Top 5 Perplexing FAA Rules to Grasp

Top 5 Perplexing FAA Rules to Grasp

In the world of aviation, the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) play a crucial role in ensuring safety and order. Here's a breakdown of some key FAR rules that every pilot should know.

1. Inspection Requirements for Aircraft

Aircraft used for hire or flight instruction must undergo an annual or 100-hour inspection. However, aircraft without a 100-hour inspection can operate if they have had an annual, 100-hour, or condition inspection within the preceding 100 hours of time in service. The 100-hour limitation may be exceeded by not more than 10 hours while en route to a place where the inspection can be done; this excess time must be included in the calculation of the next 100 hours.

2. Medical Certificate Validity

The validity period of a medical certificate depends on its class and the pilot's age. Generally, first-class certificates have shorter validity, second-class intermediate, and third-class the longest. However, for exact FAA periods, consult 14 CFR Part 61.23 or FAA guidance.

3. Pilot-in-Command (PIC) During Flight Training

During flight training conducted under a Letter of Deviation Authority (LODA), the LODA must be carried on board, and the instructor must keep a record of training, including the instructor's signature certifying the training given. This implies that the pilot does not log PIC time as sole manipulator of the controls unless specified by the instructor or check.

4. PIC Authority During Checkrides

For checkrides, the designated pilot examiner has PIC authority for the checkride flight. The applicant may log PIC time if acting as sole manipulator of the controls, but the sources do not explicitly clarify this here.

5. Safety Pilot Requirements

A safety pilot must hold at least a private pilot certificate and possess a valid medical certificate to act as required during simulated instrument flight. The specifics regarding medical certificate requirements for a safety pilot are not fully covered in these excerpts but are included generally within FAR Part 61 and 91.

6. PIC Time Logging

To log PIC time, an individual only needs to be rated to fly the aircraft they are operating. There are additional categories listed in 61.51(e) for logging PIC time.

7. Safety Pilot Duties

According to FAR 91.109, a safety pilot must have a set of dual controls, adequate forward and side vision, and determine that the flight can be made safely. To act as a safety pilot, one must have appropriate category and class ratings for the aircraft.

8. Exemptions

An aircraft used for personal purposes and not carrying passengers for hire or providing flight instruction is exempt from the 100-hour inspection requirement (FAR 91.409(b)). A medical certificate for all operations is valid for 60 months, unless the individual is 40 or older the day they receive it, in which case it is valid for 24 months.

For precise details on medical certificate validity and PIC logging, refer directly to FAR Parts 61 and 91.319. It's always a good idea to consult the FAA's official guidance for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

1. Aircraft used for commercial purposes or flight instruction must undergo an annual or 100-hour inspection, unless they have had an inspection within the preceding 100 hours of service and can operate with an excess of 10 hours while en route to the inspection location.
2. The validity of a medical certificate varies based on its class and the pilot's age, with first-class certificates having the shortest validity duration. For specific FAA periods, consult 14 CFR Part 61.23 or FAA guidance.
3. During flight training under a Letter of Deviation Authority (LODA), the instructor must carry the LODA on board and keep a record of training. The pilot does not log PIC time unless specified by the instructor or checkride evaluator.
4. During checkrides, the designated pilot examiner holds PIC authority, and the applicant may log PIC time if they are the sole manipulator of the controls.
5. During simulated instrument flight, a safety pilot is required and must hold at least a private pilot certificate, possess a valid medical certificate, and meet specific requirements not fully covered in these excerpts but included in FAR Parts 61 and 91.
6. To log PIC time, an individual only needs to be rated to fly the aircraft they are operating, with additional categories available as listed in 61.51(e).
7. A safety pilot must have a set of dual controls, adequate forward and side vision, and determine that the flight can be made safely. To act as a safety pilot, one must have appropriate category and class ratings for the aircraft.
8. An aircraft used for personal purposes and not carrying passengers for hire or providing flight instruction is exempt from the 100-hour inspection requirement. A medical certificate for all operations is valid for 60 months for those under 40, while those 40 and older may only have a validity of 24 months.

For precise details on medical certificate validity, PIC logging, and other regulations, refer directly to FAR Parts 61 and 91.319. Always consult the FAA's official guidance for the most accurate and up-to-date information in the aviation industry, finance, and transportation sectors.

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