FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Regulations (14 CFR 61/91)Medium
A private pilot has never acted as pilot in command of an airplane with retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable-pitch propeller. According to 14 CFR 61.31(e), what must the pilot obtain before acting as pilot in command of such an airplane?
- ANothing additional, since the private pilot certificate already authorizes this
- BA minimum of 25 hours of dual instruction logged in any complex airplane
- CAn additional type rating added to the pilot certificate
- DGround and flight training on the complex airplane and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Ground and flight training on the complex airplane and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor
14 CFR 61.31(e) requires that a pilot receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in a complex airplane, and receive a one-time logbook endorsement certifying proficiency, before acting as PIC of a complex airplane. No specific hour requirement or type rating is mandated.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A private pilot certificate alone does not authorize acting as PIC of a complex airplane without this endorsement.
- B. There is no specific 25-hour requirement in 61.31(e); it is a training-and-endorsement requirement.
- C. A type rating is required only for large or turbojet aircraft, not simply for complex airplanes.
Complex Airplane Endorsement (61.31(e))
A pilot must receive training and a logbook endorsement before acting as PIC of an airplane with retractable gear, flaps, and a controllable-pitch propeller (or is equipped with an engine control system).
- Applies to retractable gear, flaps, controllable-pitch prop
- One-time training and endorsement, not an added rating
- Similar endorsements exist for high-performance and tailwheel airplanes
Memory trick: 'Complex needs a stamp, not a rating.'