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2 Answers

Approved Pilot in Command Training Program

Asked by: 6006 views Commercial Pilot, FAA Regulations

I have an commercial pilots certificate with rotorcraft/helicopters. Im wanting to get my commercial certificate with single engine airplane added. The regs states that I need 50 hours of pic in an airplane. So my question is do I get pic and log pic when I fly with a cfi? And what does approved pilot in command training program mean in 61.51(e)?

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2 Answers



  1. Wes Beard on Oct 03, 2011

    You can get PIC time in accordance with §61.51(e) and more specifically only in solo flight in an ASEL aircraft.  When you are with an instructor, you can only log dual given and total flight time. 
     
    The authorized instructor must give you training in accordance with Part 61 and endorse your logbook for solo opeations.  Reference AC 61-65.  If I was the instructor, I would add additional limitation with the endorsement.

    I certify that (

    First name, MI, Last name) has received the training as required by section 61.31(d)(3) to serve as a PIC in a (category and class of aircraft). I have determined that he/she is prepared to serve as PIC in that (make and model of aircraft).

    An approved PIC training program is in reference to the FAA approved programs under Part 121 and 135.

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  2. Kris Kortokrax on Oct 18, 2011

    There has been no 61.31 (d)(3) since the October 2009 rewrite.
    61.31 (d)(2) was removed and 61.31 (d)(3) became 61.31 (d)(2).
    Sadly, the AC has not been updated for some time.
    Also note that the AC doesn’t contain an example of the endorsement required by 61.39.

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