Subpart D
Private Pilots
This subpart prescribes the requirements for the issuance of private pilot licenses and ratings, the conditions under which those licenses and ratings are necessary, and the general operating rules for persons who hold those licenses and ratings.
61.103 Eligibility
requirements: General.
To be eligible for a private pilot license, a person must:
(a)
Be at
least 17 years of age , and shall hold
current class ( 2 ) medical assessment.
(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 ECAA may place such operating limitations on that applicant's pilot license as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft.
(c) Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
(1) Conducted the training or reviewed the person's home study on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in section 61.105(b) of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought; and
(2) Certified that the person is prepared for the required knowledge test.
(d) Pass the required knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in section 61.105(b) of this part.
(e) Receive flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
(1) Conducted the training in the areas of operation listed in section 61.107(b) of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought; and
(2) Certified that the person is prepared for the required practical test.
(f) Meet the aeronautical experience requirements of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought before applying for the practical test.
(g) Pass a practical test on the areas of operation listed in section 61.107(b) of this part that apply to the aircraft rating sought.
(h) Comply with the appropriate sections of this part that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
61.105 Aeronautical knowledge.
(a) General. A person who is applying for a private pilot license must receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas of paragraph (b) of this section that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
(b) Aeronautical knowledge areas.
(1) Air law. Rules and regulations relevant to the holder of a private pilot license — airplane; rules of the air; appropriate air traffic services practices and procedures;
(2) Aircraft general knowledge;
(i) principles of operation of power plants, systems and instruments;
(ii) operating limitations of power plants; relevant operational information from the flight manual or other appropriate document;
(3) Flight performance and planning
(i) effects of loading and weight distribution on flight characteristics; weight and balance calculations;
(ii) use and practical application of take-off, landing and other performance data;
(iii) pre-flight and en-route flight planning appropriate to private operations under VFR; preparation and filing of air traffic services flight plans; appropriate air traffic services procedures; position reporting procedures; altimeter setting procedures; operations in areas of high-density traffic;
(4) Human performance relevant to the private pilot — airplane license;
(5) Meteorology. application of elementary aeronautical meteorology; use of, and procedures for obtaining, meteorological information; altimetry;
(6) Navigation. practical aspects of air navigation and dead-reckoning techniques; use of aeronautical charts;
(7) Operational procedures
(i) use of aeronautical documentation such as AIP, NOTAM, aeronautical codes and abbreviations;
(ii) appropriate precautionary and emergency procedures, including action to be taken to avoid hazardous weather, wake turbulence and other operating hazards;
(8) Principles of flight.
(9) Radiotelephony procedures and phraseology as applied to VFR operations; action to be taken in case of communication failure.
(a) General. A person who applies for a private pilot license must receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the areas of operation of this section that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
(b) Areas of operation.
(1) For an airplane category rating with a single-engine class rating:
(i) Preflight preparation and operation including weight and balance determination, aero plane inspection and servicing;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport and seaplane base operations including operations to, from and transiting controlled airports, compliance with air traffic services procedures, radiotelephony procedures and phraseology, traffic pattern operations, collision avoidance precautions and procedures;
(iv) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds including normal and cross-wind take-offs and landings, maximum performance (short field and obstacle clearance) take-offs; short-field landings;
(v) Performance maneuvers;
(vi) Ground reference maneuvers;
(vii) Navigation including cross-country flying using visual reference, dead reckoning and, where available, radio navigation aids
(viii) Slow flight and stalls including spin awareness and flight at critically high airspeeds; recognition of, and recovery from, spiral dives;
(ix) Basic instrument maneuvers including a 180° turn
(x) Emergency operations including simulated airplane equipment malfunctions;
(xi) Night operations; and
(xii) Post flight procedures.
(2) For an airplane category rating with a multiengine class rating:
(i) All areas of operation outlined under 61.107(b)(1);and
(ii) Multiengine operations.
