Introduction to Aviation

Who is the FAA, and where to find the rules they follow?

The Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), are issued by the FAA, they establish the rules which apply to all areas of aviation, operating rules and the construction of aircraft, experience necessary to meet requirements to get a pilot certificate.

The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is the largest modern transportation agency and a governmental body of the United States with powers to regulate all aspects of civil aviation in that nation as well as over its surrounding international waters. Its powers include the construction and operation of airports, air traffic management, the certification of personnel and aircraft, and the protection of U.S. assets during the launch or re-entry of commercial space vehicles.

What are the requirements to become a private pilot ?

To be eligible for a private pilot certificate, a person must

Be at least 17 years
Be able to speak, read, write, and understand English.
Receive flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor
Obtain at least a third-class FAA medical certificate
Pass the required knowledge test.
Meet the aeronautical experience requirements.
Pass a practical test on the areas of operation listed in § 61.107(b).
Hold a U.S Student pilot certificate.

Eligibility Requirements for Student Pilot

FAR §61.83

Be at least 16 years.
Be able to speak, read, write, and understand english.

Student Pilot:

What is a medical certificate, how to obtain one, and what are the different types?

What is a medical certificate?

The FAA defines a medical certificate as "acceptable evidence of physical fitness on a form prescribed by the Administrator." The primary goal is to protect not only those who would exercise the privileges of a pilot certificate but also air travelers and the general public.

How to get a Medical certificate?

You must Pass a physical exam administered by an FAA-authorized Aviation Medical Certificate Examiner (AME).

Types and duration of a medical certificate

First Class

Text

Remember, the duration depends upon the privileges that the pilot is exercising.

Second Class

Third Class

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Third Class

First Class

Second Class

Third Class

First Class

Second Class

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Third Class

First Class

Second Class

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What is Basic Med and how do you qualify to fly under it?

Basic Med

Basic Med relief pilots from holding a medical certificate.

1. Comply with the general BasicMed requirements (possess a U.S. driver's license, have held a medical after July 14, 2006).

2. Get a physical exam with a state-licensed physician, using the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist

3. Complete a BasicMed medical education course;

4. Additional requirements:

What are the requirements to fly under BasicMed?

Aircraft Requirements

Any aircraft authorized under federal law to carry not more than 6 occupants
Has a maximum certificated takeoff weight of not more than 6,000 pounds

Operator Requirements

Carries not more than five passengers
Operates under VFR or IFR, within the United States, at less than 18,000 feet MSL, not exceeding 250 knots.
Flight not operated for compensation or hire.

What are the minimum ground and flight training requirements for part 141 and 61?

Requirements	61	141
Ground Training	No	35
Total Hours	40	35
Flight Training	20	20
Solo Flight	10	5
1) A Cross-country (150NM total distance with stop at 3 different airports and a straight line more than 50NM) 2) A night cross-country flight of more than 100-nautical-miles total distances	Yes	Yes

Refer to FARs Part 141 Appendix B and Part 61.109 for more details.

What are your privileges and limitations as a private pilot?

§61.113 Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command.

no person who holds a private pilot certificate may act as pilot in command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire; nor may that person, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft.
A private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if:
- The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and
- The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.
A private pilot may not pay less than the pro rata share of the operating expenses of a flight with passengers, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees.
A private pilot may act as pilot in command of a charitable, nonprofit, or community event
A private pilot may be reimbursed for aircraft operating expenses that are directly related to search and location operations, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees, and the operation is sanctioned and under the direction and control of:
- A local, State, or Federal agency; or
- An organization that conducts search and location operations.
A private pilot who is an aircraft salesman and who has at least 200 hours of logged flight time may demonstrate an aircraft in flight to a prospective buyer.
A private pilot who meets the requirements of §61.69 may act as a pilot in command of an aircraft towing a glider or unpowered ultralight vehicle

Does My private pilot certificate expires ?

§61.56 Flight Review

§61.57 Recent flight experience

No but, you need to comply with:

Every 24 Calendar months
- At least 1 hour of ground
- At least 1 hour of flight.

The review must include
- Review part 91 rules.
- A review of those maneuvers and procedures that are necessary for the pilot to demonstrate the safe exercise of the privileges of the pilot certificate.

§61.56 Flight Review

§61.57 Recent flight experience

No person might act as a pilot in command of an aircraft carrying passengers unless at least three takeoffs and three landings within the preceding 90 days were performed. The required takeoffs and landings need to be in an airplane of the same category, class, and type.

If the aircraft to be flown is an aircraft with a tailwheel or during nighttime, the three takeoffs and three landings must be a full stop.

What is an aircraft class and category?

Classes

As used with respect to the certification of aircraft, means a broad grouping of aircraft having similar characteristics of propulsion, flight, or landing
Examples include:
- airplane, rotorcraft, glider, balloon, landplane, and seaplane

What is an airman class and category?

After your first experience of flying, you may want to spread your wings and explore a new category and class of aircraft.

Category : Classification of aircraft : airplane, rotorcraft, glider, etc.
Class: A classification of aircraft within a category having similar operating characteristics. Single engine land, multi-engine land, etc
Type: A specific model make and basic model of aircraft including specifications that do not change its handling or flight characteristics: DC-9, A320.