FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)Regulations (Part 121)Hard
An airport has been designated by the Administrator as requiring special pilot-in-command qualification due to unusual terrain and complex approach procedures. A pilot in command has never landed at this airport before. Under 14 CFR 121.445, which of the following satisfies the qualification requirement prior to operating there?
- ACompleting an adequate pictorial presentation of the airport within the preceding 12 calendar months
- BReceiving a verbal briefing from the dispatcher immediately before departure
- CConfirming that the current instrument approach charts for the airport are on board
- DReviewing the airport diagram in the company operations manual without further training
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Completing an adequate pictorial presentation of the airport within the preceding 12 calendar months
Under 121.445, a pilot in command who has not personally landed at a special qualification airport within the preceding 12 calendar months must satisfy the requirement through an adequate pictorial means (photographs, diagrams, or similar visual presentation) of that airport, completed within the preceding 12 calendar months, in lieu of an actual landing.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. A brief verbal dispatcher briefing does not meet the formal pictorial qualification standard.
- C. Having current charts aboard addresses navigation currency, not the special airport qualification requirement.
- D. Simply reviewing a diagram without structured pictorial presentation does not satisfy the requirement.
Special Airport PIC Qualification (121.445)
Requires pilots in command to be specially qualified for airports designated as having unusual characteristics, either by a recent landing or a pictorial presentation.
- Applies to airports designated by the Administrator
- Qualification via landing within 12 months OR pictorial presentation
- Pictorial means includes photos/diagrams reviewed within 12 months
Memory trick: "No landing? Look at the pictures instead — within the year."