Pilot Qualifications

Question 1

What are the eligibility requirements for a commercial pilot (airplane) certificate? (14 CFR 61.123

Answer 1

a. Be at least 18 years of age.

b. Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.

c. Hold at least a private pilot certificate.

d. Hold at least a current Third Class medical certificate.

e. Received the required ground and flight training endorsements.

f. Pass the required knowledge and practical tests.

g. Meet the aeronautical experience requirements.

Exam Tip: The evaluator may ask you to demonstrate that you’re current and eligible to take the practical test. When preparing for your practical test, verify that you have the required hours and that you’re current, and don’t forget to double-check all of your endorsements. Make sure that you have totaled all of the logbook columns and that the entries make sense.

Question 2

What privileges apply to a commercial pilot? (14 CFR 61.133)

Answer 2

A person who holds a commercial pilot certificate may act as pilot-in-command of an aircraft:

a. Carrying persons or property for compensation or hire.

b. For compensation or hire.

Note: 14 CFR §61.133 also states that a commercial pilot must be qualified and comply with the applicable parts of the regulations that apply to the particular operation being conducted (for example, Part 91 or 135).

Question 3

Discuss what qualifies as a commercial pilot operation

Answer 3

A commercial pilot intending to conduct operations as a pilot-in-command of an aircraft carrying persons or property for compensation or hire should look cautiously at any proposal for revenue operating flights.

The following facts should be considered:

a. Part 61 states that you may be paid for acting as PIC of an aircraft engaged in carrying persons or property for compensation or hire. However, Part 61 does not mention that if you are acting completely by yourself, you could be considered a commercial operator, and as such, be subject to an entirely different set of regulations.

b. A commercial pilot certificate by itself does not allow you to act as a commercial operator. It only allows you to work for a commercial operator and be paid for your service, with certain exceptions.

c. As a commercial pilot, certain commercial operations are allowed without being in possession of an “Operating Certificate.” Examples of such operations include student instruction, certain nonstop sightseeing flights, ferry or training flights, aerial work operations including crop dusting, banner towing, aerial photography, powerline or pipeline patrol, etc. These operations are listed in 14 CFR §119.1.

Exam Tip: During the practical test, your knowledge of commercial pilot privileges and limitations will be evaluated. Know the pertinent regulations well, with emphasis on 14 CFR §§61.133, 91.147, 119.1, 135.1 and Part 136. Also recommended is a review of FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 120-12, Private Carriage versus Common Carriage of Persons or Property, located in Appendix 1 of this guide.

Question 4

What does the term “commercial operator” refer to? (14 CFR Part 1)

Answer 4

Commercial operator means a person who, for compensation or hire, engages in the carriage by aircraft in air commerce of persons or property, other than as an air carrier or foreign air carrier or under the authority of 14 CFR Part 375. Where it is doubtful that an operation is for “compensation or hire,” the test applied is whether the carriage by air is merely incidental to the person’s other business or is, in itself, a major enterprise for profit.

Question 5

Define the term “common carriage.” (AC 120-12)

Answer 5

Common carriage refers to the carriage of passengers or cargo as a result of advertising the availability of the carriage to the public. A carrier becomes a common carrier when it “holds itself out” to the public, or a segment of the public, as willing to furnish transportation within the limits of its facilities to any person who wants it. There are four elements in defining a “common carrier”:

a. A holding out or a willingness to

b. transport persons or property

c. from place to place

d. for compensation.

Question 6

Define “holding out.” (AC 120-12)

Answer 6

Holding out implies offering to the public the carriage of persons and property for hire either intrastate or interstate. This holding out that makes a person a common carrier can be done in many ways, and it does not matter how it is done.

a. Signs and advertising are the most direct means of holding out but are not the only ones.

b. A holding out may be accomplished through the actions of agents, agencies, or salesmen who may obtain passenger traffic from the general public and collect them into groups to be carried by the operator.

c. Physically holding out without advertising, yet gaining a reputation to “serve all,” is sufficient to constitute an offer to carry all customers. For example, the expression of willingness to all customers with whom contact is made that the operator can and will perform the requested service is sufficient. It makes no difference if the holding out generates little success; the issue is the nature and character of the operation.

d. A carrier holding itself out as generally willing to carry only certain kinds of traffic is nevertheless a common carrier.

