Airman: Limitations on use of services

This regulation establishes who can work as an airman for Part 121 air carriers (scheduled airlines and commercial operators).

The airline cannot use anyone as an airman, and no one may serve as an airman, unless they hold an appropriate FAA airman certificate, carry either their actual certificates (airman and medical) or an approved temporary document while on duty, and are otherwise qualified for the specific operation. Airmen must present these documents when the FAA requests them.

Airlines may establish an approved certificate verification plan that allows temporary documents to substitute for physical certificates for up to 72 hours on domestic flights.

Critically, the regulation imposes a mandatory retirement age: neither the airline nor the pilot may allow anyone age 65 or older to serve as a pilot in Part 121 operations. This is an absolute limit—once a pilot reaches their 65th birthday, they can no longer fly for scheduled airlines under Part 121.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*