4-2 certificate, they will need to take a practical test in an airplane with simplified flight controls designation. If they do hold the category and class rating or privilege, they will only need the training and endorsement for the specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation, per 14 CFR § 61.45(h)(1). As another example, if a pilot holds a rotorcrafthelicopter with simplified flight controls limitation and seeks to operate a different M/M helicopter with simplified flight controls, they will need the specific M/M training and endorsement but are not required to complete a practical test since they already hold that category and class rating or privilege.
4.1.5 Airman Certification Simplified Flight Controls Requirements Table. Appendix A provides a table of examples of scenarios for airman certification simplified flight controls requirements and will help pilots navigate the new simplified flight controls training and testing requirements.
4.1.6 Simplified Flight Controls Experience Credit. As specified in 14 CFR § 61.9, the FAA set limitations on the applicability of pilot time acquired while operating an aircraft with a simplified flight controls designation that may be credited when seeking a higher-grade pilot certificate or rating. Experience gained by piloting aircraft with simplified flight controls is not equal to the experience acquired when operating aircraft equipped with conventional flight controls due to the reliance on automated operations. The unique operating characteristics of each M/M aircraft with simplified flight controls designation are expected to result in significant differences in pilot skills required for safe operations.
4.1.6.1 Consequently, PIC flight time gained in an aircraft with simplified flight controls is inapplicable for use in satisfying aeronautical experience requirements for higher grades of pilot certificates using conventional flight controls. For example, a person seeking a Commercial Pilot Certificate with a rotorcraft category helicopter class rating may not use pilot time acquired in a helicopter with simplified flight controls designation to meet the PIC flight time experience requirement in 14 CFR § 61.129(c)(2)(i), which requires 35 hours of PIC flight time in a helicopter, due to the differing operational characteristics between the flight controls.
4.1.7 Private Pilot Practical Test in an Aircraft With Simplified Flight Controls Designation.
Pursuant to 14 CFR § 61.9, Private Pilot Certificate applicants who present an aircraft with the simplified flight controls designation for the practical test may count solo time or PIC time in 14 CFR part 61 subpart E. This exception is not provided for higher-grade pilot certificates because the higher-grade pilot certificates require greater aeronautical knowledge, skills, and experience, and afford greater operational privileges (e.g., carrying passengers for compensation or hire) that are higher on the safety continuum and therefore require greater risk mitigation.
4.2 Flight Instructor Training and Endorsement Requirements for Aircraft With a Simplified Flight Controls Designation. Both 14 CFR part 61 subpart H and subpart K flight instructors are required to obtain the M/M limitation prior to conducting flight instruction in that M/M of aircraft with simplified flight controls designation, in accordance with 14 CFR §§ 61.195(m) and 61.415(m).
4-3
4.2.1 Initial Cadre Instructor Pilots. Since the simplified flight controls designation is a new regulatory requirement, the FAA created a provision in 14 CFR § 61.195(n) for a pilot to become initially qualified in an aircraft that is ce r tificated with this simplified flight controls designation. During the aircraft certification process, pilots employed by or used by the manufacturer will gain experience in aircraft with simplified fligh t c ont rols a nd be the best qualified persons to provide initial instruction to authorized instructors and Designated Pilot Examiners (DPE). Title 14 CFR § 61.195(n) refers to these persons as instructor pilots. The instructor pilot must comply with the operational limitations of the aircraft to provide flight training. AC 61-65, Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors, provides sample endorsements the instructor pilots and init ial cadre of flight instructors should rec eive in or de r to provide training.
4.2.2 In structor Pilot Prerequisite Qualifications. Only flight instructors who hold a 14 CFR part 61 subpart H flight instructor certificate with the appropriate category and class rating are authorized to receive training from instructor pilots employed or used by the aircraft manufacturer. This will establish the initial cadre of authorized instructors
(i.e., other 14 CFR part 61 subpart H instructors and 14 CFR part 61 subpart K flight instructors) who can conduct the required model-specific flight training in an aircraft with a simplified flight controls designation required by 14 CFR § 61.31(l).
4.2.3 Instructor Pilot Training Requirements. The training requirements identified in 14 CFR § 61.195(n)(2) largely mirror those set forth in 14 CFR § 61.31(l) (i.e., have received and logged model-specific training in that aircraft from an instructor pilot for the manufacturer of the aircraft and received an endorsement validating proficiency).
