Airports

A pilot school seeking FAA certification must demonstrate continuous access to every airport where training flights begin. Each airport must meet specific standards to ensure safe operations.

For airplane and glider training, at least one runway must accommodate normal takeoffs and landings at maximum weight in light winds (5 mph or less) and high temperatures typical for the area. Aircraft must be able to take off smoothly, climb at best rate, and clear obstacles by 50 feet without requiring exceptional pilot skill.

Every airport needs a visible wind direction indicator at ground level from each runway end. Airports without control towers must also have traffic direction indicators unless UNICOM advisories are available.

Night training requires permanent runway lighting at airports. Seaplane bases are an exception—they may use temporary lighting or shoreline lighting if the FAA approves it.

These requirements ensure training airports provide adequate facilities for safe student operations under various conditions.

*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.*