Question 7

Define the term “private carriage.” (AC 120-12)

Answer 7

Carriage for hire that does not involve holding out is “private carriage.” Private carriage for hire is carriage for one or several selected customers, generally on a long-term basis. The number of contracts must not be too great, otherwise it implies a willingness to make a contract with anybody. A carrier operating with 18 to 24 contracts has been labeled a common carrier because it has held itself out to serve the general public to the extent of its facilities. Private carriage has been found in cases where three contracts have been the sole basis of the operator’s business. But the number of contracts is not the determining factor when assessing whether a particular operation is common carriage or private carriage; any proposal for revenue-generating flights that would most likely require certification as an air carrier should be examined closely if you intend to practice private carriage.

Question 8

What are some examples of non-common carriage operations that involve the transportation of persons or property and may involve compensation, but are conducted under Part 91? (14 CFR 91.501)

Answer 8

Part 91 Subpart F applies to large and turbine-powered multi-engine airplanes and fractional ownership program aircraft. 14 CFR §91.501 sets conditions on the amount and types of compensation for these operations. Examples include:

a. Flights conducted by the operator of an airplane for the operator’s own personal transportation, or the transportation of guests.

b. Carriage of company officials, employees, and guests on an airplane operated under a time sharing, interchange, or joint ownership agreement.

c. Carriage of property (except mail) incidental to business (limited compensation for expenses).

d. Carriage of a group (with common purpose) when there is no charge, assessment or fee.

e. Fractional ownership

Question 9

Determine if either of the following two scenarios are common carriage operations and, if so, why?

Scenario 1: I am a local businessman and require a package to be flown to a distant destination ASAP. I will pay you to fly my airplane to deliver this package.

Scenario 2: I am a local businessman and require a package to be flown to a distant destination ASAP. You reply that you can do the job for a fee. You promptly line up a local rental aircraft you’re checked out in and deliver the package.

Answer 9

Scenario 2 would be considered a common carriage operation because you are holding out by indicating a general willingness to all customers with whom contact is made to transport persons or property from place to place for compensation.

Question 10

Briefly describe 14 CFR Parts 117, 119, 121, 125, 135, 136, and 137.

Answer 10

Part 117—Flight and Duty Limitations and Rest Requirements: Flight Crewmembers

Part 119—Certification: Air Carriers and Commercial Operators

Part 121—Operating Requirements: Domestic, Flag, and Supplemental Operations

Part 125—Certification and Operations: Airplanes having a seating capacity of 20 or more passengers or a maximum payload capacity of 6,000 pounds or more

Part 135—Operating Requirements: Commuter and On-Demand Operations

Part 136—Commercial Air Tours and National Parks Air Tour Management

Part 137—Agricultural Aircraft Operations

Question 11

What limitation is imposed on a newly certificated commercial airplane pilot if that person does not hold an instrument rating? (14 CFR 61.133)

Answer 11

The pilot must hold an instrument rating in the same category and class, or the Commercial Pilot Certificate that is issued is endorsed with a limitation prohibiting the following:

a. The carriage of passengers for hire in airplanes on cross-country flights in excess of 50 nautical miles;

b. The carriage of passengers for hire in airplanes at night.

Question 12

To act as a required pilot flight crewmember of a civil aircraft, what must a pilot have in his/her physical possession or readily accessible in the aircraft? (14 CFR 61.3)

Answer 12

a. A pilot certificate (or special purpose pilot authorization)

b. A photo identification

c. A medical certificate (with certain exceptions as provided in 14 CFR §61.3)

Question 13

If a certificated pilot changes his/her permanent mailing address and fails to notify the FAA Airman Certification branch of the new address, for how long may the pilot continue to exercise the privileges of his/her pilot certificate? (14 CFR 61.60)

Answer 13

30 days after the date of the move.

