Pilots based on small islands

This regulation provides relief for recreational pilot applicants living on small islands where the normal cross-country training requirement (flying between two airports) would require flying more than 10 nautical miles over water from shore.

If no suitable airports exist that can be reached without exceeding this water distance, you don't need to complete the dual cross-country flight at all. However, if there *are* other civil airports reachable within 10 nautical miles of shoreline, you must complete a dual flight to one of them with three landings there.

Pilots who use this exception receive a recreational pilot certificate with a limitation prohibiting passenger carrying on flights more than 10 nautical miles from their island. This limitation can be added for additional islands if you meet the requirements for each one.

You can remove these limitations later by completing the standard cross-country training requirement of §61.99(a)(1).

*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.*