Pilot Qualifications

• Be at least 17 years of age.

• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the english language.

• Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor.

• Pass the knowledge test.

• Receive flight training.

• Meet the aeronautical experience requirements.

• Pass the practical test.

• Comply with the appropriate sections of this Part that apply to the aircraft category, class, and type.

• 35 hours of training 

To carry passengers: 3 takeoffs and landings in the same category, class, and type if required within the preceding 90 days.

1. Day landings can be touch and go.

2. Night landings must be full stop during the period of 1 hour after sunset-1 hour before sunrise. FAR 61.57(B)

3. Tailwheel landings must be full stop in both day and night.

Note: if there are two pilots that need to conduct landings for currency, only one can be in the aircraft at a time because they are considered passengers. 

• Currency: meet the legal requirements for flight.

• Proficiency: ability to perform a correct and safe flight.

• Can act as PIC for charity, nonprofit events, search and location operations.

• Can act as PIC if the flight is incidental to the business.

• Can act as PIC as a salesman or demonstrator of an aircraft to a potential buyer if 200+ hours are logged.

• Can tow a glider or unpowered ultralight vehicle (FAR 61.69).

• A private pilot cannot act as PIC of an aircraft if it is carrying passengers or property for hire.

• Cannot act as PIC for compensation or hire.

• Cannot pay less than the pro-rata share of the expense of the flight.

A private pilot may conduct simple repairs or replacement of regular components that do not require complex assembly or disassembly.

Examples:

• Changing tires

• Changing oil/filters

• Replacing seatbelts

• Replacing spark plugs

• Replacing lights

Any preventative maintenance must be recorded in the maintenance records with a desrciption, date of completion, signature and certificate number of pilot who performed it. A person might hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate in order to do preventative maintenance.

Only the owner and operator can perform preventative maintenance. 

No person who holds a medical certificate may act as PIC or other required crew member while that person:

1. Has a known medical condition that would make the person unable to meet the medical certificate requirements for the pilot operation

2. Is taking medication or receiving other treatments that result in the person being unable to meet the medical certificate requirement for the pilot operation.

S.O.D.A. Statement of Demonstrated Ability

Issued by the federal air surgeon to a person with a non-progressive disqualifying condition so they may act as a crewmember. This only applies to PPL privileges.

In the FAR/AIM, BasicMed is not explicitly described other than it's limitations and privileges. 

For more information on BasicMed visit the FAA website.

Requirements:

1. • Hold a US driver’s license

   • Held a medical certificate after July 14, 2006

   • A physical exam by a state licensed physician 

   • Complete section 2 of CMEC (Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist)

   • Take a medical education course

   • Keep the signed CMEC and BasicMed education course completion certificate in their logbook

Validation:

• CMEC within 48 calendar months

• Medical course training within 24 calendar months

Privileges:

1. • To act as PIC by holding a valid US driver’s license instead of a medical certificate

Limitations:

1. • May not fly for compensation or hire

   • VFR or IFR flight within the US

   • Aircraft capacity: max 7 occupants

   • Maximum takeoff weight of 12,500 lbs

   • Altitude at or below 18,000 ft

   • Airspeed no more than 250 kts

Applicability:

1. • Pilots or crew members with PPL

   • Flight instructors

   • Pilot examiners