4.2.4 Flight Instructor Privileges. Once a manufacturer instructor pilot trains and qualifies a 14 CFR part 61 subpart H flight instructor (14 CFR § 61.195(n)), that subpart H flight instructor may then train and endorse other subpart H flight instructors or 14 CFR part 61 subpart K flight instructors (14 CFR § 61.415(n)). The instructors may then train and endorse pilots, sport pilots, and pilot applicants (14 CFR § 61.31(l)).
Appendix A A-1 APPENDIX A. AIRMAN CERTIFICATION SIMPLIFIED FLIGHT CONTROLS
REQUIREMENTS TABLE Note: This table shows some examples of possible certification scenarios for pilots seeking to operate an aircraft with a simplified flight controls designation.
Rotorcraft-Helicopter If you hold a— And you are seeking— Then you must complete— Regulatory Reference Sport pilot certificate with the following:
• Rotorcraft-helicopter privilege; and
• Specific make and model (M/M) simplified flight controls limitation.
To operate another model of rotorcraft-helicopter with simplified flight controls designation at the same certificate level.
The training and endorsement required by 14 CFR § 61.31(l) for each M/M.
Title 14 CFR § 61.45(h)(1).
Sport pilot certificate with the following:
• Rotorcraft-helicopter privilege; and
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation.
A recreational pilot certificate or higher with rotorcraft-helicopter rating (regardless of a simplified flight controls designation).
The applicable requirements for that grade of certificate, including a practical test.
Title 14 CFR part 61 applicable subpart, and subject to 14 CFR § 61.9.
Sport pilot certificate with the following:
• Rotorcraft-helicopter privilege; and
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation.
To operate an airplane category with simplified flight controls designation as an initial applicant for airplane category (and appropriate class) at any certificate grade.
A practical test for that certificate (if applicable), category, and class of aircraft.
Title 14 CFR § 61.45(h)(2) and the applicable certificate requirements.
Sport pilot certificate with the following:
• Rotorcraft-helicopter privilege; and
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation.
To operate any rotorcraft or airplane category without simplified flight controls designation at the same certificate level.
A practical test for that category and class of aircraft.
Title 14 CFR §§ 61.45(h)(2) and 61.316.
Sport pilot certificate with the following:
• Rotorcraft-helicopter privilege; and
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation.
To operate a different category and class, other than airplane category, at the same certificate level.
A proficiency check. Title 14 CFR § 61.321.
Appendix A A-2 Rotorcraft-Helicopter If you hold a— And you are seeking— Then you must complete— Regulatory Reference Recreational pilot certificate or higher with the following:
• Rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating; and
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation.
To operate a different M/M of rotorcraft-helicopter with a simplified flight controls designation at the same certificate level.
The training and endorsement required by 14 CFR § 61.31(l) for each M/M.
Title 14 CFR § 61.45(h)(1).
Recreational pilot certificate or higher with the following:
• Rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating; and
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation.
To operate a rotorcraft-helicopter without a simplified flight controls designation at the same certificate level.
A practical test for that category and class of aircraft equipped with conventional flight controls.
Title 14 CFR § 61.45(h)(2).
Recreational pilot certificate or higher with the following:
• Rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating; and
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation.
To operate an Airplane Category, Single-Engine Land class aircraft with a simplified flight controls designation at the same certificate level.
The requirements to add another category and class rating on the applicable pilot certificate, including a practical test.
Title 14 CFR §§ 61.45(h)(2) and 61.63(b).
Recreational pilot certificate or higher with the following:
• Rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating;
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation rotorcraft-helicopter;
and
• Airplane Category and Single-Engine Land class rating.
To operate an Airplane Category, Single-Engine Land class aircraft with a simplified flight controls designation at the same certificate level.
The training and endorsement required by 14 CFR § 61.31(l) for each M/M.
Title 14 CFR §§ 61.45(h)(1) and 61.31(l)(1).
Appendix A A-3 Rotorcraft-Helicopter If you hold a— And you are seeking— Then you must complete— Regulatory Reference Recreational pilot certificate or higher with a rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating without a simplified flight controls limitation.
To operate a rotorcraft-helicopter with simplified flight controls designation at the same certificate level.
The training and endorsement required by 14 CFR § 61.31(l) for each M/M.
Title 14 CFR § 61.31(l).
Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL) or Airplane Single-Engine Sea (ASES) If you hold a— And you are seeking— Then you must complete— Regulatory Reference Sport pilot certificate with the following:
• ASEL privileges;
and
• Specific make and model (M/M) simplified flight controls limitation.
To operate a different M/M of ASEL aircraft with simplified flight controls designation at the same certificate level.
The training and endorsement required by 14 CFR § 61.31(l) for each M/M.
