Commercial Oral Prep (Pilot qualifications)

What documents must you have in your possession to act as PIC?

1. Pilot certificate

2. Medical certificate

3. Gov. issued photo ID

What class medical certificate is required for commercial pilots?

A second-class medical

What are the requirements to remain current as a commercial pilot?

No PAX = flight review every 24 calendar months

W/ PAX = 3 takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days and for night flights you need 3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop at night withing the preceding 90 days

Same category and class of aircraft (type if required too)

What 4 elements define “common carriage”

(1) Holding out, (2) a willingness to transport persons or property, (3) from place to place, (4)for compensation or hire

** Holding out = advertising to the public

How do you tell the difference between a private flight and a commercial operation when carrying passengers?

Private flights = Only share pro rata share expenses with the passengers

Commercial operation = Anytime the pilot receives compensation beyond pro rata share

Can a commercial pilot carry passengers or property for hire in restricted, limited, or experimental aircraft?

No, it is prohibited

What are the basic eligibility requirements to apply for a commercial pilot certificate?

1. Be 18 years old

2. Read/speak English

3. Hold a private pilot certificate

4. Have the proper endorsements

5. Meet the knowledge, proficiency, and experience requirements

6. Also need a 2nd class medical to exercise privileges

What privileges does the commercial pilot certificate grant?

Carrying person or property for compensation or hire - provided the pilot is qualified and in compliance with all applicable regulations for the operation (i.e. part 91 or 135)

You’ve just earned your commercial certificate but lack an instrument rating. What limitation does 61.133 impose on you?

You may not carry passengers for hire on cross-country flights over 50 NM or at night

How does the FAA define commercial pilot operations?

Commercial operations are flights carrying persons or property for compensation of hire. Review to ensure whether additional commercial operator or air carrier rules apply

**Holding a commercial certificate does not by itself authorize common-carrier

What is a complex airplane and what are the requirements to act as PIC of one?

Has flaps, retractable landing gear, and a controllable pitch propeller. You must log ground and flight training from an instructor; instructor will sign an endorsement in your logbook.

Can you act as PIC of a tailwheel airplane without additional training as a commercial pilot?

No, you must receive and log ground and flight training from an instructor and receive and endorsement

What is the definition of category, class, and type?

Category - Airplane, rotorcraft, glider

Class - Single-engine, multi-engine

Type - A-320, C-172, PA-28-181

What does the term “commercial operator” refer to?

A commercial operator is any person who, for compensation or hire, engages in carriage by aircraft in air commerce of persons or property.

The test is whether carriage is incidental to another business or is itself a profit-making enterprise

What are some operations a commercial pilot may conduct without a part 135 certificate, and what limitations apply?

1. Flight instruction

2. Ferry flights

3. Crop dusting, aerial survey, banner towing, or pipeline patrol

4. Demonstration flights to prospective buyers (limited to 30 minutes)

5. Flights for charitable, non-profit, or community events

** cost sharing under 61.113 is not allowed if you are “holding out” or offering flights to the public

How many days do you have to notify the FAA of an address change?

30 days

Is a commercial pilot required to log all flight time?

No, just the time for training for a certificate and that to meet currency requirements.

What is the duration of a second-class medical certificate for operations requiring a commercial certificate?

12 calendar months, then reverts to 3rd class privileges for the remainder of its total duration:

60 if under 40 and 24 if over 40

What are the 3 medical certificates and how long are they valid?

1st - under 40 = 12 calendar months and over 40 = 6 calendar months

2nd - 12 calendar months

3rd - under 40 = 60 calendar months and over 40 = 24 calendar months

What is a high-performance airplane and what are the requirements to act as PIC of one?

Has an engine with more than 200 horsepower, must log ground and flight training and receive an endorsement.

What are the requirements to fly under basicmed?

• Possess a U.S driver’s license

• Held a medical after July 14, 2006

• Receive a physical exam from a physician (retake every 48 months to the day)

• Complete online medical education course (retake every 24 calendar months)

Can you exercise commercial pilot privileges while operating under basic med?

In general no, but you can instruct with Basic med because you are being paid to teach not to transport passengers for hire