Flight engineer requirements

This regulation specifies when you must have a certificated flight engineer as part of your flight crew.

You need a flight engineer for two types of airplanes:

• Older heavy aircraft: planes type certificated before January 2, 1964, with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 80,000 pounds
• Newer aircraft requiring one: planes type certificated after January 1, 1964, where the type certificate itself mandates a flight engineer

Additionally, anyone serving as a required flight engineer must maintain currency. Within the previous six calendar months, they must have either logged at least 50 hours as a flight engineer on that specific airplane type, or completed an FAA check demonstrating familiarity and competence with current information and procedures for that type.

This matters primarily for operators of older large transport-category aircraft and certain vintage jets where the cockpit was designed for three crew members, including a dedicated flight engineer position.

*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.*