Knowledge Training
30 hours
Flight Training
35 hours
Government Issued Photo ID
Passport
Driver's License
State ID
NOT Social Security Card
Pilot Certificate
This never expires, but must be kept current with a biannual flight review. (FAR 61.56)
Biannual flight reviews must be a minimum of 1 hour ground and flight training.
Can be done by a CFI or it will reset with each new license obtained.
Logbook: FAR 61.51
Used to show your currency (or required training time and aeronautical experience) for:
Certificate
Rating
Flight Review
A pilot logbook must include:
Total training time
Signature and ID number of the Instructor
The logged training time must be endorsed by the instructor
For inspections, a pilot must present their logbook, pilot certificate, medical certificate, and any other record required.
Medical Certificate: FAR 61.23
1st Class: ATP, Commercial, Private, Recreational, Sport, and CFI
2nd Class: Commercial, Private, Recreational, Sport, and CFI
3rd Class: Private, Recreational, Sport, and CFI
Medicals expire but follow a default flow...
Fly under IFR
Legally operate under Instrument Flight Rules in IMC or VMC.
File and fly IFR flight plans
Includes route clearances, STARs, DPs, and instrument approaches.
Act as PIC in IMC
Pilot in command in actual or simulated instrument conditions.
Operate in Class A Airspace
Required for any flight above 18,000 feet MSL.
Fly instrument approaches & holding procedures
Includes all standard and non-standard entries and approach types (ILS, RNAV, VOR, LOC, etc.)
Night Cross-Country PIC (for Commercial)
Required to act as PIC for >50 NM night XC under Part 61.129(b)(3)(ii).
IRA is an Add-On Rating
Must already hold a Private Pilot Certificate – Airplane.
No Commercial Privileges
You cannot fly for hire with just an IRA — you also need a Commercial Pilot Certificate.
PIC on IFR Flight
0-6 Months
In the last 6 calendar months, must fly in actual or simulated IMC.
6.H.I.T.
i. 6 instrument approaches
ii. holding procedures
iii. intercepting and tracking of navigation systems
6-12 Months
Must be in a simulator or with instructor or a safety pilot with a view limiting device.
Safety pilot must have:
i. private pilot certificate
ii. ability to act as PIC and is legal in the aircraft
iii. current medical certificate
iv. logged by name in logbook
+12 Months
An IPC (Instrument Proficiency Check) is required
i. CFII must complete IPC
ii. Some, not all tasks are allowed in a simulator
iii. tasks in IFR ACS apx. 5
(Note: reference AC 61-98e ch. 5 for IPC structure)
When acting as PIC under IFR or in weather less than VFR. (FAR 61.3)
When carrying passengers for compensation or hire on cross-country flights more than 50 NM or at night. (FAR 61.133)
Any flight in Class A airspace. (FAR 91.135)
For Special VFR between sunset and sunrise. (FAR 91.157)