Question 1

What are the VFR weather minimums for different airspace classes?

Accepted Answer

Under 14 CFR §91.155, VFR weather minimums vary by airspace class. Class B requires 3 statute miles visibility and clear of clouds. Class C and D require 3 statute miles visibility, 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds. Class E below 10,000 feet MSL requires 3 statute miles visibility with 500 below, 1,000 above, and 2,000 feet horizontal. Class G requirements vary by altitude and time of day.

Question 2

What is BasicMed and who qualifies?

Accepted Answer

BasicMed is an alternative to the traditional FAA medical certificate, authorized under 14 CFR §68. Pilots who held a valid medical certificate at any time after July 14, 2006 may qualify. BasicMed requires a physical examination by a state-licensed physician and completion of an online medical education course every 48 months. It allows pilots to fly aircraft with up to 6 seats, under 6,000 lbs, below 18,000 feet MSL and 250 knots, within the United States.

Question 3

What flight hours are required for a commercial pilot certificate?

Accepted Answer

Under 14 CFR §61.129, a commercial pilot certificate requires 250 hours total time (Part 61) including 100 hours pilot-in-command time, 50 hours cross-country, and 10 hours of instrument training. Part 141 programs may require as few as 190 hours total time. Additionally, applicants must hold at least a private pilot certificate and an instrument rating.

Question 4

How do I maintain instrument currency?

Accepted Answer

Under 14 CFR §61.57(c), to act as pilot in command under IFR, you must have performed within the preceding 6 calendar months: 6 instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems. If currency lapses, you may complete an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) with a CFII, examiner, or check airman.

Question 5

Can I log PIC time as a safety pilot?

Accepted Answer

Yes, under 14 CFR §61.51(e) and §91.109(c), a safety pilot acting as a required crewmember while the other pilot is under the hood may log PIC time, provided the safety pilot is rated in the aircraft category and class and holds a valid medical certificate. The FAA has issued multiple legal interpretations (including the Walker and Gebhart letters) clarifying when safety pilot PIC time may be logged.

Question 6

What are the differences between Part 61 and Part 141 flight training?

Accepted Answer

Part 61 (14 CFR Part 61) allows flexible, self-paced training with any certificated flight instructor, typically requiring more total hours. Part 141 (14 CFR Part 141) requires training through an FAA-approved school with a structured syllabus, FAA oversight, and often allows reduced hour requirements. For example, a Private Pilot certificate requires 40 hours under Part 61 but 35 hours under Part 141.

Question 7

What does FARAIM.US search across?

Accepted Answer

FARAIM.US searches across 45,579+ FAA knowledge chunks from 4,000+ documents including: 14 CFR (Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations), the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), FAA Handbooks (PHAK, AFH, IFH), FAA Legal Interpretations, Advisory Circulars, FAA Orders (8900.1), Airman Certification Standards (ACS), SAFOs, and InFOs. Every answer includes source citations linking to the specific regulation, section, or reference.

Question 8

What are the night currency requirements for carrying passengers?

Accepted Answer

Under 14 CFR §61.57(b), to carry passengers at night (one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise), a pilot must have made at least 3 takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop within the preceding 90 days during the period beginning one hour after sunset and ending one hour before sunrise. These landings must be in an aircraft of the same category, class, and type (if a type rating is required).

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