Atlas / eCFR / Subchapter D / Part 61
14 CFR · Part 61
CERTIFICATION: PILOTS, FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS, AND GROUND INSTRUCTORS
222 Legal Interpretations
Authority
49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, 44701-44703, 44707, 44709-44711, 44729, 44903, 45102-45103, 45301-45302.
Source
Docket 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997, unless otherwise noted.
Subpart A — General
41 sections
- § 61.1 § 61.1 Applicability and definitions. ↗
- § 61.2 § 61.2 Exercise of Privilege. ↗
- § 61.3 § 61.3 Requirement for certificates, ratings, privileges, and authorizations. ↗
- § 61.4 § 61.4 Qualification and approval of flight simulators and flight training devices. ↗
- § 61.5 § 61.5 Certificates and ratings issued under this part. ↗
- § 61.7 § 61.7 Obsolete certificates and ratings. ↗
- § 61.8 § 61.8 Inapplicability of unmanned aircraft operations. ↗
- § 61.9 § 61.9 Inapplicability of simplified flight controls aircraft experience credit. ↗
- § 61.11 § 61.11 Expired pilot certificates and re-issuance. ↗
- § 61.13 § 61.13 Issuance of airman certificates, ratings, and authorizations. ↗
- § 61.14 § 61.14 Incorporation by Reference. ↗
- § 61.15 § 61.15 Offenses involving alcohol or drugs. ↗
- § 61.16 § 61.16 Refusal to submit to an alcohol test or to furnish test results. ↗
- § 61.17 § 61.17 Temporary certificate. ↗
- § 61.18 § 61.18 [Reserved] ↗
- § 61.19 § 61.19 Duration of pilot and instructor certificates and privileges. ↗
- § 61.21 § 61.21 Duration of a Category II and a Category III pilot authorization (for other than part 121 and part 135 use). ↗
- § 61.23 § 61.23 Medical certificates: Requirement and duration. ↗
- § 61.25 § 61.25 Change of name. ↗
- § 61.27 § 61.27 Voluntary surrender or exchange of certificate. ↗
- § 61.29 § 61.29 Replacement of a lost or destroyed airman or medical certificate or knowledge test report. ↗
- § 61.31 § 61.31 Type rating requirements, additional training, and authorization requirements. ↗
- § 61.33 § 61.33 Tests: General procedure. ↗
- § 61.35 § 61.35 Knowledge test: Prerequisites and passing grades. ↗
- § 61.37 § 61.37 Knowledge tests: Cheating or other unauthorized conduct. ↗
- § 61.39 § 61.39 Prerequisites for practical tests. ↗
- § 61.40 § 61.40 Relief for U.S. Military and civilian personnel who are assigned outside the United States in support of U.S. Armed Forces operations. ↗
- § 61.41 § 61.41 Flight training received from flight instructors not certificated by the FAA. ↗
- § 61.43 § 61.43 Practical tests: General procedures. ↗
- § 61.45 § 61.45 Practical tests: Required aircraft and equipment. ↗
- § 61.47 § 61.47 Status and responsibilities of an examiner who is authorized by the Administrator to conduct practical tests. ↗
- § 61.49 § 61.49 Retesting after failure. ↗
- § 61.51 § 61.51 Pilot logbooks. ↗
- § 61.52 § 61.52 Use of aeronautical experience obtained in ultralight vehicles. ↗
- § 61.53 § 61.53 Prohibition on operations during medical deficiency. ↗
- § 61.55 § 61.55 Second-in-command qualifications. ↗
- § 61.56 § 61.56 Flight review. ↗
- § 61.57 § 61.57 Recent flight experience: Pilot in command. ↗
- § 61.58 § 61.58 Pilot-in-command proficiency check: Operation of an aircraft that requires more than one pilot flight crewmember or is turbojet-powered. ↗
- § 61.59 § 61.59 [Reserved] ↗
- § 61.60 § 61.60 Change of address. ↗
Subpart B — Aircraft Ratings and Pilot Authorizations
12 sections
- § 61.61 § 61.61 Applicability. ↗
- § 61.63 § 61.63 Additional aircraft ratings (other than for ratings at the airline transport pilot certification level). ↗
- § 61.64 § 61.64 Use of a flight simulator and flight training device. ↗
- § 61.65 § 61.65 Instrument rating requirements. ↗
