Questions tagged [pilot-certification]

is for obtaining licenses, certificates, and ratings. It includes the required paperwork and testing, but not the training (use [flight-training] instead).

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I have a European EASA license - what do I need to do to be allowed to fly in the US?

I own a PPL(A) license following JAR-FCL. Recently, this license has been exchanged for a European EASA license. My training was on a motor glider (TMG), I do not have ratings for SEP, but TMG and ...
Krumelur's user avatar
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26 votes
2 answers
23k views

What is a 709 ride?

One of the enforcement actions that FAA can take against a pilot is known as a "709 ride" in which your certifications and rating are reevaluated by the FAA. What is the regulatory basis for this ...
casey's user avatar
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24 votes
2 answers
27k views

What are the consequences of flying GA without a license (certificate)?

As far as I can tell, in the U.S., 49 USC 46317(a) makes flying without a proper certificate a crime punishable by fine and/or imprisonment. However, the FAA is a regulatory agency, which means it ...
feetwet's user avatar
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23 votes
4 answers
17k views

What does a sport pilot have to do to get a private pilot certificate in the US?

What are the minimum requirements for obtaining a privates pilot certificate if a pilot already has a sport pilot certificate? The requirements for a private pilot certificate don't changes because ...
jColeson's user avatar
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22 votes
3 answers
6k views

What pilot certificates were needed to fly the Space Shuttle?

Were there specific FAA (or other relevant regulatory body) pilot licensing or certifications required to fly the Space Shuttle? Are they specific to the Space Shuttle, or would it have fallen under ...
BZN_DBer's user avatar
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21 votes
4 answers
61k views

What do the terms 'holding out' and 'common carriage' mean?

A pilot with a new commercial certificate is excited at the new world of getting-paid-to-fly they have opened up. That is, until their instructor or good friend reminds them of 14 CFR 119 and the ...
casey's user avatar
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21 votes
3 answers
920 views

Could you ever legally authorize yourself to fly an aircraft that would require an LOA, based on your other certs?

The question about being certified to fly aircraft that don't fall under a type rating got me thinking. For all knowledge possessed by humans there must be a source. If you want to get certified on a ...
KeithS's user avatar
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19 votes
2 answers
10k views

I believe I was misdiagnosed with ADHD when I was a small child. Can I get my private pilots licence?

I believe I was misdiagnosed with ADHD when I was a small child. I now want to get my PPL, and ive been told it might be a problem. Can I get the ADHD diagnosis removed from my medical record? I do ...
silvertheflyguy's user avatar
18 votes
2 answers
6k views

What does the FAA consider to be "good moral character"?

Per 14 CFR 61.153(c) candidates for an ATP license must "be of good moral character". What does that actually mean and how does an examiner or the FAA verify it?
Pondlife's user avatar
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17 votes
3 answers
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What is the difference between a Mechanic and a Repairman?

In reviewing some of the data published by the FAA, I noticed that they make a distinction between a mechanic certificate and a repairman certificate. What is the difference?
Aeyrium's user avatar
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17 votes
2 answers
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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?
Lnafziger's user avatar
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15 votes
2 answers
5k views

Are test pilots certified to fly all aircraft types?

I just saw an hour long MIT lecture for no reason and the lecturer said he has flown over 70 kinds of aircraft. Does that mean a test pilot is certified to fly almost anything?
Linkin's user avatar
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15 votes
2 answers
6k views

Why is English proficiency a “Limitation”?

I understand that being able to read, write and speak English is a requirement for an FAA Pilot Certificate. But why is that ability printed on said certificate under the “Limitations” section ...
StephenS's user avatar
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15 votes
1 answer
4k views

Can solo time be logged with a passenger?

Here's a very niche question. If someone were to have completed their recreational or sport pilot license and be actively pursuing their private pilot license, could flight time without an instructor ...
MD88Fan's user avatar
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15 votes
1 answer
4k views

What is the wording on outline of Wright Flyer on FAA pilot license?

I was told once that the outline of the Wright Flyer was taken from a speech given by the Wright Brothers. In the picture below you can very clearly see the words on the Wright Flyer. Does anybody ...
wbeard52's user avatar
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14 votes
3 answers
15k views

How can I build the 40 hours instrument time required for an instrument rating?

14 CFR 61.65(d)(2) says: (2) Forty hours of actual or simulated instrument time in the areas of operation listed in paragraph (c) of this section, of which 15 hours must have been received from an ...
user8795's user avatar
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14 votes
1 answer
2k views

How can I get a report from the FAA stating that I haven't had any accidents?

To validate my FAA licence in Argentina and fly aircraft with LV tail numbers they require some documents, one of which is a report that states that I haven't been in any accidents. This report must ...
jose malbran 's user avatar
13 votes
1 answer
2k views

Can I save money on becoming a helicopter pilot in the US if I do flight hours in Mexico?

