Flight proficiency

This regulation lists the required training areas for recreational pilot certification. Before you can earn a recreational pilot certificate, you must receive and log both ground and flight training from an authorized instructor covering all applicable areas for your chosen aircraft category and class.

The specific areas vary slightly by aircraft type:

• Single-engine airplanes require training in ten areas, including preflight preparation, airport operations, takeoffs and landings, performance and ground reference maneuvers, navigation, slow flight and stalls, emergency operations, and postflight procedures.

• Helicopters cover similar areas but include hovering maneuvers and heliport operations instead of slow flight and stalls.

• Gyroplanes follow the airplane list but substitute "flight at slow airspeeds" for "slow flight and stalls."

Your instructor must document this training in your logbook. These areas form the foundation of your practical test, ensuring you're competent in all essential piloting skills for your aircraft type.

*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.*