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Private Pilot checkride – electronic navigation

Asked by: 3118 views FAA Regulations, Flight Instructor

PTS for Private Pilot checkride requires demonstration of electronic navigation.  How is this criteria met in an aircraft with no navaids (such as a Champ, J3 Cub etc)?  Is a portable GPS a valid option?  If so is this a standard for DPEs or an individual DPE decision?

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1 Answers



  1. Wes Beard on Jul 23, 2015

    I think you’ll need to provide an aircraft capable of electronic navigation. From page 9 in the PTS. Best bet to ask your DPE if a handheld GPS counts. I wouldn’t accept it to evaluate that task.

    Aircraft and Equipment Required for the Practical Test
    The private pilot—airplane applicant is required by 14 CFR section 61.45 to provide an airworthy, certificated aircraft for use during the practical test. This section further requires that the aircraft must:
    1. be of U.S., foreign, or military registry of the same category, class, and type, if applicable, for the certificate and/or rating for which the applicant is applying;
    2. have fully functioning dual controls, except as provided for in 14 CFR section 61.45(c) and (e); and
    3. be capable of performing all Areas of Operation appropriate to the rating sought and have no operating limitations, which prohibit its use in any of the Areas of Operation, required for the practical test.

    https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_standards/media/FAA-S-8081-14B.pdf

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