Subpart H--Flight Instructors
Sec. 61.181 Applicability.
This subpart prescribes the requirements for the issuance of flight
instructor certificates and ratings, the conditions under which those
certificates and ratings are necessary, and the limitations on those
certificates and ratings.
Sec. 61.183 Eligibility requirements.
To be eligible for a flight instructor certificate or rating a person
must:
(a) Be at least 18 years of age;
(b) Be able to read, speak, write, 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 flight instructor certificate as are necessary;
(c) Hold either a commercial pilot certificate or airline transport
pilot
certificate with:
(1) An aircraft category and class rating that is appropriate to the
flight
instructor rating sought; and
(2) An instrument rating or privileges on that person's pilot certificate
that is appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought, if applying
for--
(i) A flight instructor certificate with an airplane category and single-
engine class rating;
(ii) A flight instructor certificate with an airplane category and
multiengine class rating;
(iii) A flight instructor certificate with a powered-lift rating; or
(iv) A flight instructor certificate with an instrument rating.
(d) Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor on
the
fundamentals of instructing listed in Sec. 61.185 of this part appropriate
to
the required knowledge test;
(e) Pass a knowledge test on the areas listed in Sec. 61.185(a)(1)
of this
part, unless the applicant:
(1) Holds a flight instructor certificate or ground instructor certificate
issued under this part;
(2) Holds a current 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
(3) Is employed as a teacher at an accredited college or university.
(f) Pass a knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed
in
Sec. 61.185(a)(2) and (a)(3) of this part that are appropriate to the
flight
instructor rating sought;
(g) Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor on
the
areas of operation listed in Sec. 61.187(b) of this part, appropriate
to the
flight instructor rating sought;
(h) Pass the required practical test that is appropriate to the flight
instructor rating sought in an:
(1) Aircraft that is representative of the category and class of aircraft
for the aircraft rating sought; or
(2) Flight simulator or flight training device that is representative
of
the category and class of aircraft for the rating sought, and used
in
accordance with an approved course at a training center certificated
under
part 142 of this chapter.
(i) Accomplish the following for a flight instructor certificate with
an
airplane or a glider rating:
(1) Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor indicating
that the applicant is competent and possesses instructional proficiency
in
stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures after
providing the applicant with flight training in those training areas
in an
airplane or glider, as appropriate, that is certificated for spins;
and
(2) Demonstrate instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin
entry,
spins, and spin recovery procedures. However, upon presentation of
the
endorsement specified in paragraph (i)(1) of this section an examiner
may
accept that endorsement as satisfactory evidence of instructional proficiency
in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures
for the
practical test, provided that the practical test is not a retest as
a result
of the applicant failing the previous test for deficiencies in the
knowledge
or skill of stall awareness, spin entry, spins, or spin recovery
instructional procedures. If the retest is a result of deficiencies
in the
ability of an applicant to demonstrate knowledge or skill of stall
awareness,
spin entry, spins, or spin recovery instructional procedures, the examiner
must test the person on stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin
recovery
instructional procedures in an airplane or glider, as appropriate,
that is
certificated for spins;
(j) Log at least 15 hours as pilot in command in the category and class
of
aircraft that is appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought;
and
(k) Comply with the appropriate sections of this part that apply to
the
flight instructor rating sought.
[Amdt. 61-102, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997; Amdt. 61-103, 62 FR 40907,
July 30,
1997]
Sec. 61.185 Aeronautical knowledge.
(a) A person who is applying for a flight instructor certificate must
receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor on:
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the fundamentals
of instructing, including:
(i) The learning process;
(ii) Elements of effective teaching;
(iii) Student evaluation and testing;
(iv) Course development;
(v) Lesson planning; and
(vi) Classroom training techniques.
(2) The aeronautical knowledge areas for a recreational, private, and
commercial pilot certificate applicable to the aircraft category for
which
flight instructor privileges are sought; and
(3) The aeronautical knowledge areas for the instrument rating applicable
to the category for which instrument flight instructor privileges are
sought.
(b) The following applicants do not need to comply with paragraph (a)(1)
of
this section:
(1) The holder of a flight instructor certificate or ground instructor
certificate issued under this part;
(2) The holder of a current 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
(3) A person employed as a teacher at an accredited college or university.
[Amdt. 61-102, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997; Amdt. 61-103, 62 FR 40907,
July 30,
1997]
Sec. 61.187 Flight proficiency.
(a) General. A person who is applying for a flight instructor certificate
must receive and log flight and ground training from an authorized
instructor
on the areas of operation listed in this section that apply to the
flight
instructor rating sought. The applicant's logbook must contain an endorsement
from an authorized instructor certifying that the person is proficient
to
pass a practical test on those areas of operation.
