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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2 votes
2 answers
938 views

Can some IAFs be skipped if more than one IAF exists?

Take, for example, this FAA official IAP plate (ILS RWY 13L CAT II JFK). Its Initial Segment consists of more than one Initial Approach Fix (IAF): COVIR, KMCHI, and BUZON. As far as I can interpret ...
0 votes
1 answer
445 views

Can a private pilot get an RVSM LOA?

Can a private pilot get a Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums Letter of Authorization from the FAA? I am looking at this checklist on the FAA site and it asks for a business address. Can private ...
7 votes
4 answers
7k views

How can I get back up into flying after not flying for over 20 years?

I'm a former USAF pilot and former Bonanza owner. Haven't flown private in more than 20 years, but looking to get back into it. A friend who owns a 182 and will fly with me and I know some instructors....
4 votes
3 answers
763 views

Is this planned building in a runway approach legal?

A 50 story building is planned in Santa Clara, CA three miles from the SJC 12R runway end. Such a building is at least 500ft tall and many such buildings are 700ft or more, is this legal? Nothing ...
1 vote
0 answers
82 views

What is the legal definition of separation as it relates to ATC? [duplicate]

ATC provides "separation" for all aircraft in class bravo airspace. What is the legal definition of separation? Is it the same or different than the see-and-avoid rule (FAR Part 91.113(b)) where all ...
3 votes
1 answer
133 views

How are STCs granted for similar aircraft? Archer vs Arrow

I'm specifically interested in the Garmin GFC 500 autopilot certification, but this question can apply to any STC question. The GFC 500 is certified for a ton of Archer (PA-28) variants, but no ...
1 vote
0 answers
182 views

FAA Standards for oral examinations on Practical Tests

What level of detail should be expected from an FAA examiner when administering the oral portion of a Practical Test for adding an additional rating on a CFI Certificate in an Area Of Operation marked ...
9 votes
1 answer
504 views

Does it violate any regulations for a bag to sit on the flight deck floor?

Pilots who fly the Canadair Bombardier Regional Jet or CRJ aircraft know first-hand how cramped the space on the flight deck is. It's really a business jet cockpit, not the flight deck you'd expect on ...
5 votes
1 answer
297 views

What is "picture flying" and does the FAA define it?

What is "picture flying" and does the FAA define it in any of their literature? Here is an example situation. You are instructed to depart using a SID. The SID states that at 1.5NM from ABC VORTAC a ...
2 votes
1 answer
3k views

What are the advantages/disadvantages of placing an engine in the tail? [duplicate]

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having an engine in the vertical stabilizer, a la the DC-10, Lockheed TriStar, and 727? It seems that this has gone out of fashion among jetliners. Is ...
2 votes
1 answer
194 views

Could an amateur build a full-scale UAV?

FAA section 333 provides permission to fly in the NAS with an airworthiness certificate. Obviously, the design would need to be perfect with extremely redundant control schemes. Going through the red ...
6 votes
2 answers
5k views

How can I tell a GPS installation is acceptable for IFR use?

I am evaluating an aircraft for use under IFR. I want to know if the GPS that is installed is acceptable for use under IFR. I have access to the logbooks and documentation. I want to check: That ...
8 votes
3 answers
1k views

Will the steep beta descent mode become illegal for new aircraft?

The PC6 is a popular skydiver carrier due to its ability to use steep nose down beta descent to get back to the ground quickly, even beating free falling skydivers. (YouTube) FAA AC25.1155x (I only ...
5 votes
1 answer
3k views

How to interpret the term "standard" which is found in FAA's Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODP) and Standard Instrument Departure Procedures (SID)?

This might be obvious, but I find it difficult to interpret correctly the term "standard", when it refers to the takeoff phase of the flight. Take, for example, the takeoff minimums for the La ...
4 votes
1 answer
455 views

Why do some IAPs lack an Intermediate Fix and/or include other fixes between Final Approach Fix (FAF) and Intermediate Fix (IF)?

I have noticed that some Initial Approach Procedures (IAP) do not mention an Intermediate Fix, but they do include at least one fix before the Final Approach Fix. Take, for example, this IAP of the ...
2 votes
1 answer
421 views

What are the FAA's requirements for an experimental type certificate?

What is required by the FAA to obtain an experimental type certificate for a manned prototype aircraft?
3 votes
1 answer
982 views

Do I need to obtain a student pilot certificate to transition from Glider to Sport Pilot?

