PPL Oral Guide: Pilot Qualifications

Taken from PPL Oral Exam Guide

Eligibility requirements for PPL

17 years old, English proficient, hold at least a 3rd class medical certificate, received ground and flight training endorsements, meet aeronautical experience requirements, and pass required knowledge and practical tests

Requirements to remain current with a PPL

Accomplish flight review in preceding 24 months and receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor

Requirements to carry passengers

Three solo takeoffs and landings in the same category, class, and type (if required)

When must landings be full-stop to count towards passenger currency?

To carry passengers at night and in a tailwheel airplane

What counts as “night” for passenger currency takeoffs/landings?

1 hour after sunset and 1 hour before sunrise

Is not logging flights in a logbook a violation of a regulation?

No, you’re only required to log flights that count towards a certificate, rating, or flight review

Can you log PIC time in an aircraft you are not rated for, as long as a friend with proper ratings acts as PIC?

Yes, but you may not officially act as PIC.

What is the difference between current and proficient?

Current is meeting all regulatory requirements, proficient is personal competence in skills

How will establishing a personal minimums checklist reduce risk?

Only you know your personal limitations, by knowing your limits you are able to make a go/no-go call in dangerous conditions even if the regulations allow it.

Should you depart in an aircraft if it has unfamiliar avionics or other vital equipment?

If you are proficient in the equipment, yes. If not, it should be treated as a hazard and dealt with accordingly.

How long can an airman exercise certificate privileges after moving, if they do not notify the FAA of their new address?

30 days

When can a pilot log as second-in-command time?

If multiple crewmembers are required by the type certificate or regulations of the flight

Can a private pilot carry people or property for a business?

Yes, as long as it is incidental and does not fly for compensation or hire

Can a private pilot carry passengers if the passengers cover all expenses of the flight?

No, the pilot must not pay less than the pro rata share of operating expenses

Can a private pilot act as PIC of an aircraft for a charity, nonprofit, or community event?

Yes, if the event and pilot comply with the regulations (14 cfr 91.146)

Can a private pilot be reimbursed for operating an aircraft to participate in a search and locate operation?

Yes, if the operation is sanctioned under local, state, or federal agencies that conduct the operations

Can a private pilot demonstrate an aircraft to a prospective buyer?

Yes, if the pilot is an aircraft salesperson and has more than 200 hours of logged time

Can a private pilot act as PIC of an aircraft towing a glider or other ultralight unpowered vehicle?

Yes, as long as they meet the requirements under 14 CFR 61.69

Can a private pilot act as a test pilot?

Only for light sport aircraft and meet the requirements under 14 CFR 61.113

Can passengers contribute money to a pilot to pay for an annual inspection?

No. Operating costs do not include maintenance fees.

What is included in “operating costs”?

Fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees.

What must a Private Pilot have in physical possession to act as PIC of an aircraft?

A pilot certificate, a photo ID, and a medical certificate

Who may request a pilot to show documentation?

An FAA representative, an authorized NTSB representative, and law enforcement officer, or an authorized member of the TSA.

What is the definition of a high-performance airplane?

An aircraft with an engine of more than 200 horsepower.

What must a pilot do to act as PIC in a high-performance airplane?

The pilot must have received a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor

Other than high-performance and complex aircraft, what other types require a logbook endorsement?

High-altitude and tailwheel aircraft

What is the definition of a high-altitude airplane?

A pressurized cabin with a service ceiling or maximum altitude above 25,000 ft MSL

What is the definition of a complex airplane?

An aircraft that has retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable pitch propeller

What is an aircraft category?

A broad classification of aircraft such as glider, rotorcraft, or airplane

What is an aircraft class?

Aircraft within a category sharing operating characteristics, such as single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea, and multi-engine sea

What is an aircraft type?

a specific model of aircraft, such as Boeing 737, Cessna 172, Cirrus SR22, etc.

What medial certificate is required for PPL operations?

3rd class

How long is a third class medical valid for?

60 calendar months (5 years) for individuals under 40, 24 calendar months (2 years) for those above 40.