(b) Areas of operation. (1) For an airplane category rating with a
single-
engine class rating: (i) Fundamentals of instructing;
(ii) Technical subject areas;
(iii) Preflight preparation;
(iv) Preflight lesson on a maneuver to be performed in flight;
(v) Preflight procedures;
(vi) Airport and seaplane base operations;
(vii) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(viii) Fundamentals of flight;
(ix) Performance maneuvers;
(x) Ground reference maneuvers;
(xi) Slow flight, stalls, and spins;
(xii) Basic instrument maneuvers;
(xiii) Emergency operations; and
(xiv) Postflight procedures.
(2) For an airplane category rating with a multiengine class rating:
(i)
Fundamentals of instructing;
(ii) Technical subject areas;
(iii) Preflight preparation;
(iv) Preflight lesson on a maneuver to be performed in flight;
(v) Preflight procedures;
(vi) Airport and seaplane base operations;
(vii) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(viii) Fundamentals of flight;
(ix) Performance maneuvers;
(x) Ground reference maneuvers;
(xi) Slow flight and stalls;
(xii) Basic instrument maneuvers;
(xiii) Emergency operations;
(xiv) Multiengine operations; and
(xv) Postflight procedures.
(3) For a rotorcraft category rating with a helicopter class rating:
(i)
Fundamentals of instructing;
(ii) Technical subject areas;
(iii) Preflight preparation;
(iv) Preflight lesson on a maneuver to be performed in flight;
(v) Preflight procedures;
(vi) Airport and heliport operations;
(vii) Hovering maneuvers;
(viii) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(ix) Fundamentals of flight;
(x) Performance maneuvers;
(xi) Emergency operations;
(xii) Special operations; and
(xiii) Postflight procedures.
(4) For a rotorcraft category rating with a gyroplane class rating:
(i)
Fundamentals of instructing;
(ii) Technical subject areas;
(iii) Preflight preparation;
(iv) Preflight lesson on a maneuver to be performed in flight;
(v) Preflight procedures;
(vi) Airport operations;
(vii) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(viii) Fundamentals of flight;
(ix) Performance maneuvers;
(x) Flight at slow airspeeds;
(xi) Ground reference maneuvers;
(xii) Emergency operations; and
(xiii) Postflight procedures.
(5) For a powered-lift category rating: (i) Fundamentals of instructing;
(ii) Technical subject areas;
(iii) Preflight preparation;
(iv) Preflight lesson on a maneuver to be performed in flight;
(v) Preflight procedures;
(vi) Airport and heliport operations;
(vii) Hovering maneuvers;
(viii) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(ix) Fundamentals of flight;
(x) Performance maneuvers;
(xi) Ground reference maneuvers;
(xii) Slow flight and stalls;
(xiii) Basic instrument maneuvers;
(xiv) Emergency operations;
(xv) Special operations; and
(xvi) Postflight procedures.
(6) For a glider category rating: (i) Fundamentals of instructing;
(ii) Technical subject areas;
(iii) Preflight preparation;
(iv) Preflight lesson on a maneuver to be performed in flight;
(v) Preflight procedures;
(vi) Airport and gliderport operations;
(vii) Launches, landings, and go-arounds;
(viii) Fundamentals of flight;
(ix) Performance speeds;
(x) Soaring techniques;
(xi) Performance maneuvers;
(xii) Slow flight, stalls, and spins;
(xiii) Emergency operations; and
(xiv) Postflight procedures.
(7) For an instrument rating with the appropriate aircraft category
and
class rating: (i) Fundamentals of instructing;
(ii) Technical subject areas;
(iii) Preflight preparation;
(iv) Preflight lesson on a maneuver to be performed in flight;
(v) Air traffic control clearances and procedures;
(vi) Flight by reference to instruments;
(vii) Navigation aids;
(viii) Instrument approach procedures;
(ix) Emergency operations; and
(x) Postflight procedures.
(c) The flight training required by this section may be accomplished:
(1) In an aircraft that is representative of the category and class
of
aircraft for the rating sought; or
(2) In a flight simulator or flight training device representative
of the
category and class of aircraft for the rating sought, and used in accordance
with an approved course at a training center certificated under part
142 of
this chapter.
[Amdt. 61-102, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997; Amdt. 61-103, 62 FR 40907,
July 30,
1997]
Sec. 61.189 Flight instructor records.
(a) A flight instructor must sign the logbook of each person to whom
that
instructor has given flight training or ground training.
(b) A flight instructor must maintain a record in a logbook or a separate
document that contains the following:
(1) The name of each person whose logbook or student pilot certificate
that
instructor has endorsed for solo flight privileges, and the date of
the
endorsement; and
(2) The name of each person that instructor has endorsed for a knowledge
test or practical test, and the record shall also indicate the kind
of test,
the date, and the results.
