Pilot Certificates & Ratings

Student Pilot Basic Requirements:

• A student pilot is one who is being trained by an instructor pilot for his or her first full certificate, and is permitted to fly alone (solo) under specific, limited circumstances. Before a student pilot may be endorsed to fly solo, that student must have a Student Pilot Certificate. There are multiple ways that an aspiring pilot can obtain their Student Pilot Certificate. The application may be processed by an FAA inspector or technician, an FAA-Designated Pilot Examiner, a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), or an Airman Certification Representative (ACR). If the application is completed electronically, the authorized person will submit the application to the FAA's Airman Certification Branch (AFS-760) in Oklahoma City, OK, via the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA). If the application is completed on paper, it must be sent to the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), who will forward it to AFS-760. Once the application is processed, the applicant will receive the Student Pilot Certificate by mail at the address provided on the application
• The aforementioned process will become effective on April 1, 2016. The new certificate will be printed on a plastic card, which will replace the paper certificate that was issued in the past. The plastic card certificate will not have an expiration date. Paper certificates issued prior to the new process will still expire according to the date on the certificate; however, under the new process, paper certificates cannot be renewed. Once the paper certificate expires, the Student Pilot must submit a new application under the new process. Another significant change in the new process is that flight instructors will now make endorsements for solo privileges in the Student Pilot's logbook, instead of endorsing the Student Pilot Certificate

Student Pilot Medical Certification Requirements:

• The second step in becoming a pilot is to obtain a medical certificate (if the choice of aircraft is an airplane, helicopter, gyroplane, or an airship). (The FAA suggests the individual get a medical certificate before beginning flight training to avoid the expense of flight training that cannot be continued due to a medical condition.) Balloon or glider pilots do not need a medical certificate, but do need to write a statement certifying that no medical defect exists that would prevent them from piloting a balloon or glider. The new sport pilot category does not require a medical examination; a driver's license can be used as proof of medical competence. Applicants who fail to meet certain requirements or who have physical disabilities which might limit, but not prevent, their acting as pilots, should contact the nearest FAA office. Anyone requesting an FAA Medical Clearance, Medical Certificate, or Student Pilot Medical Certificate can electronically complete an application through the FAA's MedXPress system available at https://medxpress.faa.gov/
• A medical certificate is obtained by passing a physical examination administered by a doctor who is an FAA-authorized AME. There are approximately 6,000 FAA-authorized AMEs in the nation. To find an AME near you, go to the FAA's AME locator at www.faa.gov/pilots/ amelocator/. Medical certificates are designated as first class, second class, or third class. Generally, first class is designed for the airline transport pilot; second class for the commercial pilot; and third class for the student, recreational, and private pilot. A Student Pilot Certificate can be processed by an FAA inspector or technician, an FAA Designated pilot examiner (DPE), an Airman Certification Representative (ACR), or a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). This certificate allows an individual who is being trained by a flight instructor to fly alone (solo) under specific, limited circumstances and must be carried with the student pilot while exercising solo flight privileges. The Student Pilot Certificate is only required when exercising solo flight privileges. The new plastic student certificate does not have an expiration date. For airmen who were issued a paper certificate, that certificate will remain valid until its expiration date. A paper certificate cannot be renewed. When the paper certificate expires, a new application must be completed via the IACRA system, and a new plastic certificate will be issued

Student Pilot Solo Requirements:

• Once a student has accrued sufficient training and experience, a CFI can endorse the student's logbook to authorize limited solo flight in a specific type (make and model) of aircraft. A student pilot may not carry passengers, fly in furtherance of a business, or operate an aircraft outside of the various endorsements provided by the flight instructor. There is no minimum aeronautical knowledge or experience requirement for the issuance of a Student Pilot Certificate, however, the applicant must be at least 16 years of age (14 years of age for a pilot for glider or balloon), and they must be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language. There are, however, minimum aeronautical knowledge and experience requirements for student pilots to solo

Sport Pilot Eligibility Requirements:

• Be at least 16 years old to become a student sport pilot (14 years old for gliders or balloons)
• Be at least 17 years old to test for a sport pilot certificate (16 years old for gliders or balloons)
• Be able to read, write, and understand the English language
• Hold a current and valid driver's license as evidence of medical eligibility

