FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Flight Maneuvers and EndorsementsHard
A private pilot wants to act as pilot in command of a pressurized airplane certificated to operate above 25,000 feet MSL. According to 14 CFR 61.31(g), what must the pilot receive before acting as PIC?
- AOnly a high-performance airplane endorsement, since it covers all operations above 18,000 feet
- BA complex airplane endorsement combined with an instrument rating
- CA type rating specific to the airplane's make and model
- DGround and flight training on high-altitude operations, physiology, and pressurization systems, with a logbook endorsement
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Ground and flight training on high-altitude operations, physiology, and pressurization systems, with a logbook endorsement
14 CFR 61.31(g) requires ground training covering high-altitude aeronautical knowledge areas—such as respiration, hypoxia, decompression sickness, gas expansion, and pressurization systems—plus flight training in the pressurized airplane, with a logbook endorsement certifying the pilot is proficient before acting as PIC above 25,000 feet MSL.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The high-performance endorsement addresses horsepower, not high-altitude physiology or pressurization.
- B. The complex endorsement addresses landing gear and propeller systems, unrelated to high-altitude training requirements.
- C. A type rating is only required for large or turbojet-powered airplanes, not solely for high-altitude operations.
High-Altitude Endorsement (61.31g)
Required training for pilots acting as PIC of a pressurized airplane capable of operating above 25,000 feet MSL, covering high-altitude physiology and pressurization systems.
- Applies to pressurized airplanes operating above FL250
- Includes ground training on hypoxia, gas expansion, decompression sickness
- Includes flight training on proper operation of pressurization systems
- Requires logbook endorsement of training completion
Memory trick: 'Above 25, know your physio' before flying pressurized high.