(c) Each flight instructor must retain the records required by this
section
for at least 3 years.
Sec. 61.191 Additional flight instructor ratings.
(a) A person who applies for an additional flight instructor rating
on a
flight instructor certificate must meet the eligibility requirements
listed
in Sec. 61.183 of this part that apply to the flight instructor rating
sought.
(b) A person who applies for an additional rating on a flight instructor
certificate is not required to pass the knowledge test on the areas
listed in
Sec. 61.185(a)(1) of this part.
[Amdt. 61-102, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997; Amdt. 61-103, 62 FR 40907,
July 30,
1997]
Sec. 61.193 Flight instructor privileges.
A person who holds a flight instructor certificate is authorized within
the
limitations of that person's flight instructor certificate and ratings
to
give training and endorsements that are required for, and relate to:
(a) A student pilot certificate;
(b) A pilot certificate;
(c) A flight instructor certificate;
(d) A ground instructor certificate;
(e) An aircraft rating;
(f) An instrument rating;
(g) A flight review, operating privilege, or recency of experience
requirement of this part;
(h) A practical test; and
(i) A knowledge test.
[Amdt. 61-102, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997; Amdt. 61-103, 62 FR 40907,
July 30,
1997]
Sec. 61.195 Flight instructor limitations and qualifications.
A person who holds a flight instructor certificate is subject to the
following limitations:
(a) Hours of training. In any 24-consecutive-hour period, a flight
instructor may not conduct more than 8 hours of flight training.
(b) Aircraft ratings. A flight instructor may not conduct flight training
in any aircraft for which the flight instructor does not hold:
(1) A pilot certificate and flight instructor certificate with the
applicable category and class rating; and
(2) If appropriate, a type rating.
(c) Instrument Rating. A flight instructor who provides instrument
flight
training for the issuance of an instrument rating or a type rating
not
limited to VFR must hold an instrument rating on his or her flight
instructor
certificate and pilot certificate that is appropriate to the category
and
class of aircraft in which instrument training is being provided.
(d) Limitations on endorsements. A flight instructor may not endorse
a:
(1) Student pilot's certificate or logbook for solo flight privileges,
unless that flight instructor has--
(i) Given that student the flight training required for solo flight
privileges required by this part; and
(ii) Determined that the student is prepared to conduct the flight
safely
under known circumstances, subject to any limitations listed in the
student's
logbook that the instructor considers necessary for the safety of the
flight.
(2) Student pilot's certificate and logbook for a solo cross-country
flight, unless that flight instructor has determined the student's
flight
preparation, planning, equipment, and proposed procedures are adequate
for
the proposed flight under the existing conditions and within any limitations
listed in the logbook that the instructor considers necessary for the
safety
of the flight;
(3) Student pilot's certificate and logbook for solo flight in a Class
B
airspace area or at an airport within Class B airspace unless that
flight
instructor has--
(i) Given that student ground and flight training in that Class B airspace
or at that airport; and
(ii) Determined that the student is proficient to operate the aircraft
safely.
(4) Logbook of a recreational pilot, unless that flight instructor
has--
(i) Given that pilot the ground and flight training required by this
part;
and
(ii) Determined that the recreational pilot is proficient to operate
the
aircraft safely.
(5) Logbook of a pilot for a flight review, unless that instructor
has
conducted a review of that pilot in accordance with the requirements
of Sec.
61.56(a) of this part; or
(6) Logbook of a pilot for an instrument proficiency check, unless
that
instructor has tested that pilot in accordance with the requirements
of Sec.
61.57(d) of this part.
(e) Training in an aircraft that requires a type rating. A flight
instructor may not give flight training in an aircraft that requires
the
pilot in command to hold a type rating unless the flight instructor
holds a
type rating for that aircraft on his or her pilot certificate.
(f) Training received in a multiengine airplane, a helicopter, or a
powered-lift. A flight instructor may not give training required for
the
issuance of a certificate or rating in a multiengine airplane, a helicopter,
or a powered-lift unless that flight instructor has at least 5 flight
hours
of pilot-in-command time in the specific make and model of multiengine
airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift, as appropriate.
(g) Position in aircraft and required pilot stations for providing
flight
training.
(1) A flight instructor must perform all training from in an aircraft
that
complies with the requirements of Sec. 91.109 of this chapter.
(2) A flight instructor who provides flight training for a pilot
certificate or rating issued under this part must provide that flight
training in an aircraft that meets the following requirements--
(i) The aircraft must have at least two pilot stations and be of the
same
category, class, and type, if appropriate, that applies to the pilot
certificate or rating sought.
(ii) For single-place aircraft, the pre-solo flight training must have
been
provided in an aircraft that has two pilot stations and is of the same
category, class, and type, if appropriate.
