Pilot Qualifications

Answer:

Privileges:

1. You can act as Pilot in Command (PIC) of an aircraft under VFR or IFR, provided you meet the BasicMed requirements.
2. You may carry passengers and conduct flights for personal or recreational purposes.
3. You can operate aircraft with a maximum certificated takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less and certified for no more than seven occupants (including the pilot).
4. You can fly at altitudes below 18,000 feet MSL and at speeds of 250 knots or less.

Limitations:

1. You cannot operate for compensation or hire (except as allowed for Private Pilots under 14 CFR 61.113).
2. You may not carry more than 6 passengers.
3. You cannot fly outside the United States unless specifically authorized by the destination country.

Answer: To fly under BasicMed, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Hold a valid and current U.S. driver's license.
2. Hold or Have Held a Medical Certificate: You must have previously held a valid FAA medical certificate after July 14, 2006, and not had it revoked, suspended, or denied.
3. Complete a Medical Examination: You must visit a state-licensed physician every 48 months to complete a BasicMed medical examination and have the physician sign the FAA Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist.
4. Complete an Online Course: Every 24 months, you must complete an approved BasicMed medical education course and keep a copy of the completion certificate.

Answer: No, you should not fly if the medication or your allergies impair your ability to safely operate the aircraft.

Under 14 CFR 61.53, a pilot may not act as Pilot in Command if they have a medical condition or are taking medication that makes them unable to meet the medical standards required for their certificate. Additionally, 14 CFR 91.17 prohibits flying while using drugs that affect a person’s faculties in a way contrary to safety. The FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge) further advises that even over-the-counter medications, like some allergy drugs, may cause side effects such as drowsiness or slowed reaction times, which are unsafe for flying.

Always verify the medication's safety for aviation use, consult an aviation medical examiner (AME) if needed, and err on the side of caution to ensure safety.

A Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) may be issued by the Federal Air Surgeon to a pilot with a disqualifying medical condition that is stable or non-progressive, provided the pilot can safely perform their duties without risk to public safety. A SODA is permanent and does not expire, as long as an aviation medical examiner confirms that the condition has not worsened.

Answer: To exercise the privileges of a Private Pilot Certificate, you need at least a third-class medical certificate.

The validity period of a third-class medical certificate depends on the pilot’s age at the time of the exam:

1. Under 40 years old: The medical certificate is valid for 60 calendar months (5 years).
2. 40 years old or older: The medical certificate is valid for 24 calendar months (2 years).

After these periods, the medical certificate expires, and you must obtain a new one to continue acting as Pilot in Command. Alternatively, pilots may choose to fly under the BasicMed program, which has its own requirements and limitations.

Answer:

1. Category:
   The broadest classification of aircraft, based on intended use or general operating characteristics. Examples include Airplane, Rotorcraft, Glider, and Lighter-than-Air.
2. Class:
   A classification within a category that defines the aircraft based on specific operational characteristics. Examples within the "Airplane" category include Single-Engine Land, Single-Engine Sea, Multi-Engine Land, and Multi-Engine Sea.
3. Type:
   The most specific classification, referring to a particular make and basic model of aircraft that requires additional training and certification due to its complexity or unique features. A type rating is required for large aircraft (over 12,500 pounds maximum takeoff weight) and for certain turbojet-powered aircraft (e.g., Boeing 737, Cessna Citation).

Answer: In addition to high-performance and complex aircraft, the following types of single-engine land (ASEL) aircraft require specific training and a logbook endorsement:

1. Tailwheel Airplanes: Pilots must receive training and a logbook endorsement to act as Pilot in Command of a tailwheel airplane. The endorsement confirms proficiency in operating a tailwheel airplane.
2. High-Altitude Airplanes: For aircraft with a service ceiling or maximum operating altitude above 25,000 feet MSL, pilots must complete specific ground and flight training and receive a logbook endorsement for high-altitude operations.