- § 61.66 § 61.66 Enhanced Flight Vision System Pilot Requirements. ↗
- § 61.67 § 61.67 Category II pilot authorization requirements. ↗
- § 61.68 § 61.68 Category III pilot authorization requirements. ↗
- § 61.69 § 61.69 Glider and unpowered ultralight vehicle towing: Experience and training requirements. ↗
- § 61.71 § 61.71 Graduates of an approved training program other than under this part: Special rules. ↗
- § 61.73 § 61.73 Military pilots or former military pilots: Special rules. ↗
- § 61.75 § 61.75 Private pilot certificate issued on the basis of a foreign pilot license. ↗
- § 61.77 § 61.77 Special purpose pilot authorization: Operation of a civil aircraft of the United States and leased by a non-U.S. citizen. ↗
Subpart C — Student Pilots
9 sections
- § 61.81 § 61.81 Applicability. ↗
- § 61.83 § 61.83 Eligibility requirements for student pilots. ↗
- § 61.85 § 61.85 Application. ↗
- § 61.87 § 61.87 Solo requirements for student pilots. ↗
- § 61.89 § 61.89 General limitations. ↗
- § 61.91 § 61.91 [Reserved] ↗
- § 61.93 § 61.93 Solo cross-country flight requirements. ↗
- § 61.94 § 61.94 Student pilot seeking a sport pilot certificate or a recreational pilot certificate: Operations at airports within, and in airspace located within, Class B, C, and D airspace, or at airports with an operational control tower in other airspace. ↗
- § 61.95 § 61.95 Operations in Class B airspace and at airports located within Class B airspace. ↗
Subpart D — Recreational Pilots
6 sections
- § 61.96 § 61.96 Applicability and eligibility requirements: General. ↗
- § 61.97 § 61.97 Aeronautical knowledge. ↗
- § 61.98 § 61.98 Flight proficiency. ↗
- § 61.99 § 61.99 Aeronautical experience. ↗
- § 61.100 § 61.100 Pilots based on small islands. ↗
- § 61.101 § 61.101 Recreational pilot privileges and limitations. ↗
Subpart E — Private Pilots
11 sections
- § 61.102 § 61.102 Applicability. ↗
- § 61.103 § 61.103 Eligibility requirements: General. ↗
- § 61.105 § 61.105 Aeronautical knowledge. ↗
- § 61.107 § 61.107 Flight proficiency. ↗
- § 61.109 § 61.109 Aeronautical experience. ↗
- § 61.110 § 61.110 Night flying exceptions. ↗
- § 61.111 § 61.111 Cross-country flights: Pilots based on small islands. ↗
- § 61.113 § 61.113 Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command. ↗
- § 61.115 § 61.115 Balloon rating: Limitations. ↗
- § 61.117 § 61.117 Private pilot privileges and limitations: Second in command of aircraft requiring more than one pilot. ↗
- § 61.118-61.120 §§ 61.118-61.120 [Reserved] ↗
Subpart F — Commercial Pilots
8 sections
- § 61.121 § 61.121 Applicability. ↗
- § 61.123 § 61.123 Eligibility requirements: General. ↗
- § 61.125 § 61.125 Aeronautical knowledge. ↗
- § 61.127 § 61.127 Flight proficiency. ↗
- § 61.129 § 61.129 Aeronautical experience. ↗
- § 61.131 § 61.131 Exceptions to the night flying requirements. ↗
- § 61.133 § 61.133 Commercial pilot privileges and limitations. ↗
- § 61.135-61.141 §§ 61.135-61.141 [Reserved] ↗
Subpart G — Airline Transport Pilots
14 sections
- § 61.151 § 61.151 Applicability. ↗
- § 61.153 § 61.153 Eligibility requirements: General. ↗
- § 61.155 § 61.155 Aeronautical knowledge. ↗
- § 61.156 § 61.156 Training requirements: Airplane category—multiengine class or multiengine airplane type rating concurrently with an airline transport pilot certificate. ↗
- § 61.157 § 61.157 Flight proficiency. ↗
- § 61.158 § 61.158 [Reserved] ↗
- § 61.159 § 61.159 Aeronautical experience: Airplane category rating. ↗
- § 61.160 § 61.160 Aeronautical experience—airplane category restricted privileges. ↗
- § 61.161 § 61.161 Aeronautical experience: Rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating. ↗
- § 61.163 § 61.163 Aeronautical experience: Powered-lift category rating. ↗
