrument approach field and I've ...
4 votes
1 answer
186 views

Are there exceptions to the expiration of an aircraft registration?

I’m currently a working CFI, and encountered an interesting scenario with one of my students recently. While discussing aircraft registration (specifically expiration,) I pulled out the registration ...
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1 vote
2 answers
163 views

Requirements for Logging practice Instrument approaches, (and holdings, and course interceptions) while in VMC

Does anyone know the FAA rational for requiring the second pilot on board to have access to a complete Fully functioning set of flight controls in order to act as safety observer for the purpose of ...
3 votes
1 answer
403 views

Is the steep spiral maneuver criteria in the FAA Commercial ACS Flawed?

The Commercial ACS steep spiral maneuver calls requires a pilot to fly a descending spiral with power set to idle and maintain a constant radius around a point. The maneuver is supposed to be flown ...
0 votes
1 answer
165 views

What is a "cell phone parking lot"? [closed]

This question about sirens refers to a "cell phone parking lot." I know use of cell phones is prohibited on planes; is this true in most of the airport as well?
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2 votes
1 answer
78 views

Are maintenance manual airframe lifetime limitations binding?

An IA told me that component lifetime limitations, even when published in the Airworthiness Limitations section of the service manual, are not binding. They can be ...
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0 votes
1 answer
135 views

Safety factor in airliner design

I am currently working on a baseline configuration and initial sizing for a conventional airliner with 90 passengers. The FAA states that an average passenger weighs approx. 80kg. When calculating my ...
2 votes
2 answers
159 views

What section in the Federal Aviation Regulations deals with fueling commercial aircraft?

What section of the FAR deals with fueling commercial aircraft? I can't seem to find the section. Is is under ground handling? The actual process and safety, not the airworthiness of the fuel systems. ...
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2 votes
1 answer
262 views

Can I use an aviation radio on the ground in an emergency?

Suppose I'm doing some plane spotting, and I see a dangerous situation that I think needs to be brought to the attention of a pilot or ATC (such as a tire falling off an airplane, an engine fire, etc.)...
3 votes
1 answer
200 views

Do I need a Ferry Permit to hover-taxi a helicopter?

If a helicopter with skids is safe to fly, but not technically airworthy, do I need a Ferry Permit to hover-taxi it to the maintenance hanger on the other side of the airport? Are there any specific ...
0 votes
2 answers
329 views

Does the FAA have specific rules about whether craft in ground effect are actually "flying" or not?

From what I understand, the FAA doesn't consider anything in ground effect to be "flying", even if it's not actually touching the ground. This means, for instance, that the FAA wouldn't have ...
2 votes
1 answer
522 views

Can you switch from VFR to IFR during a flight?

Is it possible for a pilot flying under VFR to switch to IFR during a flight?
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7 votes
2 answers
690 views

Significance of "weather conditions less than the minimums prescribed for VFR flight"

"weather conditions less than the minimums prescribed for VFR flight" has repeatedly come up in FAR chapters pertaining to IFR. One example is 61.3 (e): No person may act as pilot in ...
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