Question 14

If a pilot certificate is accidentally lost or destroyed, a pilot could continue to exercise the privileges of that certificate provided he/she follows what specific procedure? (14 CFR 61.29)

Answer 14

a. An application for the replacement of a lost or destroyed airman certificate issued under Part 61 is made by letter to the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration; and

b. A person who has lost a certificate may obtain, in a form or manner approved by the FAA Administrator, a document conveying temporary authority to exercise the certificate privileges. The document may be carried as an airman certificate for up to 60 days pending the person’s receipt of a duplicate certificate

Question 15

To act as pilot-in-command of a high-performance aircraft, what flight experience requirements must be met? (14 CFR 61.31)

Answer 15

A high-performance airplane is an airplane with an engine of more than 200 horsepower. To act as pilot-in-command of a high-performance airplane, a person must have:

a. Received and logged ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in a high-performance airplane, or in a flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of a high-performance airplane; and

b. Been found proficient in the operation and systems of that airplane; and

c. Received a one-time endorsement in the pilot’s logbook from an authorized instructor who certifies the person is proficient to operate a high-performance airplane.

Question 16

What is the definition of a complex airplane?(14 CFR 61.1)

Answer 16

A complex airplane is defined as an airplane that has a retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable pitch propeller, including airplanes equipped with an engine control system consisting of a digital computer and associated accessories for controlling the engine and propeller, such as a full authority digital engine control (FADEC).

Question 17

What are the requirements to act as pilot-in-command of a complex airplane? (14 CFR 61.31)

Answer 17

To act as pilot-in-command of a complex airplane, you must have:

a. Received and logged ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in a complex airplane, or in a flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of a complex airplane, and been found proficient in the operation and systems of the airplane; and

b. Received a one-time endorsement in your logbook from an authorized instructor who certifies that you are proficient to operate a complex airplane.

Question 18

To act as pilot-in-command of a pressurized aircraft, what flight experience requirements must be met? (14 CFR 61.31)

Answer 18

To act as pilot-in-command of a pressurized aircraft (an aircraft that has a service ceiling or maximum operating altitude, whichever is lower, above 25,000 feet MSL), a person must have received and logged ground and flight training from an authorized instructor and obtained an endorsement in the person’s logbook or training record from an authorized instructor who certifies the person has:

a. satisfactorily accomplished the ground training, which includes high-altitude aerodynamics, meteorology, respiration, hypoxia, etc.; and

b. received and logged training in a pressurized aircraft, or in a flight simulator or flight training device representative of a pressurized aircraft, and obtained an endorsement in the person’s logbook or training record from an authorized instructor who found the person proficient in the operation of pressurized aircraft (must include normal cruise flight above 25,000 feet MSL, emergency procedures for rapid decompression, and emergency descent procedures).

Question 19

To act as pilot-in-command of a tailwheel airplane, what flight experience requirements must be met? (14 CFR 61.31)

Answer 19

No person may act as pilot-in-command of a tailwheel airplane unless that person has received and logged flight training from an authorized instructor in a tailwheel airplane and received an endorsement in the person’s logbook from an authorized instructor who found the person proficient in the operation of a tailwheel airplane. The flight training must include at least the following maneuvers and procedures: normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings, wheel landings and go-around procedures.

Question 20

When would a commercial pilot be required to hold a type rating? (14 CFR 61.31)

Answer 20

According to 14 CFR §61.31, a person who acts as a pilot-in-command of any of the following aircraft must hold a type rating for that aircraft:

a. Large aircraft (gross weight over 12,500 pounds, except lighter-than-air)

b. Turbojet-powered airplanes

c. Other aircraft specified by the Administrator through aircraft type certificate procedures.

Question 21

With respect to certification, privileges, and limitations of airmen, define the terms “Category,” “Class,” and “Type.” (14 CFR Part 1)

Answer 21

Category—a broad classification of aircraft (e.g., airplane, rotorcraft, glider, etc.)

Class—a classification of aircraft within a category having similar operating characteristics (e.g., single-engine land, multi-engine land, etc.)

Type—a specific make and basic model of aircraft including modifications that do not change its handling or flight characteristics (e.g., DC-9, B-737, etc.)