- § 61.165 § 61.165 Additional aircraft category and class ratings. ↗
- § 61.167 § 61.167 Airline transport pilot privileges and limitations. ↗
- § 61.169 § 61.169 Letters of authorization for institutions of higher education. ↗
- § 61.170-69.171 §§ 61.170-69.171 [Reserved] ↗
Subpart H — Flight Instructors Other than Flight Instructors With a Sport Pilot Rating
11 sections
- § 61.181 § 61.181 Applicability. ↗
- § 61.183 § 61.183 Eligibility requirements. ↗
- § 61.185 § 61.185 Aeronautical knowledge. ↗
- § 61.187 § 61.187 Flight proficiency. ↗
- § 61.189 § 61.189 Flight instructor records. ↗
- § 61.191 § 61.191 Additional flight instructor ratings. ↗
- § 61.193 § 61.193 Flight instructor privileges. ↗
- § 61.195 § 61.195 Flight instructor limitations and qualifications. ↗
- § 61.197 § 61.197 Recent experience requirements for flight instructor certification. ↗
- § 61.199 § 61.199 Reinstatement of flight instructor privileges. ↗
- § 61.201 § 61.201 [Reserved] ↗
Subpart I — Ground Instructors
4 sections
Subpart J — Sport Pilots
17 sections
- § 61.301 § 61.301 What is the purpose of this subpart and to whom does it apply? ↗
- § 61.303 § 61.303 If I want to operate an aircraft that satisfies the limitations identified in § 61.316, what operating limits and endorsement requirements in this subpart must I comply with? ↗
- § 61.305 § 61.305 What are the age and language requirements for a sport pilot certificate? ↗
- § 61.307 § 61.307 What tests do I have to take to obtain a sport pilot certificate? ↗
- § 61.309 § 61.309 What aeronautical knowledge must I have to apply for a sport pilot certificate? ↗
- § 61.311 § 61.311 What flight proficiency requirements must I meet to apply for a sport pilot certificate? ↗
- § 61.313 § 61.313 What aeronautical experience must I have to apply for a sport pilot certificate? ↗
- § 61.315 § 61.315 What are the privileges and limits of my sport pilot certificate? ↗
- § 61.316 § 61.316 What are the performance limits and design requirements for the aircraft that a sport pilot may operate? ↗
- § 61.317 § 61.317 Is my sport pilot certificate issued with aircraft category and class ratings? ↗
- § 61.319 § 61.319 [Reserved] ↗
- § 61.321 § 61.321 How do I obtain privileges to operate an additional category or class of aircraft? ↗
- § 61.323 § 61.323 [Reserved] ↗
- § 61.325 § 61.325 How do I obtain privileges to operate an aircraft at an airport within, or in airspace within, Class B, C, and D airspace, or in other airspace with an airport having an operational control tower? ↗
- § 61.327 § 61.327 Are there specific endorsement requirements to operate an aircraft based on V H ? ↗
- § 61.329 § 61.329 How do I obtain privileges to operate an aircraft at night? ↗
- § 61.331 § 61.331 How do I obtain privileges to operate an aircraft with retractable landing gear or an airplane with a manual controllable pitch propeller? ↗
Subpart K — Flight Instructors With a Sport Pilot Rating
16 sections
- § 61.401 § 61.401 What is the purpose of this subpart? ↗
- § 61.403 § 61.403 What are the age, language, and pilot certificate requirements for a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating? ↗
- § 61.405 § 61.405 What tests do I have to take to obtain a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating? ↗
- § 61.407 § 61.407 What aeronautical knowledge must I have to apply for a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating? ↗
- § 61.409 § 61.409 What flight proficiency requirements must I meet to apply for a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating? ↗
- § 61.411 § 61.411 What aeronautical experience must I have to apply for a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating? ↗
