gyropilot
07-12-2004, 12:27 PM
With some limited exceptions, FAR 61.56(c) requires all USA rated pilots to complete a flight review every 2 years. FAR 61.56(c)(1) requires this flight review to be accomplished in an aircraft the pilot is rated in. Simply put, this means a pilot with a fixed wing rating only could not accomplish the required flight review in a rotorcraft, then continue to act as pilot in command of a fixed wing aircraft.
However, in lieu of a standard flight review, FAR 61.56(e) allows a pilot to substitute a FAA-sponsored pilot proficiency award program such as a "Wings" phase, per AC 61-91H. A Wings phase can be accomplished in *any* aircraft (including a balloon, glider, or ultralight), not necessarily one a pilot has been rated for, thus giving added flexibility to the pilot in what type aircraft used for the training.
But in the July 2004 edition of Plane Talk (http://www.faasafety.gov/notices/2004-Jul/12_Plane_Talk_v2i2_NM000022.pdf), the FAA published a narrowed interpretation of the type of aircraft a pilot can use as a substitute.
Personally I don't agree with their interpretation (as things are written now) and could fill several pages as to why... but since I'm not with the FAA, nor am I an aviation lawyer... my opinions don't count for squat!
Question:
Is it permissible to accomplish a phase of the Pilot Proficiency Awards Program [WINGS] [see Advisory Circular No. 61-91H] in an ultralight vehicle and then be able to act as a pilot in command of a Cessna 310 [or act as a pilot in command of a helicopter or a glider or balloon, etc.]
Answer:
Ref. § 61.56(c)(1) and (e); No, it is not permissible to accomplish a phase of the WINGS Program in an ultralight vehicle for meeting the flight review requirements in an aircraft for § 61.56(c)(1).
The Federal Aviation Regulations under § 61.56(c)(1), state, in pertinent part that “no person may act as pilot in command of an aircraft unless, . . . that person has. . . (1) Accomplished a flight review given in an aircraft for which that pilot is rated by an authorized instructor.” (emphasis added)
An ultralight is not an aircraft. Even though Advisory Circular No. 61-91H provides for pilots of ultralight vehicles to participate in the WINGS program, the intent of § 61.56(e) and Advisory Circular No. 61-91H for persons who desire to act as pilot in command of an aircraft is to require the pilots to accomplish the WINGS program in an aircraft.
It is noted that Advisory Circular No. 61-91H does not specifically prohibit the
substitution of an ultralight vehicle for an aircraft. But § 61.56(c)(1) clearly states that a person must accomplish a flight review “in an aircraft,” and the rules are controlling over advisory material. We note that Advisory Circular No. 61-91H needs to be revised to clarify this matter.
Answered by:
John D. Lynch, AFS-840 and reviewed by Komal Jain, AGC-240
This Q&A and others can be found on the web at: http://www.faa.gov/avr/afs/infoforgeneralaviation/
However, in lieu of a standard flight review, FAR 61.56(e) allows a pilot to substitute a FAA-sponsored pilot proficiency award program such as a "Wings" phase, per AC 61-91H. A Wings phase can be accomplished in *any* aircraft (including a balloon, glider, or ultralight), not necessarily one a pilot has been rated for, thus giving added flexibility to the pilot in what type aircraft used for the training.
But in the July 2004 edition of Plane Talk (http://www.faasafety.gov/notices/2004-Jul/12_Plane_Talk_v2i2_NM000022.pdf), the FAA published a narrowed interpretation of the type of aircraft a pilot can use as a substitute.
Personally I don't agree with their interpretation (as things are written now) and could fill several pages as to why... but since I'm not with the FAA, nor am I an aviation lawyer... my opinions don't count for squat!
Question:
Is it permissible to accomplish a phase of the Pilot Proficiency Awards Program [WINGS] [see Advisory Circular No. 61-91H] in an ultralight vehicle and then be able to act as a pilot in command of a Cessna 310 [or act as a pilot in command of a helicopter or a glider or balloon, etc.]
Answer:
Ref. § 61.56(c)(1) and (e); No, it is not permissible to accomplish a phase of the WINGS Program in an ultralight vehicle for meeting the flight review requirements in an aircraft for § 61.56(c)(1).
The Federal Aviation Regulations under § 61.56(c)(1), state, in pertinent part that “no person may act as pilot in command of an aircraft unless, . . . that person has. . . (1) Accomplished a flight review given in an aircraft for which that pilot is rated by an authorized instructor.” (emphasis added)
An ultralight is not an aircraft. Even though Advisory Circular No. 61-91H provides for pilots of ultralight vehicles to participate in the WINGS program, the intent of § 61.56(e) and Advisory Circular No. 61-91H for persons who desire to act as pilot in command of an aircraft is to require the pilots to accomplish the WINGS program in an aircraft.
It is noted that Advisory Circular No. 61-91H does not specifically prohibit the
substitution of an ultralight vehicle for an aircraft. But § 61.56(c)(1) clearly states that a person must accomplish a flight review “in an aircraft,” and the rules are controlling over advisory material. We note that Advisory Circular No. 61-91H needs to be revised to clarify this matter.
Answered by:
John D. Lynch, AFS-840 and reviewed by Komal Jain, AGC-240
This Q&A and others can be found on the web at: http://www.faa.gov/avr/afs/infoforgeneralaviation/