Sport Pilot Aeronautical Experience:

• To become a sport pilot, the student pilot is required to have flown, at a minimum, the following hours depending upon the aircraft:
  • Airplane: 20 hours
  • Powered Parachute: 12 hours
  • Weight-Shift Control (Trikes): 20 hours
  • Glider: 10 hours
  • Rotorcraft (gyroplane only): 20 hours
  • Lighter-Than-Air: 20 hours (airship) or 7 hours (balloon)

Sport Pilot Privileges & Limitations:

• Privileges:
  • Operate as pilot in command (PIC) of a light-sport aircraft unless otherwise stipulated (see below)
  • Carry a passenger and share expenses (fuel, oil, airport expenses, and aircraft rental only)
    • You must pay at least half the operating expenses of the flight
  • Fly during the daytime using VFR, a minimum of 3 statute miles visibility and visual contact with the ground are required
• Limitations:
  • Prohibited from carrying more than one passenger
  • Prohibited from flying in Class A airspace
  • Prohibited from flying in Class B, C, or D airspace until you receive training and a logbook endorsement from an instructor(FAR 61.325)
  • No flights outside the United States without prior permission from the foreign aviation authority
  • May not tow any object
  • No flights while carrying a passenger or property for compensation or hire
  • Prohibited from flying in furtherance of a business
  • At night
  • To demonstrate the aircraft in flight to a prospective buyer if you are an aircraft salesperson
  • In a passenger-carrying airlift sponsored by a charitable organization
  • At an altitude of more than 10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher
  • When the flight or surface visibility is less than 3 statute miles
  • Without visual reference to the surface
  • If the aircraft:
    • Has a VH greater than 87 knots CAS, unless you have met the requirements of §61.327(b)
    • Has a VH less than or equal to 87 knots CAS, unless you have met the requirements of §61.327(a) or have logged flight time as pilot in command of an airplane with a VH less than or equal to 87 knots CAS before April 2, 2010
  • Contrary to any operating limitation placed on the airworthiness certificate of the aircraft being flown
  • Contrary to any limit on your pilot certificate or airman medical certificate, or any other limit or endorsement from an authorized instructor
  • Contrary to any restriction or limitation on your U.S. driver's license or any restriction or limitation imposed by judicial or administrative order when using your driver's license to satisfy a requirement of this part
  • As a pilot flight crewmember on any aircraft for which more than one pilot is required by the type certificate of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is conducted

Private Pilot Certificate Eligibility:

• Be at least 17 years of age for a rating in other than a glider or balloon
• Be at least 16 years of age for a rating in a glider or balloon
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
  • If unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then an operating limitations necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft may apply
• Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
  • Conducted the training or reviewed the person's home study on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in FAR 61.105(b) that apply to the aircraft rating sought; and
  • Certified that the person is prepared for the required knowledge test
• Pass the required knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in FAR 61.105(b)
• Receive flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
  • Conducted the training in the areas of operation listed in FAR 61.107(b) that apply to the aircraft rating sought; and
  • Certified that the person is prepared for the required practical test
• Meet the aeronautical experience requirements of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought before applying for the practical test
• Pass a practical test on the areas of operation listed in FAR 61.107(b) that apply to the aircraft rating sought
• Comply with the appropriate sections of this part that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought
• Hold a U.S. student pilot certificate, sport pilot certificate, or recreational pilot certificate

Private Pilot Aeronautical Knowledge:

• To satisfy FAR 61.105, A person who is applying for a private pilot certificate must receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought:
  • Applicable Federal Aviation Regulations of this chapter that relate to private pilot privileges, limitations, and flight operations;
  • Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board;
  • Use of the applicable portions of the "Aeronautical Information Manual" and FAA advisory circulars;
  • Use of aeronautical charts for VFR navigation using pilotage, dead reckoning, and navigation systems;
  • Radio communication procedures;
  • Recognition of critical weather situations from the ground and in flight, windshear avoidance, and the procurement and use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts;
  • Safe and efficient operation of aircraft, including collision avoidance, and recognition and avoidance of wake turbulence;
  • Effects of density altitude on takeoff and climb performance;
  • Weight and balance computations;
  • Principles of aerodynamics, powerplants, and aircraft systems;
  • Stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery techniques for the airplane and glider category ratings;
  • Aeronautical decision making and judgment; and
  • Preflight action that includes--
    • How to obtain information on runway lengths at airports of intended use, data on takeoff and landing distances, weather reports and forecasts, and fuel requirements; and
    • How to plan for alternatives if the planned flight cannot be completed or delays are encountered