- § 61.412 § 61.412 Do I need additional training to provide instruction on control and maneuvering an airplane solely by reference to the instruments in an aircraft based on V H ? ↗
- § 61.413 § 61.413 What are the privileges of my flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating? ↗
- § 61.415 § 61.415 What are the limits of a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating? ↗
- § 61.417 § 61.417 Will my flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating list aircraft category and class ratings? ↗
- § 61.419 § 61.419 How do I obtain privileges to provide training in an additional category or class of aircraft? ↗
- § 61.421 § 61.421 May I give myself an endorsement? ↗
- § 61.423 § 61.423 What are the recordkeeping requirements for a flight instructor with a sport pilot rating? ↗
- § 61.425 § 61.425 How do I establish recent experience for my flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating? ↗
- § 61.427 § 61.427 How do I reinstate my flight instructor privileges if I fail to establish recent experience for my flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating? ↗
- § 61.429 § 61.429 May I exercise the privileges of a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating if I hold a flight instructor certificate with another rating? ↗
Related Advisory Circulars
ACs whose subject series maps to Part 61. 19 current, 52 cancelled.
- AC 61-146Pilot Certification and Operations for Sport Pilots, Flight Instructors with a Sport Pilot Rating, and Simplified Flight ControlsCurrent2025-11-14↗
- AC 61-65KCertification: Pilots and Flight and Ground InstructorsCurrent2025-11-14↗
- AC 61-145Flight Instructor Enhanced Qualification Training Program (FIEQTP)Current2024-10-30↗
- AC 61-83KNationally Scheduled, FAA-Approved, Industry-Conducted Flight Instructor Refresher CourseCurrent2024-10-30↗
- AC 61-91KWINGS—Pilot Proficiency ProgramCurrent2024-10-30↗
- AC 61-98ECurrency Requirements and Guidance for the Flight Review and Instrument Proficiency CheckCurrent2024-10-30↗
- AC 61-144Issuance Process for Pilot Certificates in Accordance with the Implementation Procedures for Licensing as Part of the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement Between the FAA and the Swiss FOCACurrent2024-04-10↗
- AC 61-138AAirline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program including Change 1Current2023-06-21↗
- AC 61-143Conversion Process for Pilot Certificates in Accordance with the Technical Implementation Procedures - Licensing as Part of the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement Between the FAA and EASA including Change 1Current2021-06-22↗
- AC 61-142Sharing Aircraft Operating Expenses in Accordance with 14 CFR § 61.113 (c)Current2020-02-25↗
- AC 61-136BFAA Approval of Aviation Training Devices and Their Use for Training and ExperienceCurrent2018-09-12↗
- AC 61-141Flight Instructors as Certifying Officials for Student Pilot and Remote Pilot ApplicantsCurrent2018-06-25↗
- AC 61-140AAutorotation TrainingCurrent2016-08-31↗
- AC 61-135AConversion Process for Pilot Certificates in Accordance with the Implementation Procedures for Licensing as part of the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement Between the Federal Aviation Administration and Transport Canada Civil Aviation Authority for Pilot Licensing including Change 1Current2015-05-15↗
- AC 61-137BApproval of Manufacturer's Required Training ProgramsCurrent2014-10-31↗
- AC 61-139Institution of Higher Education’s Application for Authority to Certify its Graduates for an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with Reduced Aeronautical ExperienceCurrent2013-07-12↗
- AC 61-107BAircraft Operations at Altitudes Above 25,000 Feet Mean Sea Level or Mach Numbers Greater Than .75/ with Change 1Current2013-03-29↗