Title 14 CFR § 61.45(h)(1).
Sport pilot certificate with the following:
• ASES privileges;
and
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation.
To operate a different M/M of ASES aircraft with simplified flight controls designation at the same certificate level.
The training and endorsement required by 14 CFR § 61.31(l) for each M/M.
Title 14 CFR § 61.45(h)(1).
Sport pilot certificate with the following:
• ASEL privileges;
and
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation.
A recreational pilot certificate or higher with ASEL rating (with or without a simplified flight controls designation).
The applicable requirements for that grade of certificate, including a practical test.
Title 14 CFR part 61 applicable subpart, and subject to 14 CFR § 61.9.
Sport pilot certificate with the following:
• ASES privileges;
and
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation.
A recreational pilot certificate or higher with ASES rating (with or without a simplified flight controls designation).
The applicable requirements for that grade of certificate, including a practical test.
Title 14 CFR part 61 applicable subpart, and subject to 14 CFR § 61.9.
Appendix A A-4 Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL) or Airplane Single-Engine Sea (ASES) If you hold a— And you are seeking— Then you must complete— Regulatory Reference Sport pilot certificate with the following:
• ASEL privilege (or ASES privilege);
and
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation for airplane.
To operate a rotorcraft-helicopter category and class aircraft with simplified flight controls designation as an initial applicant for rotorcraft category and helicopter class at any certificate grade.
A practical test for that certificate (if applicable), category, and class of aircraft.
Title 14 CFR § 61.45(h)(2) and the applicable certificate requirements.
Sport pilot certificate with the following:
• ASEL privilege (or ASES privilege);
and
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation for airplane.
To operate any rotorcraft or airplane category without simplified flight controls designation at the same certificate level.
A practical test for that category and class of aircraft.
Title 14 CFR §§ 61.45(h)(2) and 61.316.
Sport pilot certificate with the following:
• ASEL privilege (or ASES privilege);
and
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation for airplane.
To operate a different category and class, other than rotorcraft-helicopter category, at the same certificate level.
A proficiency check. Title 14 CFR § 61.321.
Recreational pilot certificate or higher with the following:
• ASEL rating; and
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation.
To operate a different M/M of ASEL aircraft with a simplified flight controls designation at the same certificate level.
The training and endorsement required by 14 CFR § 61.31(l) for each M/M.
Title 14 CFR § 61.45(h)(1).
Recreational pilot certificate or higher with the following:
• ASES rating; and
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation.
To operate a different M/M of ASES aircraft with a simplified flight controls designation at the same certificate level.
The training and endorsement required by 14 CFR § 61.31(l) for each M/M.
Title 14 CFR § 61.45(h)(1).
Appendix A A-5 Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL) or Airplane Single-Engine Sea (ASES) If you hold a— And you are seeking— Then you must complete— Regulatory Reference Recreational pilot certificate or higher with the following:
• ASEL rating; and
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation.
To operate an ASES aircraft with a simplified flight controls designation at the same certificate level.
A practical test for that category and class of aircraft.
Title 14 CFR § 61.45(h)(2) and the applicable certificate requirements.
Recreational pilot certificate or higher with the following:
• ASEL rating; and
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation.
To operate an ASEL aircraft without a simplified flight controls designation at the same certificate level.
A practical test for that category and class of aircraft equipped with conventional flight controls.
Title 14 CFR § 61.45(h)(2).
Recreational pilot certificate or higher with the following:
• ASES rating; and
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation.
To operate an ASES aircraft without a simplified flight controls designation at the same certificate level.
A practical test for that category and class of aircraft equipped with conventional flight controls.
Title 14 CFR § 61.45(h)(2).
Recreational pilot certificate or higher with the following:
• ASEL rating (or ASES rating);
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation for airplane; and
• Rotorcraft-helicopter rating.
To operate a rotorcraft-helicopter with a simplified flight controls designation at the same certificate level.
The training and endorsement required by 14 CFR § 61.31(l) for each M/M.
Title 14 CFR §§ 61.45(h)(1) and 61.31(l)(1).
Recreational pilot certificate or higher with the following:
• ASEL rating (or ASES rating);
and
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation for airplane.
To operate a rotorcraft-helicopter with a simplified flight controls designation at the same certificate level.
The requirements to add another category and class rating on the applicable pilot certificate, including a practical test.
Title 14 CFR §§ 61.45(h)(2) and 61.63(b).