I am a current Private Pilot Glider, and will soon begin training to obtain my Sport Pilot Licence. My question is about the requirement to obtain a student pilot certificate to solo in the training ...
1 vote
0 answers
343 views

Different takeoff minimums between an Obstacle Departure Procedure (ODP) and a Standard Instrument Departure Procedure (SID)

It seems reasonable to me that an Obstacle Departure Procedure would include more "strict" rules (steeper climb gradient) than a SID, which is more "situational" and provides a specific direction in ...
2 votes
1 answer
2k views

What course of action to take when having to go missed during IMC and lost comms?

Under FAR Part 91 operations what course of action should a pilot take if radio communication is lost after being cleared for an instrument approach in IMC and then a missed approach becomes necessary ...
0 votes
3 answers
556 views

Can I fly a UAS that weighs more than 55lbs if I'm on private property?

Can I fly a UAS that weighs more than 55 pounds within my own private property if I stay below say, 200 feet? I do not have 333 exemption
2 votes
2 answers
423 views

How is notification of UAV flight handled in an area with multiple heliports?

I'm trying to get up to speed on drone licensing and regulation. I'm in central Houston, well away from either of our major airports; but there are literally 50 heliports listed on B4UFLY as being in ...
3 votes
1 answer
244 views

Are there any locations where I could launch a rockoon with minimal red tape?

I'm currently working on a research project on hypersonic control surfaces, and as part of it, I'd like to launch a rocket-assisted lifting body from a high-altitude balloon. Are there any locations ...
3 votes
1 answer
428 views

Can I log flight training outside the US in a US-registered aircraft?

I work outside the USA. I have access to fly an airplane with work. I'm working on my instrument rating. Can the time I'm flying be used towards my instrument rating requirements? We always fly on an ...
34 votes
5 answers
33k views

What is Class F airspace, and why is it not used in the US?

I've read that ICAO defines Class F airspace but the FAA has chosen not to use the airspace class in the US. What is the ICAO definition of Class F airspace and how does it differ from other airspace ...
8 votes
2 answers
7k views

What repairs or modifications can be done without approval/certification?

I realize that this is likely to depend on jurisdiction (EASA or FAA would interest me the most in that case), but is there any common-sense kind of line that you don't cross until you've at least ...
3 votes
1 answer
3k views

Can I get a pilot's license if my driver's license has been suspended?

My driver's license is suspended because I got a bunch of tickets. It was the first time and I've paid the tickets. Can I still go for a private pilot's license?
2 votes
1 answer
1k views

Under what circumstances does a flying club need to do 100-hour inspections?

I am part of a not-for-profit 501(c)7 flying club that owns a handful of airplanes. These airplanes may be used only by the club members. Members pay monthly membership dues; and pay for Tach time to ...
6 votes
1 answer
942 views

Must Part 91 pilots comply with runway departures marked as NA?

I answered a recent question about the meaning of Takeoff Minimum NA and indicated that they do not apply to Part 91 pilots, but after thinking about it, I’m not so sure. I can’t find anything ...
3 votes
2 answers
337 views

What are the FAA regulations on operating UAVs in class E airspace above FL600?

What are the regulations on flying UAVs (commercial or experimental) above FL600, i.e. in class E airspace above class A? I want to make a HAPS (High Altitude Pseudo Satellite) and operate it in the ...
2 votes
1 answer
87 views

Why aren't requirements to use GNSS systems in the Regulations?

I've been sorting through the publications outlining the proper use of GPS in IFR scenarios. Looking at AIM 1-2-3 (dated 10/12/17), it appears that there is some regulatory language in (b) and (c). ...
3 votes
2 answers
2k views

When can I log PIC time in a new category of aircraft?

I am currently a Private Pilot Rotorcraft and I am doing an addon for ASEL. When can I log PIC time? I've been told it's only when you're the solo occupant but after some reading I'm not so sure. 14 ...
0 votes
1 answer
229 views

Does an aircraft equipment suffix denote how many VOR radios are installed?

I'm studying IFR. Does an aircraft equipment suffix specify if and how many VOR radios are installed? I'm guessing that the suffix is used by ATC to know if they can give you an RNAV or a an approach ...
2 votes
4 answers
354 views

Where can I get information about the FAA "restricted like" license to fly a N aircraft in Italy / Europe?

I have recently bought a N-REG C172 in Italy since 2008 and in fact I have been told by the Italian NAA that my EASA License will be valid limited for flights in Italy. I understand if I wish to fly ...
12 votes
1 answer
14k views

Do military pilots have flight & rest hours regulation?