Private Pilot Aeronautical Experience:

• For an airplane single-engine rating
• For an airplane multiengine rating
• For a helicopter rating
• For a gyroplane rating
• For a powered-lift rating
• For a glider category rating
• For an airship rating
• For a balloon rating
• For a powered parachute rating
• For a weight-shift-control aircraft rating
• Permitted credit for use of a flight simulator or flight training device
• Permitted credit for flight training received from a flight instructor with a sport pilot rating

Private Pilot Flight Proficiency:

• For an airplane category rating with a single-engine class rating
• For an airplane category rating with a multiengine class rating
• For a rotorcraft category rating with a helicopter class rating
• For a rotorcraft category rating with a gyroplane class rating
• For a powered-lift category rating
• For a glider category rating
• For a lighter-than-air category rating with an airship class rating
• For a lighter-than-air category rating with a balloon class rating
• For a powered parachute category rating
• For a weight-shift-control aircraft category rating

Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations:

• Except as exempted below, 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 flight described in §91.146, if the sponsor and pilot comply with the requirements of §91.146
• 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
• A private pilot may act as pilot in command for the purpose of conducting a production flight test in a light-sport aircraft intended for certification in the light-sport category under §21.190 of this chapter, provided that:
  • The aircraft is a powered parachute or a weight-shift-control aircraft;
  • The person has at least 100 hours of pilot-in-command time in the category and class of aircraft flown; and
  • The person is familiar with the processes and procedures applicable to the conduct of production flight testing, to include operations conducted under a special flight permit and any associated operating limitations

Documents required to exercise private pilot privileges:

• No person may serve as a required pilot flight crewmember of a civil aircraft of the United States, unless that person:
  • Has in the person's physical possession or readily accessible in the aircraft when exercising the privileges of that pilot certificate or authorization -
    • A pilot certificate issued under this part and in accordance with FAR 61.19;
    • A special purpose pilot authorization issued under FAR 61.77;
    • A temporary certificate issued under FAR 61.17;
    • A document conveying temporary authority to exercise certificate privileges issued by the Airmen Certification Branch under § 61.29(e); or
    • When operating an aircraft within a foreign country, a pilot license issued by that country may be used
  • Has a photo identification that is in that person's physical possession or readily accessible in the aircraft when exercising the privileges of that pilot certificate or authorization
    • See FAR 61.3 for a list of acceptable photo identifications
• Medical certificate:
  • A person may serve as a required pilot flight crewmember of an aircraft only if that person holds the appropriate medical certificate issued under FAR part 67, or other documentation acceptable to the FAA, that is in that person's physical possession or readily accessible in the aircraft unless meeting exemption criteria of FAR 61.3, paragraph (c)(2)
• *Required pilot certificate for operating a foreign-registered aircraft within the United States can be found in FAR 61.3

Part 107 Operations:

• Any person who operates a civil sUAS in the NAS, for any operation that is not for recreational/pleasure purposes, must have a UAS pilot's certificate (also called the "Part 107 Certificate") with a Small Unmanned Aircraft System Rating

• Part 107 Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
  • Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a drone
  • Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam

• Part 107 Initial Testing Requirements:

  • Current 14 CFR Part 61 certificate holder (Online Training):
    • A person who holds a Part 61 manned pilot certificate (other than a Student pilot certificate), and who has a current flight review, as per 14 CFR Section 61.56, may complete Online Training that is offered by the FAA to obtain their 14 CFR Part 107, in lieu of taking the Initial Knowledge Test
    • However, a Part 61 certificate holder may also take the sUAS Initial Aeronautical Knowledge Test for certification
  • Non 14 CFR Part 61 certificate holder, or 14 CFR Part 61 certificate holder lacking currency (Initial Aeronautical Knowledge Test):
    • A person who does not hold a 14 CFR Part 61 manned pilot certificate and/or they do not have a current flight review must take the Initial Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA designated Knowledge Testing Center to obtain their sUAS Certificate

