FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Regulations (14 CFR 61/91)Medium
A private pilot has never logged flight time as pilot in command in an airplane with an engine rated at more than 200 horsepower. The pilot now wants to rent a single-engine airplane with a 230-horsepower engine, fixed landing gear, and a fixed-pitch propeller. According to 14 CFR 61.31(f), what must the pilot obtain before acting as PIC of this airplane?
- AA logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor after receiving ground and flight training and being found proficient in a complex airplane
- BNo additional training or endorsement is required because the airplane has fixed gear and a fixed-pitch propeller
- CA logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor after receiving ground and flight training and being found proficient in a high-performance airplane
- DAn additional class rating added to the pilot certificate for high-performance airplanes
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. A logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor after receiving ground and flight training and being found proficient in a high-performance airplane
14 CFR 61.31(f) defines a high-performance airplane solely by engine horsepower exceeding 200, regardless of landing gear type or propeller type. A pilot with no prior PIC time in such an airplane must receive training and a logbook endorsement of proficiency before acting as PIC.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Complex endorsement relates to retractable gear, flaps, and controllable prop, a separate requirement.
- B. Gear and prop type are irrelevant to the high-performance definition; horsepower controls.
- D. High-performance status is handled by endorsement, not by a class rating.
High-Performance Endorsement (61.31(f))
Required before acting as PIC of an airplane with an engine rated at more than 200 horsepower, based solely on horsepower.
- Threshold is >200 hp, regardless of gear or prop type
- Requires ground/flight training and logbook proficiency endorsement
- Grandfather clause exists for PIC time logged before August 4, 1997
Memory trick: Horsepower makes it 'high-performance'; gadgets make it 'complex.'