Medical Certificates
What Part 61 section covers the requirement to hold a medical certificate for pilot certification?
§61.3(c)
Under which subpart of Part 61 are instrument ratings found?
Subpart B – §61.65
How often must you log instrument approaches to maintain IFR currency?
Every 6 calendar months (§61.57(c))
What is the minimum equipment required for IFR flight under Part 91?
Instruments per §91.205(d)
Who may give instrument training required for an instrument rating?
A CFII (§61.195(c))
How long is a first-class medical certificate valid for a pilot under age 40 exercising ATP privileges?
12 calendar months
What is the minimum aeronautical experience required for an instrument rating under Part 61?
50 hours of cross-country PIC time and 40 hours of actual/simulated instrument time (§61.65(d))
How many approaches and tasks are required for maintaining IFR currency?
6 instrument approaches, holding, intercepting and tracking (§61.57(c))
Who must file an alternate airport for IFR flight?
Pilots when weather forecasts don’t meet 1-2-3 rule (§91.169)
What endorsement is required before a practical test for an instrument rating?
Endorsement of readiness by an authorized instructor (§61.39(a)(6))
What happens when a first-class medical certificate expires for a private pilot?
It reverts to third-class privileges for the remainder of its validity period.
Who can administer an instrument practical test?
A DPE, FAA inspector, or authorized examiner (§61.43 and §61.47)
What happens if you exceed 6 months without instrument experience?
You can regain currency by completing an IPC (§61.57(d))
Can you fly IFR without a current altimeter/static system check?
No — must be inspected within 24 months (§91.411)
Can a CFI without an instrument instructor rating endorse a student for an instrument practical test?
No — must be a CFII (§61.195(c))
True or False: A pilot flying under BasicMed can act as PIC on an IFR flight.
True if they comply with §61.113(i) and §68.3.
Can simulator time count toward the 40-hour instrument requirement?
Yes — up to 20 hours if using an approved aviation training device (ATD) (§61.65(i))
Can simulated instrument time with a safety pilot count toward IFR currency?
Yes, if the safety pilot is appropriately rated (§61.51(g))
What navigation log requirement applies to IFR students during training?
Must log instrument time and approaches under §61.51(g)
What record must an instructor keep of training provided?
Logbook record of ground and flight training given (§61.189)
What medical certificate class is required to act as SIC in an airliner under Part 121?
Second-class medical (§61.23(a)(2))
What specific cross-country is required for the instrument rating?
One IFR cross-country flight of at least 250 NM, three different approaches, using different nav systems (§61.65(d)(2))
What must be done if more than 12 calendar months pass since your last instrument experience?
You must complete an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) (§61.57(d))
Under what condition may a pilot accept an IFR clearance without an instrument rating?
None — an instrument rating is required (§61.3(e))
How long must instructors retain records of endorsements?
3 years (§61.189(b))