Question 22

Can a pilot with a commercial certificate and multi-engine land rating carry passengers in a single-engine airplane? (14 CFR 61.31)

Answer 22

No. Unless the pilot holds a category, class and type rating (if a class and type rating is required) that applies to that aircraft, the pilot may not act as pilot-in-command in this situation.

Question 23

Can a commercial pilot carry a passenger in an aircraft operated in formation flight? (14 CFR 91.111)

Answer 23

No person may operate an aircraft, carrying passengers for hire, in formation flight.

Question 24

Can a commercial pilot carry passengers in a restricted, limited, or experimental category aircraft? (14 CFR 91.313, 91.315, 91.317, and 91.319)

Answer 24

No person may operate a restricted, limited, or experimental category aircraft carrying persons or property for hire.

Question 25

When may a commercial pilot log flight time as second-in-command time? (14 CFR 61.51)

Answer 25

According to 14 CFR §61.51, a pilot may log second-in-command time only for that flight time during which that person:

a. Is qualified according to the second-in-command requirements of 14 CFR §61.55, and occupies a crewmember station in an aircraft that requires more than one pilot by the aircraft’s type certificate; or

b. Holds the appropriate category, class, and instrument rating (if an instrument rating is required for the flight) for the aircraft being flown, and more than one pilot is required under the type certification of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is being conducted.

Question 26

You are currently en route to your destination and the sun has set. When can you begin logging flight time as “night” flight time? (14 CFR Part 1)

Answer 26

“Night” is defined as the time between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight, as published in the Air Almanac and converted to local time. All flight time that occurs during this period of time is considered “night” flight time.

Question 27

While you are performing a preflight inspection on your aircraft, an inspector from the FAA introduces herself and says she wants to conduct a ramp inspection. What documents are you required to show the inspector? (14 CFR 61.3)

Answer 27

Each person who holds an airman certificate, medical certificate, authorization, or license required by 14 CFR Part 61 must present it and their photo identification for inspection upon a request from the Administrator; an authorized NTSB representative; any federal, state, or local law enforcement officer; or an authorized representative of the TSA.

Question 28

What are the requirements to remain current as a commercial pilot? (14 CFR 61.56, 61.57)

Answer 28

a. Within the preceding 24 months, the pilot must have accomplished a flight review given in an aircraft for which that pilot is rated by an authorized instructor and received a logbook endorsement certifying that the person has satisfactorily completed the review.

b. To carry passengers, a pilot must have made, within the preceding 90 days:

• Three takeoffs and landings as the sole manipulator of flight controls of an aircraft of the same category and class and, if a type rating is required, of the same type.

• If the aircraft is a tailwheel airplane, the landings must have been made to a full stop.

• If operations are to be conducted during the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise, with passengers on board, the pilot-in-command must have made at least three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop during that period in an aircraft of the same category, class, and type (if a type is required) of aircraft to be used.

Note: Takeoffs and landings required by this regulation may be accomplished in a flight simulator or flight training device that is approved by the Administrator and used in accordance with an approved course conducted by a certificated training center.

Exam Tip: The evaluator may ask you to demonstrate that you’re current and eligible to take the practical test. When preparing for your practical test, verify that you have the required hours and that you’re current, and don’t forget to double-check all of your endorsements. Make sure that you have totaled all of the logbook columns and that the entries make sense.

Question 29

Is a commercial pilot required to log all flight time? (14 CFR 61.51)

Answer 29

Each person must document and record, in a manner acceptable to the Administrator, the training and aeronautical experience used to meet the requirements for a certificate, rating or flight review of 14 CFR Part 61. They must also document and record the aeronautical experience required for meeting the recent flight experience requirements of Part 61.

Question 30

When logging flight time in your logbook, what minimum information is required for each entry? (14 CFR 61.51)

Answer 30

Each person must enter the following information for each flight or lesson logged:

a. General—date; total flight time or lesson time; location where the aircraft departed and arrived, or for lessons in a flight simulator or flight training device, the location where the lesson occurred.

b. Type of pilot experience or training—solo; pilot-in-command; second-in-command; flight and ground training received from an authorized instructor; training received in a flight simulator, flight training device, or aviation training device from an authorized instructor.

c. Conditions of flight—day or night; actual instrument; simulated instrument conditions in flight, a flight simulator, flight training device, or aviation training device.