Flight hours costs approximately $285 per hour. Below is a screenshot from a local (Newport Beach, CA) school regarding what it takes to become a private pilot. So I was hoping that maybe there ...
JGallardo's user avatar
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13 votes
1 answer
9k views

How is ACS different from PTS and when does it replace PTS for FAA certification?

I've read some documents and articles that reference the FAA's new Airman Certification Standards (ACS) that will soon replace Practical Test Standards (PTS). What is different about ACS and when does ...
ryan1618's user avatar
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13 votes
1 answer
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How do I renew/revalidate my lapsed JAR PPL?

I obtained a JAR PPL in 2003 and flew regularly for a few years afterwards. My last flight as Pilot in Command was around 2006 and as I have not kept up the required number of hours per year since ...
Jamiec's user avatar
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12 votes
8 answers
5k views

What kind of injury would force a Navy EA-6B pilot to stop flying and take a desk job?

Currently, I'm writing up a character bio for a game, where the character is a former naval aviator who becomes a JAG Corps lawyer who can be quite active during investigations and combat. I've been ...
Reverend Speed's user avatar
12 votes
1 answer
3k views

Why does the FAA require special authorization to act as PIC in the North American T-28 Trojan?

This airplane doesn't have a max gross takeoff weight of more than 12,500 pounds nor does it have a turbine engine. The FAA requires special authorization to act as PIC in order to fly it. What is ...
Ryan Mortensen's user avatar
12 votes
1 answer
2k views

Why does the ACS forbid activation of the stall warning during slow flight?

In section VII. Slow Flight and Stalls, page 54 of the Private Airplane ACS, the Skills section contains in part $$\begin{array}{l|l} \bf{Skills} & \text{The applicant demonstrates the ability ...
Greg Bacon's user avatar
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12 votes
1 answer
4k views

What is the expiration period for a 3rd class medical certificate?

I got my 3rd Class Medical for a Private Pilot certificate in May 2013 at the age of 39. I'm now 41. Does the 60 month rule apply to my certificate or do I need to retest under the 24 month rule for ...
flying student's user avatar
12 votes
1 answer
956 views

Is the FAA the only authority with specific medical requirements for transgender pilots?

The FAA/CAMI imposes certain testing requirements on transgender pilots, listed in the Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners under Item 41 (G-U System), subheading "Gender Identity Disorder". Is the ...
Erin Anne's user avatar
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12 votes
1 answer
15k views

Does an FAA pilot certificate qualify as an ICAO pilot licence?

What is an ICAO pilot license? I've seen it as a job requirement before, does my FAA ATP count?
Lnafziger's user avatar
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12 votes
1 answer
2k views

Are the requirements for an initial type rating the same across types?

If a pilot wishes to obtain an initial FAA type rating - say, for a Boeing 737 - are the requirements to obtain that rating the same as if they were getting a type rating for an Airbus A320? If they ...
egid's user avatar
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12 votes
1 answer
712 views

Do I have to do all exercises during a checkride, even if I did them in a previous one?

I am currently a private pilot with an instrument rating and multi-engine rating. I own and regularly fly my own twin engine airplane and have been thinking about getting my commercial rating. Part ...
Pilot's user avatar
  • 121
12 votes
3 answers
4k views

Can a pilot with an ICAO Multi-Crew Pilot License fly an airliner into the U.S.?

In the question How do non-US pilots get the hours necessary for an ATP?, the question was raised of whether we have 250 or 500 hour foreign pilots flying airliners into major U.S. airports. DeltaLima'...
reirab's user avatar
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12 votes
2 answers
1k views

Is the Soloy Dual Pac recognised as two engines or one engine?

The Soloy Dual Pac apparently allows two engines to rotate one propeller -- here's a picture of it on an Otter: Is this recognised as a centreline thrust twin engine aircraft, a "standard" twin ...
Qantas 94 Heavy's user avatar
12 votes
2 answers
3k views

Is an FAA Part 121/135 checkride conducted under Part 91 or Part 121/135?

Is a checkride which is required in order to qualify a pilot for 121 or 135 operations itself conducted under Part 91 or Part 121/135 rules? For instance, is a first class medical required in order ...
Lnafziger's user avatar
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11 votes
3 answers
4k views

I am licensed as a Private Pilot, Airplane Multiengine Land, what do I need to do to be able to fly as PIC in a Single Engine Land aircraft?

I basically got my Multi Engine Rating however not a single engine rating even though most of my training was in ASEL. Now I am curious what I would have to do to be able to fly friends and family in ...
Mark Udin's user avatar
  • 119
11 votes
3 answers
10k views

What happens when a temporary pilot certificate expires?