• Part 107 Recurrent Training/Testing Requirements:

  • To exercise the privileges of a sUAS certificate that was issued under 14 CFR Part 107, a person must maintain currency
    • Therefore, the FAA requires that a person take a recurrent course within 24 months from the month the Initial Aeronautical Knowledge Test was passed, or the Online Training was completed
  • Recurrent training (online training) is found at the FAA's Become a Drone Pilot website: https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot/

• Part 107 Pre-Test Training Requirements:

  • No documented pre-test training is required under Part 107 to take the Initial Aeronautical Knowledge Test
    • However, the FAA Remote Pilot Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide is an excellent resource
    • To view the FAA Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide see: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/media/remote_pilot_study_guide.pdf
  • Initial Aeronautical Knowledge Test subject areas: The testing topics for the sUAS Knowledge Test can be found in 14 CFR Section 107.73, Knowledge and Training
  • Part 107 online training: This online training may be used by those who hold a 14 CFR Part 61 pilot certificate (not including a student pilot certificate) seeking 14 CFR Part 107 remote pilot certification
    • A person who holds a 14 CFR Part 61 pilot certificate must also show, at the time of certification, a current Flight Review as per 14 CFR Section 61.56
  • Neither the Part 107 Initial Aeronautical Knowledge Test nor the Recreational TRUST have any requirements for flight instructor endorsements prior to testing
  • A person who fails the Initial Aeronautical Knowledge Test must wait 14 calendar days before they may retake the test
  • TRUST may be retaken at any time

• Part 107 sUAS Initial Aeronautical Test Registration:

  • Before a person can take the sUAS Initial Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA recognized testing center, that person must obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN)
    • To obtain an FTN a person must create an account in the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system
    • For detailed instructions on how to obtain an FTN, see the FAA Airman Certificate Testing Service (ACTS) Contract Briefing
    • Any person who has any FAA Airman Certificate will already have an FTN
    • The FAA's Airman Certificate Testing Service (ACTS) Contract Briefing, may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETLsH8BruBM
  • Once an applicant has their FTN, they will go to the testing vendor's website and register for the test
    • The FAA testing vendor is PSI Services LLC: https://candidate.psiexams.com/
    • Photo identification is required

• Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge:

  • Knowledge test topic areas include:
    • Applicable regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft system rating privileges, limitations, and flight operation
    • Airspace classification and operating requirements, and flight restrictions affecting small unmanned aircraft operation
    • Aviation weather sources and effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance
    • Small unmanned aircraft loading and performance
    • Emergency procedures
    • Crew resource management
    • Radio communication procedures
    • Determining the performance of small unmanned aircraft
    • Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol
    • Aeronautical decision-making and judgment
    • Airport operations
    • Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures

• Part 107 sUAS Certification Application:

  • The Become a Drone Pilot website has instructions on how to obtain the 14 CFR Part 107 Pilot Certificate, following testing or online training completion
  • Complete FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate (FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application) using the electronic FAA Integrated Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application system (IACRA)*
    • Register using the FAA IACRA system
    • Login with username and password
    • Click on "Start New Application" and 1) Application Type "Pilot", 2) Certifications "Remote Pilot", 3) Other Path Information, 4) Start Application
    • Follow application prompts
    • When prompted, enter the 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID (NOTE: it may take up to 48 hours from the test date for the knowledge test to appear in IACRA)
    • Sign the application electronically and submit for processing
  • A confirmation email will be sent when an applicant has completed the TSA security background check. This email will provide instructions for printing a copy of the temporary remote pilot certificate from IACRA
  • A permanent remote pilot certificate will be sent via mail once all other FAA-internal processing is complete
  • Have your Remote Pilot Certificate available whenever you fly your UAS

• Part 107 Priviliges and Limitations:

