Often Overlooked Regulations

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As pilots, we are required to understand the regulations that apply to our flight and ground operations. While most of us learned the appropriate rules during flight training, it’s easy to forget the ones we don’t use every day—and sometimes even misremember the ones we do use. The regulations outlined below tend to be overlooked by pilots and are worth a refresher.

AIM Change 1 Update Clarifies Upwind Leg at Towered Airports

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A new revision to the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) is now in effect, and it includes an important clarification for pilots operating at towered airports. The FAA has updated paragraph 4-3-3 to realign the definition and depiction of the upwind leg with how it's used by air traffic control (ATC) in practice.

Unintended Consequences of Reducing ATP Minimum Hours

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The aviation industry has long debated the minimum flight hours required for pilots to obtain an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, a prerequisite for serving as a pilot in command at major airlines. Currently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates 1,500 hours of total flight time for most pilots seeking an ATP certificate, although certain exemptions (e.g., for military pilots or graduates of approved aviation programs) allow for reduced minimums—known as a Restricted ATP.

Pilot training experience requirements—just do what the regulation says!

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The crafty, creative CFI thought it would be a great opportunity for the student to get in some practice at another airport. In this case, he had the student grab another airport (a 4th) along the way. They thought that the student doing another landing at Marion (KMWA) would be some good additional experience for them at a towered airport. They aren’t wrong about that, but in a strict sense, it now means that cross-country solo flight doesn’t count toward the experience requirements for a private pilot certificate.

Updated PIC Currency Requirements

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A seemingly subtle change to § 61.57 that went into effect in early December has a significant affect on PIC currency requirements. Of course, everyone is aware that three takeoffs and landings in the same category, class, and type (if required) are required to carry “passengers,” but the recent update to landing currency in § 61.57(a)(b) replaces the word “passengers” with “persons.”

FAA Introduces New Rules for CFIs Effective December 1

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Big changes are coming for certified flight instructors on December 1, 2024. While it's been widely publicized that CFIs will no longer have an expiration date associated with their certificate under the new rules, CFIs are required to maintain recent flight instruction activity or participate in a flight instructor refresher course (FIRC) at least every 24 months. Failure to document and apply for recency will have the same effect as a CFI expiring.

Navigating the ATP Certification Process: A Pilot’s Guide

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To be eligible to serve as an airline crew member, pilots must possess an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP). To reach the ATP level, pilots now have the option of pursuing an unrestricted ATP subject to FAR Part 61 requirements or may choose to pursue a Restricted ATP (R-ATP) qualification by graduating from an approved, collegiate-based aviation program.

Pilot’s Guide to Part 107 Drone Operations

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The rule for operating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones under 55 pounds is found in 14 CFR Part 107, referred to as the Small UAS Rule. However, if you want to fly a drone for purely recreational purposes, you only need to abide by a basic set of operating requirements. If you are in doubt as to whether you are flying for recreation or commercial purpose, it is best to follow the guidelines of Part 107.

Pilot’s Guide to BasicMed

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BasicMed is an alternate way for pilots to fly without holding an FAA medical certificate as long as they meet certain requirements. To fly under BasicMed, pilots must print off a FAA Form 8700-2; BasicMed Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC) and get your physical exam with a state-licensed physician.
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FAA publishes updated Airman Certification Standards – Here’s What You Should Know

The ACS is a comprehensive presentation integrating the standards for what an applicant must know, consider, and do to demonstrate proficiency. In this latest update, effective May 31, 2024, revisions were made to the ACS as an outgrowth of public comment; however, there are no major substantive changes to the testing standards already in use or the conduct of the practical test.