(3) For a rotorcraft category rating with a helicopter class rating:
(i) Preflight preparation including pre-flight operations, weight and balance determination, helicopter inspection and servicing;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport and heliport operations including airport and traffic pattern operations, collision avoidance precautions and procedures; operations to, from and transiting controlled airports, compliance with air traffic services procedures, radiotelephony procedures and phraseology.
(iv) Hovering maneuvers;
(v) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds including take-offs and landings with minimum necessary power; maximum performance take-off and landing techniques; restricted site operations; quick stops;
(vi) Performance maneuvers;
(vii) Navigation including cross-country flying using visual reference, dead reckoning and, where available, radio navigation aids, including a flight of at least one hour;
(viii) Emergency operations including simulated helicopter equipment malfunctions; authoritative approach and landing;
(ix) Night operations; and
(x) Post flight procedures.
(4) For a rotorcraft category rating with a gyroplane class rating:
(i) Preflight preparation;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport operations;
(iv) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(v) Performance maneuvers;
(vi) Ground reference maneuvers;
(vii) Navigation;
(viii) Flight at slow airspeeds;
(ix) Emergency operations;
(x) Night operations, except as provided in section 61.110 of this part; and
(xi) Post flight procedures.
(5) For a powered-lift category rating:
(i) Preflight preparation;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport and heliport operations;
(iv) Hovering maneuvers;
(v) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(vi) Performance maneuvers;
(vii) Ground reference maneuvers;
(viii) Navigation;
(ix) Slow flight and stalls;
(x) Basic instrument maneuvers;
(xi) Emergency operations;
(xii) Night operations; and
(xiii) Post flight procedures.
61.109 Aeronautical
experience.
(a) For an airplane single-engine rating. Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, a person who applies for a private pilot license with an airplane category and single-engine class rating must log at least 40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in section 61.107(b)(1) of this part, and the training must include at least:
(1) 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a single-engine airplane;
(2) 3 hours of night flight training in a single-engine airplane that includes:
(i) One cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles total distance; and
(ii) 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport.
(3) 3 hours of flight training in a single-engine airplane on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments, including straight and level flight, constant airspeed climbs and descents, turns to a heading, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, radio communications, and the use of navigation systems/facilities and radar services appropriate to instrument flight;
(4) 3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test in a single-engine airplane, which must have been performed within 60 days preceding the date of the test; and
(5) 10 hours of solo flight time in a single-engine airplane, consisting of at least:
(i) 5 hours of solo cross-country time;
(ii) One solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles total distance, with full-stop landings at a minimum of three points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 50 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and
(iii) Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.
(b) For an airplane multiengine rating. Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, a person who applies for a private pilot license with an airplane category and multiengine class rating must log at least 40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in section 61.107(b)(2) of this part, and the training must include at least:
(1) 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a multiengine airplane;
(2) 3 hours of night flight training in a multiengine airplane that includes:
(i) One cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles total distance; and
(ii) 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport.
(3) 3 hours of flight training in a multiengine airplane on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments, including straight and level flight, constant airspeed climbs and descents, turns to a heading, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, radio communications, and the use of navigation systems/facilities and radar services appropriate to instrument flight;
(4) 3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test in a multiengine airplane, which must have been performed within the 60-day period preceding the date of the test; and
(5) 10 hours of solo flight time in an airplane consisting of at least:
(i) 5 hours of solo cross-country time;
(ii) One solo cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles total distance, with full-stop landings at a minimum of three points, and one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 50 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and
(iii) Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.
(c) For a helicopter rating. Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, a person who applies for a private pilot license with rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating must log at least 40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in section 61.107(b)(3) of this part, and the training must include at least:
(1) 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a helicopter;
(2) 3 hours of night flight training in a helicopter that includes:
(i) One cross-country flight of over 50 nautical miles total distance; and
(ii) 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport.
(3) 3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test in a helicopter, which must have been performed within 60 days preceding the date of the test; and
(4) 10 hours of solo flight time in a helicopter, consisting of at least:
(i) 3 hours cross-country time;
(ii) One solo cross-country flight of at least 75 nautical miles total distance, with landings at a minimum of three points, and one segment of the flight being a straight-line distance of at least 25 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and
(iii) Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.
