The FAA has addressed a long-simmering aircraft availability issue that focuses on pilots trying to earn some pilot certificates. Until yesterday, the agency required commercial pilot applicants, as well as applicants for single-engine flight instructor ratings, to fly at least a portion of the checkride in a complex aircraft, that is, one with retractable landing gear, flaps and a constant speed propeller.
FAA Eliminates Complex Aircraft Requirement for Some Checkrides
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA has eliminated the requirement for applicants to use a complex aircraft for single-engine commercial pilot and flight instructor (CFI) practical tests.
- This new policy (N 8900.463) addresses long-standing issues with the scarcity of complex aircraft and aims to significantly reduce costs for pilot certificate applicants.
- While the checkride requirement is removed, commercial pilot applicants must still log 10 hours of flight time in a complex aircraft, and all pilots must demonstrate proficiency before acting as pilot in command of such an aircraft.
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