(h) Qualifications of the flight instructor for training first-time
flight
instructor applicants. (1) The ground training provided to an initial
applicant for a flight instructor certificate must be given by an authorized
instructor who--
(i) Holds a current ground or flight instructor certificate with the
appropriate rating, has held that certificate for at least 24 months,
and has
given at least 40 hours of ground training; or
(ii) Holds a current ground or flight instructor certificate with the
appropriate rating, and has given at least 100 hours of ground training
in an
FAA-approved course.
(2) Except for an instructor who meets the requirements of paragraph
(h)(3)(ii) of this section, a flight instructor who provides training
to an
initial applicant for a flight instructor certificate must--
(i) Meet the eligibility requirements prescribed in Sec. 61.183 of
this
part;
(ii) Hold the appropriate flight instructor certificate and rating;
(iii) Have held a flight instructor certificate for at least 24 months;
(iv) For training in preparation for an airplane, rotorcraft, or powered-
lift rating, have given at least 200 hours of flight training as a
flight
instructor; and
(v) For training in preparation for a glider rating, have given at
least 80
hours of flight training as a flight instructor.
(3) A flight instructor who serves as a flight instructor in an FAA-
approved course for the issuance of a flight instructor rating must
hold a
current flight instructor certificate with the appropriate rating and
pass
the required initial and recurrent flight instructor proficiency tests,
in
accordance with the requirements of the part under which the FAA-approved
course is conducted, and must--
(i) Meet the requirements of paragraph (h)(2) of this section; or
(ii) Have trained and endorsed at least five applicants for a practical
test for a pilot certificate, flight instructor certificate, ground
instructor certificate, or an additional rating, and at least 80 percent
of
those applicants passed that test on their first attempt; and
(A) Given at least 400 hours of flight training as a flight instructor
for
training in an airplane, a rotorcraft, or for a powered-lift rating;
or
(B) Given at least 100 hours of flight training as a flight instructor,
for
training in a glider rating.
(i) Prohibition against self-endorsements. A flight instructor shall
not
make any self-endorsement for a certificate, rating, flight review,
authorization, operating privilege, practical test, or knowledge test
that is
required by this part.
(j) A flight instructor may not give training in Category II or Category
III operations unless the flight instructor has been trained and tested
in
Category II or Category III operations, pursuant to Sec. 61.67 or Sec.
61.68
of this part, as applicable.
Sec. 61.197 Renewal of flight instructor certificates.
(a) A person who holds a flight instructor certificate that has not
expired
may renew that certificate by--
(1) Passing a practical test for--
(i) One of the ratings listed on the current flight instructor certificate;
or
(ii) An additional flight instructor rating; or
(2) Presenting to an authorized FAA Flight Standards Inspector--
(i) A record of training students showing that, during the preceding
24
calendar months, the flight instructor has endorsed at least five students
for a practical test for a certificate or rating and at least 80 percent
of
those students passed that test on the first attempt;
(ii) A record showing that, within the preceding 24 calendar months,
the
flight instructor has served as a company check pilot, chief flight
instructor, company check airman, or flight instructor in a part 121
or part
135 operation, or in a position involving the regular evaluation of
pilots;
or
(iii) A graduation certificate showing that, within the preceding 3
calendar months, the person has successfully completed an approved
flight
instructor refresher course consisting of ground training or flight
training,
or a combination of both.
(b) The expiration month of a renewed flight instructor certificate
shall
be 24 calendar months from--
(1) The month the renewal requirements of paragraph (a) of this section
are
accomplished; or
(2) The month of expiration of the current flight instructor certificate
provided--
(i) The renewal requirements of paragraph (a) of this section are
accomplished within the 3 calendar months preceding the expiration
month of
the current flight instructor certificate, and
(ii) If the renewal is accomplished under paragraph (a)(2)(iii) of
this
section, the approved flight instructor refresher course must be completed
within the 3 calendar months preceding the expiration month of the
current
flight instructor certificate.
(c) The practical test required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section
may be
accomplished in a flight simulator or flight training device if the
test is
accomplished pursuant to an approved course conducted by a training
center
certificated under part 142 of this chapter.
[Amdt. 61-104, 63 FR 20289, Apr. 23, 1998]
Sec. 61.199 Expired flight instructor certificates and ratings.
(a) Flight instructor certificates. The holder of an expired flight
instructor certificate may exchange that certificate for a new certificate
with the same ratings by passing a practical test as prescribed in
Sec.
61.183(h) of this part for one of the ratings listed on the expired
flight
instructor certificate.
(b) Flight instructor ratings. (1) 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.
(2) 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.
[Amdt. 61-102, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997, as amended by Amdt. 61-104,
63 FR
20289, Apr. 23, 1998]