Regulation Fine Points

Ill admit it: I enjoy searching out some little-known gems in the regulations. Some, of course, are items we should know-but often dont. Others are almost so esoteric that it simply might not matter to most of us.

lbencini-tibo

Thursday, June 14, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Transponder and ADS-B Out requirements are dictated by airspace, not flight type (e.g., IFR), while 121.5 MHz ELTs, though legally permissible if installed, lack satellite monitoring effectiveness compared to 406 MHz units.
Instrument approach rules distinguish between Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA), which must not be breached, and Decision Altitude (DA), which allows for momentary descent below it during a missed approach due to inertia.
Logging Pilot-in-Command (PIC) time has specific nuances for various scenarios, including sole manipulators of controls, CFIs providing instruction, student pilots on solo cross-country, and pilots flying under the hood with a safety pilot.
Recent changes removed the complex aircraft requirement for commercial pilot and CFI practical tests, but the 10 hours of complex dual instruction for the commercial certificate remains a regulatory requirement.

See a mistake? Contact us.

I’ll admit it: I enjoy searching out some little-known gems in the regulations. Some, of course, are items we should know—but often don’t. Others are almost so esoteric that it simply might not matter to most of us.

Let’s poke around and see if we can teach you something. Better yet, perhaps we’ll uncover a misunderstanding you had. In the extreme case, we might even save you from a bust someday.