Question 31

As a commercial pilot, you obtain a job flying freight at night. Does your night currency count towards your currency to carry passengers during the day? (14 CFR 61.57)

Answer 31

Yes, provided that the landings at night were accomplished (within the preceding 90 days) in the same category, class and type (if a type rating is required) of the aircraft you will fly during the day.

Question 32

Explain the difference between being “current” and being “proficient.” (FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-P-8740-36)

Answer 32

Being “current” means that a pilot has accomplished the minimum FAA regulatory requirements within a specific time period to exercise the privileges of their certificate. It means that the pilot is “legal” to make a flight, but it does not necessarily mean that the pilot is proficient or competent to make that flight.

Being “proficient” means that a pilot is capable of conducting a flight with a high degree of competence or skill, and it requires that the pilot have a wide range of knowledge and skills. Being proficient is not about just being “legal” in terms of the regulations, but about being “smart” and “safe” in terms of pilot experience and proficiency.

Question 33

How will establishing a personal minimums checklist reduce risk? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 33

Professional pilots live by the numbers, and so should you. Pre-established hard numbers can make it a lot easier to make a smart go/no-go or divert decision than does a vague sense that you can “probably” deal with the conditions you face at any given time. In addition, a written set of personal minimums can make it easier to explain tough decisions to passengers who are, after all, trusting their lives to your aeronautical skill and judgment.

Exam Tip: The evaluator will ask you if you have established your own personal minimums. Prior to the checkride, complete a personal minimums worksheet if you have not already done so. Also, at some point during the test, the evaluator may present you with a scenario to determine if you will actually adhere to your personal minimums, so be prepared. For a copy of the FAA’s “Personal Minimums Worksheet,” see: www.faasafety.gov.

Question 34

How can flying an unfamiliar aircraft or an aircraft with unfamiliar avionics or flight display systems increase the total risk of a flight? (FAA-H-8083-25)

Answer 34

Pilot familiarity with all equipment is critical in optimizing both safety and efficiency. If a pilot is unfamiliar with any aircraft systems, this will add to workload and may contribute to a loss of situational awareness. This level of proficiency is critical and should be looked upon as a requirement, not unlike carrying an adequate supply of fuel. As a result, pilots should consider unfamiliarity with the aircraft and its systems a hazard with high risk potential. Discipline is key to success.

Question 35

What regulations apply to medical certification?

Answer 35

14 CFR Part 67—Medical Standards and Certification.

Question 36

What class of medical certificate is required for commercial pilots? (14 CFR 61.23)

Answer 36

A second-class medical certificate is required in order to exercise commercial pilot privileges.

Question 37

What is the duration of a second-class medical certificate for operations requiring a commercial pilot certificate? (14 CFR 61.23)

Answer 37

A second-class medical certificate expires at the end of the last day of the 12th month after the month of the date of the examination shown on the certificate for operations requiring a commercial certificate.

Question 38

Where can you find a list of the medical conditions that would disqualify you from obtaining or holding a medical certificate? (14 CFR Part 67)

Answer 38

The standards for medical certification are contained in 14 CFR Part 67. There are 15 conditions that are considered disqualifying by history of clinical diagnosis.

Question 39

As a flight crewmember, you discover you have high blood pressure. You are in possession of a current medical certificate. Can you continue to exercise the privileges of your certificate? (14 CFR 61.53)

Answer 39

No; the regulations prohibit a pilot who possesses a current medical certificate from performing crewmember duties while the pilot has a known medical condition or an increase of a known medical condition that would make the pilot unable to meet the standards for the medical certificate. Consult an AME before flying again.

Question 40

Are flight crewmembers allowed the use of any medications while performing their required duties? (14 CFR 61.53)

Answer 40

The regulations prohibit pilots from performing crewmember duties while taking medication or receiving other treatment for a medical condition that results in the person being unable to meet the requirements for the medical certificate necessary for the pilot operation. The safest rule is not to fly as a crewmember while taking any medication, unless approved to do so by the FAA. Consult an AME for advice.