- AC 61-134General Aviation Controlled Flight into Terrain AwarenessCurrent2003-04-01↗
- AC 61-67CStall and Spin Awareness Training with Change 1 & 2Current2000-09-25↗
- AC 61-65JCertification: Pilots and Flight and Ground InstructorsCancelled2024-10-30↗
- AC 61-83JNationally Scheduled, FAA-Approved, Industry-Conducted Flight Instructor Refresher CourseCancelled2018-09-13↗
- AC 61-65HCertification: Pilots and Flight and Ground InstructorsCancelled2018-08-27↗
- AC 61-98DCurrency Requirements and Guidance for the Flight Review and Instrument Proficiency CheckCancelled2018-04-30↗
- AC 61-65GCertification: Pilots and Flight and Ground InstructorsCancelled2017-08-25↗
- AC 61-65FCertification: Pilots and Flight and Ground InstructorsCancelled2016-02-25↗
- AC 61-98CCurrency Requirements and Guidance for the Flight Review and Instrument Proficiency CheckCancelled2015-11-20↗
- AC 61-83HNationally Scheduled, FAA Approved, Industry Conducted Flight Instructor Refresher CourseCancelled2015-08-04↗
- AC 61-136AFAA Approval of Aviation Training Devices and Their Use for Training and ExperienceCancelled2014-11-17↗
- AC 61-138Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (Change 1)Cancelled2013-07-02↗
- AC 61-140Autorotation TrainingCancelled2013-05-23↗
- AC 61-98BCurrency Requirements and Guidance for the Flight Review and Instrument Proficiency CheckCancelled2012-04-30↗
- AC 61-83GNationally Scheduled FAA-Approved Industry-Conducted Flight Instructor Refresher CourseCancelled2011-09-30↗
- AC 61-137AApproval of Manufacturer's Required Training Program.Cancelled2011-09-15↗
- AC 61-91JWINGS - Pilot Proficiency ProgramsCancelled2011-02-16↗
- AC 61-137Approval of Manufacturers Required Training ProgramsCancelled2008-09-26↗
- AC 61-136FAA Approval of Basic Aviation Training Devices (BATD) and Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATD)Cancelled2008-07-14↗
- AC 61-83FNationally Scheduled FAA-Approved Industry-Conducted Flight Instructor Refresher ClinicsCancelled2007-11-07↗
- AC 61-135Conversion Procedures and Processes for FAA Pilot Certificates and TCCA Pilot LicensesCancelled2006-12-05↗
- AC 61-65ECertification: Pilots and Flight and Ground InstructorsCancelled2005-11-29↗
- AC 61-111AAnnouncement of Availability Instrument Rating Practical Test Standards (PTS) for Airplane, Helicopter, Power LiftCancelled2004-04-01↗
- AC 61-107AOperations of Aircraft at Altitudes Above 25,000 feet MSL and/or Mach Numbers (Mmo) Greater than. 75Cancelled2003-01-02↗
- AC 61-83ENationally Scheduled Federal Aviation Administration Approved Industry - Conducted Flight Instructor Refresher ClinicsCancelled2001-11-19↗
- AC 61-127AANNOUNCEMENT OF CANCELLATION: FAA-S-8081-19, Recreational Pilot Powered Parachute Practical Test StandardCancelled2001-05-09↗
- AC 61-122DANNOUNCEMENT OF AVAILABILITY: FAA-S-8081-5D, Airline Transport Pilot and Aircraft Type Rating Practical Test Standards for AirplaneCancelled2001-02-09↗
- AC 61-89EPilot Certificates: Aircraft Type RatingsCancelled2000-08-04↗
- AC 61-12MStudent Pilot GuideCancelled2000-01-12↗
- AC 61-65DCertification; Pilot and Flight Instructors and Ground InstructorsCancelled1999-09-20↗
- AC 61-130Flight Instructor Practical Test Standards for GliderCancelled1999-07-19↗
- AC 61-131Annoucement of Availability: FAA-S-8081-22, Private Pilot Practical Test Standards for GlidersCancelled1999-04-26↗
- AC 61-132Announcement of Availability: FAA-S-8081-23, Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards for GliderCancelled1999-04-26↗
+ 21 more on the FAA index
Recent Federal Register activity
The last 25 of 187 Federal Register documents that touch 14 CFR Part 61, newest first.
