Applicability and definitions

This regulation establishes what Part 61 covers and defines key terms pilots need to understand throughout their training and certification.

Part 61 prescribes the requirements, conditions, privileges, and limitations for pilot, flight instructor, and ground instructor certificates, ratings, and authorizations.

The definitions section clarifies critical terms you'll encounter repeatedly. For example, "aeronautical experience" is pilot time in aircraft, simulators, or training devices that counts toward certificate requirements. "Authorized instructor" specifies who can provide training—ground instructors, flight instructors, or others approved by the FAA, each operating within their specific privileges.

Particularly important is "cross-country time," which has different distance requirements depending on your goal: generally any flight with a landing elsewhere, but 50+ nautical miles for private/commercial/instrument certificates, 25+ nm for sport pilot and rotorcraft ratings, and 15+ nm for powered parachute ratings. "Complex airplane" defines aircraft requiring retractable gear, flaps, and controllable-pitch propeller (or just flaps and propeller for seaplanes).

These definitions determine what experience counts toward your certificates and ratings.

*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.*