Pre-Flight: Pilot Qualifications

Question 1

For an instrument rating you must have how much and what type of flight time as a pilot ? (4)

(FAR 61.65)

Answer 1

1. 50 hours cross country time as PIC, of which 10 must be airplane.
2. 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, 15 of which have to be received from a CFII.
3. 3 hours of instrument training from CFII in the appropriate airplane within 2 calendar months of practical test
4. Instrument training on cross country flight procedures including one cross country under IFR, with a filed flight plan that involves a flight of 250 nm along airways or ATC directed routing, an instrument approach at each airport, and 3 different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems.

Question 2

When is an instrument rating required? (5)

FAR 91.157

Answer 2

1. Under instrument flight rules (IFR Flight Plan)
2. In weather conditions below VFR minimums
3. In Class A Airspace
4. Under SVFR within class B, C, D, E surface areas between sunset and sunrise.
5. When carrying passengers for hire on cross-country flights greater than 50nm or at night.

Question 3

What are the currency requirements to be PIC under IFR? (3)

Answer 3

1. A flight review
2. To carry passengers, 3 takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days (must be full stop at night or in tailwheel)
3. Within the last 6 months under real IFR or simulated with view limiting device 6 instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, intercepting and tracking courses through use of navigational aids.

(can be done in FTD via rules of 61.57)

Question 4

Currency Expiration?

FAR 91.09

Answer 4

Pilot is current for 6 months following check ride or proficiency check. To become legal again after falling out of currency, pilot my be current by finding an appropriately rated safety pilot in simulated IFR only to acquire the 6 approaches etc. If over the second 6 months, you must have a proficiency check by an FAA approved person for practical testing.

Question 5

Required Qualifications to act as a Safety Pilot (3)

FAR 91.09

Answer 5

Pilot must:

1. Possess at least private pilot certificate with category and class of plane flown.
2. Possess an appropriate medical certificate (safety pilot is acting as a required crew member)
3. If the flight is to be conducted on an IFR flight plan, PIC must hold an instrument rating and be instrument current.

Question 6

Conditions necessary for logging instrument time.

Answer 6

Only during time that pilot operates aircraft solely by reference to instruments, under actual or simulated conditions.

Question 7

What do you need to include when logging instrument flight time? (2)

Answer 7

1. Location and type of each approach accomplished.

2. Name of safety pilot (if required)

Question 8

Conditions necessary to log ‘actual instrument flight time’?

Answer 8

Any flight time that is accumulated in IMC conditions with flight being conducted solely by reference to instruments.

Question 9

Definition of : Flight Time

Answer 9

When the aircraft moves under it’s own power for the purpose of flight. Ends when aircraft comes to stop after landing.