  • A person who holds a sUAS Certificate is afforded all of the privileges of the certificate
    • This includes the ability to operate at night and over people without a waiver, under certain conditions
    • Any remote pilot who holds a 14 CFR Part 107 sUAS certificate issued prior to April 6, 2021, must take the updated recurrent training (the online training) to operate at night or over people

Recreational Flyer Operations:

• A person who is flying a UAS for recreational/pleasure purposes in the NAS must have taken and passed TRUST, as required by 14 USC 44809

• Recreational Flyer Eligibility Requirements:

  • There are no minimum age or other eligibility requirements for a recreational UAS pilot to take TRUST

• Recreational Flyer Initial Testing Requirements:

  • Any person who flies a UAS for recreational use under 49 USC 44809 must take and pass TRUST
  • A current 14 CFR Part 107 sUAS certificate holder may fly recreationally under that part, but must adhere entirely to 14 CFR Part 107 rules and requirements
    • If a Part 107 sUAS certificate holder wishes to fly under 49 USC 44809, they must take and pass TRUST

• Recreational Flyer Recurrent Training/Testing Requirements:

  • TRUST is taken on a once-and-done basis; no recurrent testing is required

• Recreational Flyer Pre-Test Training Requirements:

  • No pre-test training is necessary to complete TRUST
  • Neither the Part 107 Initial Aeronautical Knowledge Test nor the Recreational TRUST have any requirements for flight instructor endorsements prior to testing
  • A person who fails the Initial Aeronautical Knowledge Test must wait 14 calendar days before they may retake the test
  • TRUST may be retaken at any time

• The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST):

  • The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) module was developed in consultation with multiple UAS stakeholders and through interested party feedback
  • TRUST is available electronically, has no minimum age limit, and is provided by volunteer test administrators, vetted by the FAA
  • The FAA's The Recreational UAS Safety Test website may be viewed at: https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/knowledge_test_updates/
  • See AIM, paragraph 11-5-1, UAS Pilot Certification and Requirements for Part 107 and Recreational Flyers, for further information on TRUST. Also, additional information regarding TRUST is available at the FAA's The Recreational UAS Safety Test website

Basic Ground Instructor:

• A person who holds a basic ground instructor rating is authorized to provide:
  • Ground training in the aeronautical knowledge areas required for the issuance of a sport pilot certificate, recreational pilot certificate, private pilot certificate, or associated ratings under this part;
  • Ground training required for a sport pilot, recreational pilot, and private pilot flight review; and
  • A recommendation for a knowledge test required for the issuance of a sport pilot certificate, recreational pilot certificate, or private pilot certificate under this part

Advanced Ground Instructor:

• A person who holds an advanced ground instructor rating is authorized to provide:
  • Ground training on the aeronautical knowledge areas required for the issuance of any certificate or rating under this part except for the aeronautical knowledge areas required for an instrument rating
  • The ground training required for any flight review except for the training required for an instrument rating
  • A recommendation for a knowledge test required for the issuance of any certificate or rating under this part except for an instrument rating

Instrument Ground Instructor:

• A person who holds an instrument ground instructor rating is authorized to provide:
  • Ground training in the aeronautical knowledge areas required for the issuance of an instrument rating under this part;
  • Ground training required for an instrument proficiency check; and
  • A recommendation for a knowledge test required for the issuance of an instrument rating under this part

Ground Instructor Eligibility Requirements:

• To be eligible for any ground instructor certificate or rating a person must:
  • Be at least 18 years of age;
  • Be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant's ground instructor certificate as are necessary;
  • Pass a knowledge test on the Fundamentals of Instructing in
    • The learning process;
    • Elements of effective teaching;
    • Student evaluation and testing;
    • Course development;
    • Lesson planning; and
    • Classroom training techniques

Ground Instructor Testing Requirements:

• With exception, see below, pass a knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas in:
  • For a basic ground instructor rating 61.97, 61.105, and 61.309;
  • For an advanced ground instructor rating 61.97, 61.105, 61.125, 61.155, and 61.309; and
  • For an instrument ground instructor rating, 61.65
• The FOI knowledge test is not required if the applicant:
  • Holds a ground instructor certificate or flight instructor certificate issued under part 61;
  • Holds a teacher's certificate issued by a State, county, city, or municipality that authorizes the person to teach at an educational level of the 7th grade or higher; or
  • Is employed as a teacher at an accredited college or university