Appendix A A-6 Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL) or Airplane Single-Engine Sea (ASES) If you hold a— And you are seeking— Then you must complete— Regulatory Reference Recreational pilot certificate or higher with an ASEL rating without a simplified flight controls limitation.
To operate an ASEL aircraft with simplified flight controls designation at the same certificate level.
The training and endorsement required by 14 CFR § 61.31(l) for each M/M.
Title 14 CFR § 61.31(l).
Recreational pilot certificate or higher with an ASES rating without a simplified flight controls limitation.
To operate an ASES aircraft with simplified flight controls designation at the same certificate level.
The training and endorsement required by 14 CFR § 61.31(l) for each M/M.
Title 14 CFR § 61.31(l).
Flight Instructors Other Than Flight Instructors With a Sport Pilot Rating (14 CFR Part 61 Subpart H) If you hold a— And you are seeking— Then you must meet the following requirements:
Regulatory Reference Commercial Pilot Certificate (or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate) with rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating.
To provide initial flight instructor cadre training in a helicopter with a simplified flight controls designation.
(1) Receive a flight instructor certificate with a rotorcraft-helicopter rating;
(2) Receive and log model-specific training in that aircraft from an instructor pilot for the manufacturer of the aircraft; and
(3) Receive a logbook or training record endorsement from the instructor pilot certifying that the flight instructor is proficient in the safe operation of that model-specific aircraft and the associated simplified flight controls.
Title 14 CFR § 61.195(n).
Appendix A A-7 Flight Instructors Other Than Flight Instructors With a Sport Pilot Rating (14 CFR Part 61 Subpart H) If you hold a— And you are seeking— Then you must meet the following requirements:
Regulatory Reference Flight instructor certificate with rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating issued under 14 CFR part 61 subpart H.
To provide initial flight instructor cadre training in a helicopter with a simplified flight controls designation.
(1) Receive and log model-specific training in that aircraft from an instructor pilot for the manufacturer of the aircraft; and
(2) Receive a logbook or training record endorsement from the instructor pilot certifying that the flight instructor is proficient in the safe operation of that model-specific aircraft and the associated simplified flight controls.
Title 14 CFR § 61.195(n).
Flight instructor certificate with rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating issued under 14 CFR part 61 subpart H.
To provide training in a helicopter with a simplified flight controls designation.
Receive training and an endorsement specified in 14 CFR § 61.31(l).
Title 14 CFR § 61.195(m).
Flight instructor certificate with rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating issued under 14 CFR part 61 subpart H.
To instruct under 14 CFR part 61 subpart K in an airplane with simplified flight controls designation.
Complete a practical test for that category and class privilege.
Title 14 CFR § 61.419.
Appendix A A-8 Flight Instructor With a Sport Pilot Rating (14 CFR Part 61 Subpart K) If you hold a— And you are seeking— Then you must complete— Regulatory Reference Flight instructor certificate with the following:
• Sport pilot rating with a rotorcraft-helicopter privilege; and
• Specific make and model (M/M) simplified flight controls limitation.
To provide instruction in another M/M of rotorcraft-helicopter with a simplified flight controls designation.
The training and endorsement requirements specified in 14 CFR § 61.31(l) for each M/M.
Title 14 CFR §§ 61.31(l), 61.415(m), and 61.429(d).
Flight instructor certificate with the following:
• Sport pilot rating with a rotorcraft-helicopter privilege; and
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation.
To provide training in an Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL) or Airplane Single-Engine Sea (ASES) with simplified flight controls designation.
A practical test for that category and class privilege.
Title 14 CFR § 61.419(e).
Flight instructor certificate with the following:
• Sport pilot rating with ASEL privilege; and
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation.
To provide training in an ASEL without a simplified flight controls designation.
A practical test for that ASEL aircraft equipped with conventional flight controls.
Title 14 CFR § 61.45(h)(2).
Flight instructor certificate with the following:
• Sport pilot rating with ASEL privilege; and
• Specific M/M simplified flight controls limitation.
To provide training in other privileges than airplane or helicopter.
A proficiency check. Title 14 CFR § 61.419.
Advisory Circular Feedback Form If you find an error in this AC, have recommendations for improving it, or have suggestions for new items/subjects to be added, you may let us know by contacting the General Aviation and Commercial Division at 9-AFS-800-Correspondence@faa.gov or the Flight Standards Directives Management Officer at 9-AWA-AFB-120-Directives@faa.gov.
Subject: AC 61-146, Pilot Certification and Operations for Sport Pilots, Flight Instructors with a Sport Pilot Rating, and Simplified Flight Controls Date: _____________________ Please check all appropriate line items:
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