Military pilots or former military pilots: Special rules

This regulation provides a streamlined path for military pilots to obtain FAA certificates based on their military qualifications, without completing all standard civilian requirements.

Who qualifies: U.S. military pilots, former military pilots, and certain foreign military pilots assigned to U.S. Armed Forces (unless removed from flying status for proficiency or disciplinary reasons).

What you can obtain: Commercial pilot certificates, instrument ratings, type ratings, and flight instructor certificates with appropriate ratings.

Key requirements: You must pass a military competency knowledge test, provide documentation of your military status, and show either a recent military proficiency check or 10 hours of military pilot time in the relevant aircraft category/class. For instrument ratings, you need proof of instrument qualification on Federal airways. For flight instructor certificates, you must already hold an appropriate commercial or ATP certificate and show documentation as a military instructor pilot or examiner.

This significantly reduces the time and cost for qualified military aviators transitioning to civilian flying.

*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.*