Ground Instructor Recency Requirements:

• The holder of a ground instructor certificate may not perform the duties of a ground instructor unless the person can show that one of the following occurred during the preceding 12 calendar months:
  • Employment or activity as a ground instructor giving pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor training;
  • Employment or activity as a flight instructor giving pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor ground or flight training;
  • Completion of an approved flight instructor refresher course and receipt of a graduation certificate for that course; or
  • An endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the person has demonstrated knowledge in the subject areas prescribed under 61.213(a)(3) and (a)(4) [See: Eligibility Requirements], as appropriate

Flight Instructor Ratings:

• A flight instructor rating or a limited flight instructor rating on a pilot certificate is no longer valid and may not be exchanged for a similar rating or a flight instructor certificate
• The holder of a flight instructor rating or a limited flight instructor rating on a pilot certificate may be issued a flight instructor certificate with the current ratings, but only if the person passes the required knowledge and practical test prescribed in this subpart for the issuance of the current flight instructor certificate and rating

Flight Instructor Refresher Courses:

• For more information, see advisory circular 61-83, Nationally Scheduled, FAA-Approved, Industry-Conducted Flight Instructor Refresher Course

Instrument Rating Eligibility:

• Hold at least a current private pilot certificate, or be concurrently applying for a private pilot certificate, with an airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift rating appropriate to the instrument rating sought;
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet any of these requirements due to a medical condition, the Administrator may place such operating limitations on the applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft;
• Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or accomplish a home-study course of training on the aeronautical knowledge areas that apply to the instrument rating sought;
• Receive a logbook or training record endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the person is prepared to take the required knowledge test;
• Receive and log training on the required areas of operation from an authorized instructor in an aircraft, full flight simulator, or flight training device that represents an airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift appropriate to the instrument rating sought;
• Receive a logbook or training record endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the person is prepared to take the required practical test;
• Pass the required knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas of paragraph (b) of this section; however, an applicant is not required to take another knowledge test when that person already holds an instrument rating; and
• Pass the required practical test on the areas of operation in paragraph (c) of this section in:
  • An airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift appropriate to the rating sought; or
  • A full flight simulator or a flight training device appropriate to the rating sought and for the specific maneuver or instrument approach procedure performed. If an approved flight training device is used for the practical test, the instrument approach procedures conducted in that flight training device are limited to one precision and one nonprecision approach, provided the flight training device is approved for the procedure performed

Instrument Rating Aeronautical Knowledge:

• A person who applies for an instrument rating must have received and logged ground training from an authorized instructor or accomplished a home-study course on the following aeronautical knowledge areas that apply to the instrument rating sought:
  • Federal Aviation Regulations of this chapter that apply to flight operations under IFR;
  • Appropriate information that applies to flight operations under IFR in the "Aeronautical Information Manual;"
  • Air traffic control system and procedures for instrument flight operations;
  • IFR navigation and approaches by use of navigation systems;
  • Use of IFR en route and instrument approach procedure charts;
  • Procurement and use of aviation weather reports and forecasts and the elements of forecasting weather trends based on that information and personal observation of weather conditions;
  • Safe and efficient operation of aircraft under instrument flight rules and conditions;
  • Recognition of critical weather situations and windshear avoidance;
  • Aeronautical decision making and judgment; and
  • Crew resource management, including crew communication and coordination

Instrument Rating Flight Proficiency:

• A person who applies for an instrument rating must receive and log training from an authorized instructor in an aircraft, or in a full flight simulator or flight training device, in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section, that includes the following areas of operation:
  • Preflight preparation;
  • Preflight procedures;
  • Air traffic control clearances and procedures;
  • Flight by reference to instruments;
  • Navigation systems;
  • Instrument approach procedures;
  • Emergency operations; and
  • Postflight procedures

Instrument Rating Aeronautical Experience:

Instrument Rating Privileges and Limitations: