CHAPTER 9 - Conduct a Private Pilot Certification - Including Additional Category/Class Ratings

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by Connor

Chapter 9 explains how an applicant demonstrates eligibility for a Private Pilot certification under 14 CFR Part 61, Subpart E, including additional category/class ratings. It defines the objective of the practical test and the possible FAA outcomes, the examiner’s review of aircraft records for airworthiness, and the eligibility pathways for approved training programs, approved schools with examining authority, and non-graduates. It also details acceptable evidence for aeronautical knowledge, aeronautical experience, required instrument and night training hours, and specific logbook endorsement requirements, plus key limitations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

CHAPTER 9. CONDUCT A PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATION, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL CATEGORY/CLASS RATINGS AT THE PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATION LEVEL

SECTION 1. BACKGROUND

OBJECTIVE

GENERAL

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

LIMITATIONS

Night Flying Limitations

Cross-Country Limitations

CHAPTER 9. CONDUCT A PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATION, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL CATEGORY/CLASS RATINGS AT THE PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATION LEVEL SECTION 1. BACKGROUND 1. OBJECTIVE. The objective of this task is to determine whether an applicant meets the requirements for certification as a private pilot under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61, subpart E. Completion of this task results in the issuance of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman Certificate; FAA Form 80605, Notice of Disapproval of Application; or a letter of discontinuance. 2. GENERAL. The examiner conducting the practical test reviews the applicant’s aircraft maintenance records, aircraft logbooks, airworthiness certificate, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) aircraft station license (if applicable), and aircraft registration to determine that the aircraft is airworthy and suitable for the practical test. 3. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS. The applicant must meet all the applicable requirements of 14 CFR part 61, subpart E. A. Graduate of an Approved Training Program. Under the provisions of 14 CFR part 61, § 61.71(a), an applicant who presents an appropriate graduation certificate within 60 days after graduating from an approved training program certificated under 14 CFR part 141 and who passed the appropriate practical test is considered to have met the prerequisite aeronautical experience requirements of § 61.109. B. Graduate of an Approved School with Examining Authority. Under the provisions of § 61.71(a), an applicant who graduated from an approved pilot school that holds examining authority is considered to have met the prerequisite eligibility requirements for the private pilot certificate if the applicant applies within 60 days of graduation and passed the appropriate practical test from the school that holds the appropriate examining authority. C. Not a Graduate of an Approved School. If the applicant is not a graduate ofan approved pilot school, or has not applied and passed the practical test for the private pilot certificate within the times specified for approved school graduates, the applicant must meet all the applicable prerequisite eligibility requirements of part 61, subpart E. D. Aeronautical Knowledge. A private pilot knowledge test report or private pilot test report from an approved school with knowledge test examining authority is the only acceptable form of evidence to verify the applicant has passed the private pilot knowledge test for a private pilot certificate. (1) The format of the knowledge test report from an approved school or computer testing designee (CTD) must include an embossed seal in the lower right corner and the testing facility’s name and air agency designation number. (2) The holder of a category rating for powered aircraft is not required to take a knowledge test for the addition of another category rating to a private pilot certificate. E. Aeronautical Experience. The applicant must present a pilot logbook or other acceptable and reliable record(s) as evidence of having met the required aeronautical experience for the certificate and rating sought and to substantiate the aeronautical experience shown on FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application. (1) Military pilot flight time records may be used to show the required flight time if the records meet the requirements of § 61.51. (2) If the examiner is unable to determine whether the records presented show clear evidence of the required aeronautical experience, the applicant must be referred to the Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). (3) In accordance with (IAW) § 61.109, an applicant for a private pilot certificate must have received at least 3 hours of flight training in the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments. (4) An applicant for a private pilot certificate must have received at least 3 hours of night flight training (except for

FAQs

What is the objective of the Private Pilot certification task in this chapter?

It determines whether an applicant meets the requirements for certification as a private pilot under 14 CFR Part 61, Subpart E. Completion results in issuance of FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman Certificate, FAA Form 80605, Notice of Disapproval, or a letter of discontinuance.

What records does the examiner review during the practical test?

The examiner reviews the applicant’s aircraft maintenance records, aircraft logbooks, airworthiness certificate, FCC aircraft station license (if applicable), and aircraft registration to confirm the aircraft is airworthy and suitable for the practical test.

What are the logbook endorsement requirements for the applicant?

The applicant’s logbook/training record must include endorsements from an authorized instructor confirming 3 hours of flight training within the 60 days before application, readiness to pass the practical test (including a signed FAA Form 8710-1), and satisfactory knowledge of any deficient subject areas. It must also include the appropriate solo flight and solo cross-country endorsements.

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by Connor