I have read that civil pilots have stringent regulations regarding flight hours and hours of rest between flights. What about military pilots? Does it change between wartime and peacetime? Between ...
5 votes
1 answer
5k views

Where is the term *pro rata* defined as it is used in 61.113(c)?

You've just received your private pilot certificate and your friends want to share the operating expenses of a flight with you. There's a mother, a father, and their 6-month old baby. Do you split ...
0 votes
1 answer
1k views

Does in-flight Wi-Fi require regulatory approval?

Does any country have regulations that require a certificate or approval of the aircraft that use portable Wi-Fi in flight? Is there an FAA or EASA regulation or advisory, or an ICAO document or ...
10 votes
2 answers
13k views

What does the FAA mean by "Make and Model" of aircraft?

Short Version: How does the FAA define the terms "make" and "model" in regulatory documents, particularly in the context of referring to pilot experience in aircraft? Long Version ...
36 votes
2 answers
12k views

Why can't I hang glide in NYC?

I was stopped by NYPD for attempting to hang glide in an uncongested area by Midland Beach, Staten Island. They called their Legal Bureau and came back with "Illegal Navigation" and if I was to ...
0 votes
1 answer
794 views

What are the minimum hours required for private instrument fixed-wing plus commercial helicopter?

I want to get my private pilot plus instrument rating in fixed-wing aircraft for personal use. In addition to that I want to get my private and commercial in helicopters to start a career in flying ...
14 votes
1 answer
87k views

What are the differences between Normal and Utiltiy Categories [duplicate]

In the operating handbooks for GA aircraft, there are often weight and balance limitations listed for both Normal and Utiltity category operation. If I restrict the loading to the Utility category ...
9 votes
2 answers
1k views

What is "airspace underlying a Class B airspace area designated for an airport"?

For the purposes of airspeed restrictions within airspace, the FAA regulations list the following area description (emphasis mine): 14 CFR 91.117 (C) No person may operate an aircraft in the ...
17 votes
2 answers
9k views

Can a US pilot fly a foreign registered aircraft in the US?

Is it legal for a pilot with an FAA license to fly a foreign registered aircraft within the United States? Is it covered by FAA regulations, or the country of aircraft registration?
3 votes
1 answer
331 views

Can a FAA "Letter of Authorization" be used when there are no pilots that are current on a type rating?

A pilot has multiple type ratings and wants to train for another aircraft (e.g. DC-4) which is on his Part 125 certificate. Unfortunately, there are no available pilots with currency on this aircraft ...
5 votes
2 answers
2k views

Does currency in one C172 model apply to other models?

If I am current on one model of a Cessna 172, am I also legally meeting the currency requirements for a different version of the same aircraft model? For example, if I have many hours in a Cessna 172M,...
1 vote
1 answer
1k views

What is the regulatory landing distance for turboprops under FAR 121-135?

Flying a FAR part 25, N registered turboprop, within couterminous FAA airspace, under FAR parts 121 & 135 operating rules and performance wise, what are the requirements regarding computation of a ...
4 votes
1 answer
311 views

Can I apply for ASEL and Glider class ratings at the same time?

I would like to get both FAA Private ASEL and Private Glider class ratings. I was told I could take lessons for both ASEL and Glider at the same time under a Student certificate. Can I apply for a ...
1 vote
1 answer
105 views

Reduction in Service Ceiling / Change in RVSM

I did some research and minimum vertical separation used to be 2000ft but it changed to 1000ft in 2002 and they want to change it to 500ft on american territory. Is this correct? Why they wouldn't ...
0 votes
1 answer
1k views

Why is the N-number on the tail of aircraft sometimes shown in both large and small font?

Why is the N-number on the tail of aircraft shown again much smaller and above the main N-number? They are both the same group of letters and numbers.
0 votes
1 answer
363 views

Is a pilot responsible for CTAF announcements in this scenario? [closed]

A Cessna 525 Citation Jet is coming in to land and a single-engine Cessna 150 is taking off at a small airport with no ATC. The Cessna 150 stays in continued radio contact and the Cessna 525 Citation ...
4 votes
0 answers
155 views

What are the airworthiness requirements for transport category hybrid airships?

According to section 1.2 of the Airship Design Criteria (FAA P-8110-2), the FAA limits the applicability of airship airworthiness requirements to aircraft "capable of achieving zero static heaviness ...

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