US-FAA14 CFR 135.244
Operating experience
Read the official ruleIn plain English
Operating experience: before serving unsupervised as PIC in a type of operation, a pilot must complete a number of hours of operating experience under the supervision of a check airman — actually flying the line in the aircraft and operation.
Key points
- Supervised operating experience hours required before line PIC duty.
- Conducted in the aircraft type and kind of operation.
- Hours vary by aircraft (more for larger/turbine aircraft).
Common pitfalls
- Expecting to fly the line solo immediately after the competency check.
*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 your operator’s ops specs.*
This is an original plain-English explanation for training and reference, not legal advice and not for navigation. Always rely on the current official rule linked above. Last reviewed June 8, 2026.