- 2026-04-17RuleSettlement Policy for Small Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) CasesRead →
- 2025-12-08NPRMSport Pilot Practical Test Standards AlignmentRead →
- 2025-09-03RuleFalsification, Reproduction, Alteration, Omission, or Incorrect StatementsRead →
- 2025-08-18RuleModernization of Special Airworthiness Certification; CorrectionRead →
- 2025-07-24RuleModernization of Special Airworthiness CertificationRead →
- 2025-01-03RuleRegulatory Updates to BasicMedRead →
- 2024-12-27RuleRegulatory Updates to BasicMed; CorrectionRead →
- 2024-11-21RuleIntegration of Powered-Lift: Pilot Certification and Operations; Miscellaneous Amendments Related to Rotorcraft and AirplanesRead →
- 2024-11-18RuleRegulatory Updates to BasicMedRead →
- 2024-10-02RulePublic Aircraft Logging of Flight Time, Training in Certain Aircraft Holding Special Airworthiness Certificates, and Flight Instructor PrivilegesRead →
- 2024-10-01RuleRemoval of Expiration Date on a Flight Instructor Certificate; Additional Qualification Requirements To Train Initial Flight Instructor Applicants; and Other ProvisionsRead →
- 2024-09-10RuleAirman Certification Standards and Practical Test Standards for Airmen; Incorporation by Reference; CorrectionRead →
- 2024-07-23RuleRobinson Helicopter R-22 and R-44 Special Training and Experience RequirementsRead →
- 2024-04-22RuleAirman Certification Standards and Practical Test Standards for Airmen; Incorporation by ReferenceRead →
- 2024-04-01RuleAirman Certification Standards and Practical Test Standards for Airmen; Incorporation by ReferenceRead →
- 2024-02-08NPRMModernization of Special Airworthiness CertificationRead →
- 2024-02-08NPRMFalsification, Reproduction, Alteration, Omission, or Incorrect StatementsRead →
- 2023-11-01NPRMRemoval of Expiration Date on a Flight Instructor Certificate; Additional Qualification Requirements To Train Initial Flight Instructor Applicants; and Other Provisions; Reopening of Comment PeriodRead →
- 2023-10-17NPRMRobinson Helicopter R-22 and R-44 Special Training and Experience RequirementsRead →
- 2023-10-04NPRMModernization of Special Airworthiness CertificationRead →
- 2023-08-17NPRMPublic Aircraft Logging of Flight Time, Training in Certain Aircraft Holding Special Airworthiness Certificates, and Flight Instructor PrivilegesRead →
- 2023-07-24NPRMModernization of Special Airworthiness CertificationRead →
- 2023-07-13NPRMPublic Aircraft Logging of Flight Time, Training in Certain Aircraft Holding Special Airworthiness Certificates, and Flight Instructor Privileges; CorrectionRead →
- 2023-06-23NPRMPublic Aircraft Logging of Flight Time, Training in Certain Aircraft Holding Special Airworthiness Certificates, and Flight Instructor PrivilegesRead →
- 2023-06-14NPRMIntegration of Powered-Lift: Pilot Certification and Operations; Miscellaneous Amendments Related to Rotorcraft and AirplanesRead →
+ 162 more on federalregister.gov