What can I do if my not-so-newly issued temporary pilot certificate is about to expire and I haven't gotten my permanent certificate yet? Is there any way that I can keep flying while waiting for it, ...
Lnafziger's user avatar
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11 votes
1 answer
3k views

Does a Type Rating "upgrade" with your license?

I believe anything the FAA refers to as a "rating" upgrades automatically with your license. For example, if I get my instrument rating on my Private Pilot License, I don't have to retake the ...
Bret Copeland's user avatar
11 votes
1 answer
667 views

How does a pilots license of cluster ballooning differ from other ballooning or unpowered flight?

John Ninomiya discusses his experience with developing this new style of ballooning on his Cluster Ballooning website. Many of the site's links are now broken, but on there he formerly attested that ...
New Alexandria's user avatar
11 votes
1 answer
1k views

Are any special certs or licenses needed for Snow-ski equipped planes?

It has been asked and answered here that the ASEL is for Land operations and ASES for Seaborne. Are there requirements specific to using snow-ski equipped planes? I am most interested in the US, ...
CGCampbell's user avatar
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11 votes
2 answers
2k views

How should I safeguard my FAA certificate number?

The FAA’s Search Airmen Certificate Information reads in part Personal Information We do not display your SSN, certificate number, or date of birth. We will display a releasable address in accordance ...
Greg Bacon's user avatar
  • 5,686
11 votes
1 answer
481 views

How are type ratings created for new aircraft types?

When a new aircraft is developed that requires a new kind of type rating to fly, considering that FAR 61.195(b)(2) and (e) require the instructor giving a type rating (or any sort of instruction) in ...
UnrecognizedFallingObject's user avatar
10 votes
3 answers
3k views

Do pilots need a different license for each type of aircraft?

I have heard before that even an experienced Boeing 747 pilot can't operate a Boing 787 Dreamliner without attaining the specific license first.
ksatutatiyorijo's user avatar
10 votes
3 answers
2k 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 ...
Someone's user avatar
  • 6,564
10 votes
2 answers
815 views

Is it possible to fly an EASA registered airplane with an ICAO license?

Is it possible to fly an EASA registered airplane with an ICAO license? My problem is the following: I have obtained my ICAO PPL license in Argentina with 52 flight hours but currently I live in ...
Nicolas Lehmann's user avatar
10 votes
1 answer
4k views

Why do multi-engine privileges not propagate down to single-engine?

From this answer, privileges of single-engine and multi-engine are separated. A pilot who obtained his PPL on a single-engine and his CPL on a multi-engine is not permitted to exercise his commercial ...
kevin's user avatar
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10 votes
3 answers
38k views

How long does it take to get your official FAA certificate in the mail?

I'm asking this question because the only answer on the web right now is pretty old and I assume this is a common question. The above link refers to an FAA page that says: We are currently ...
Arel's user avatar
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10 votes
1 answer
1k views

How is a type rating administered for aircraft that do not comply with 91.109?

Let's say you have a demilitarized A-10 (this isn't too farfetched an idea, as this SDSM&T proposal for a replacement thunderstorm research aircraft demonstrates). With an empty weight twice the ...
UnrecognizedFallingObject's user avatar
9 votes
2 answers
1k views

How can I convert an FAA pilot's certificate to a Canadian one?

What do I have to do to obtain a Canadian pilot's license if I already have an FAA one?
fbynite's user avatar
  • 1,514
9 votes
1 answer
763 views

How much extra work to get a glider licence?

I have my SEL Private VFR licence. I recently went on a glider flight, and I loved it. How much extra work does it take a typical pilot to transition from SEL to gliders? What extra material will ...
Keegan's user avatar
  • 6,877
9 votes
2 answers
5k views

What are the pilot rating requirements for amphibians?

I know that both land and sea planes require pilot ratings in order to act as pilot-in-command. What is the requirement to act as pilot-in-command of an amphibian? Is there a third rating or just ...
Qantas 94 Heavy's user avatar
9 votes
1 answer
5k views

Can you fly an airliner without an ATPL?

The "captain in the right-hand seat" discussion got me thinking. As of 2013, you need an ATPL to operate any plane operating under Part 121 (as part of an "airline"). Both Captain and FO need this ...
KeithS's user avatar
  • 22.7k
9 votes
2 answers
509 views

Does any country issue daytime-only commercial licenses?

I got my PPL last year (EASA, UK) and I've always been interested in the commercial route. However, due to my red-green colour blindness I've failed the Ishihara, Farnsworth D15 and CAD vision tests ...
george7378's user avatar
9 votes
1 answer
2k views

Do I get two different certificate cards if I earn both a pilot and a ground instructor certificate in the US?

I would like to know if one will be receiving two separate licenses in case he/she earns a pilot certificate as well as a ground instructor certificate in the US. Do the certificates come separately ...
Francesco C's user avatar
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