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Can I take the commercial checkride in a plane without an electrical system?

Asked by: 1962 views Commercial Pilot, FAA Regulations

I'm about to begin working on my commercial rating, and already have my complex endorsement and meet the experience requirements.

I'm curious to know if the commercial check ride could be done in a vintage aircraft with no electrical system, and only basic VFR flight instruments.  I can't find anything in the ACS that would require more than that, with the exception of selecting appropriate frequencies.  Perhaps it could be accomplished with a portable intercom and handheld radio?

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2 Answers



  1. Kris Kortokrax on Aug 28, 2019

    It would help to know what Make/Model aircraft you are planning to use.
    14 CFR 61.45(b) lists required equipment for aircraft used on practical tests.

    I have instructed in some antique biplanes that had no instruments in the front cockpit. That would not work for a practical test, because the examiner would have no way to monitor things like speed, heading and altitude tolerances.

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  2. Rkon on Aug 29, 2019

    As far as I read FAA-S-ACS-7A, there is portion of check ride where applicant has to show navigational skills with electronic navigational equipment. And, as far as I suspect it’s not a portable GPS, but installed and certified equipment. So, I vote “NO”.

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