(d) For a gyroplane rating. Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, a person who applies for a private pilot license with rotorcraft category and gyroplane class rating must log at least 40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in section 61.107(b)(4) of this part, and the training must include at least:
(1) 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a gyroplane;
(2) Except as provided in section 61.110 of this part, 3 hours of night flight training in a gyroplane that includes:
(i) One cross-country flight of over 50 nautical miles total distance; and
(ii) 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport.
(3) 3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test in a gyroplane, which must have been performed within the 60-day period preceding the date of the test; and
(4) 10 hours of solo flight time in a gyroplane, consisting of at least:
(i) 3 hours of cross-country time;
(ii) One solo cross-country flight of over 75 nautical miles total distance, with landings at a minimum of three points, and one segment of the flight being a straight-line distance of at least 25 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and
(iii) Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.
(e) For a powered-lift rating. Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, a person who applies for a private pilot license with a powered-lift category rating must log at least 40 hours of flight time that includes at least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10 hours of solo flight training in the areas of operation listed in section 61.107(b)(5) of this part, and the training must include at least:
(1) 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a powered-lift;
(2) 3 hours of night flight training in a powered-lift that includes:
(i) One cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles total distance; and
(ii) 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport.
(3) 3 hours of flight training in a powered-lift on the control and maneuvering of a powered-lift solely by reference to instruments, including straight and level flight, constant airspeed climbs and descents, turns to a heading, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, radio communications, and the use of navigation systems/facilities and radar services appropriate to instrument flight;
(4) 3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test in a powered-lift, which must have been performed within the 60-day period preceding the date of the test; and
(5) 10 hours of solo flight time in an airplane or powered-lift consisting of at least:
(i) 5 hours cross-country time;
(ii) One cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles total distance, with landings at a minimum of three points, and one segment of the flight being a straight-line distance of at least 50 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations; and
(iii) Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.
(f) Permitted credit for use of a flight simulator or flight training device.
(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (f)(2) of this section, a maximum of 2.5 hours of training in a flight simulator or flight training device representing the category, class, and type, if applicable, of aircraft appropriate to the rating sought, may be credited toward the flight training time required by this section, if received from an authorized instructor.
(2) A maximum of 5 hours of training in a flight simulator or flight training device representing the category, class, and type, if applicable, of aircraft appropriate to the rating sought, may be credited toward the flight training time required by this section if the training is accomplished in a course conducted by a training center certificated under part 142 of the ECARs.
(3) Except when fewer hours are approved by the ECAA, an applicant for a private pilot license with an airplane, rotorcraft, or powered-lift rating, who has satisfactorily completed an approved private pilot course conducted by a training center certificated under part 142 of the ECARs, need only have a total of 35 hours of aeronautical experience to meet the requirements of this section.
61.110 Night flying
exceptions.
A person who does not meet the night flying requirements in section 61.109(d)(2), may be issued a private pilot license with the limitation “Night flying prohibited.” This limitation may be removed by an examiner if the holder complies with the requirements of section 61.109(d)(2), as appropriate.
61.113 Private pilot
privileges and limitations: Pilot in command.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section, no person who holds a private pilot license 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.
(b) A private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as pilot in command of an aircraft in connection with any business or employment if:
(1) The flight is only incidental to that business or employment; and
(2) The aircraft does not carry passengers or property for compensation or hire.
(c) 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.
(d) 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:
(1) A local, State, or Governmental agency; or
(2) An organization that conducts search and location operations.
(e) 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.
(f) A private pilot who meets the requirements of section 61.69 may act as a pilot in command of an aircraft towing a glider or unpowered ultra light vehicle.
61.117 Private pilot privileges and limitations: Second in command of aircraft requiring more than one pilot.
Except as provided in section 61.113 of this part, no private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as second in command of an aircraft that is type certificated for more than one pilot, nor may that pilot act as second in command of such an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire.
Refer to ECAR 61.56 , 61.57 and 61.58 .