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Private Pilot Certificate
The FAA airman certificate that allows a pilot to act as pilot in command of an aircraft for personal and recreational flying, carrying passengers but not for compensation or hire. Under Part 61, applicants need at least 40 hours of flight time, required training, a knowledge test, and a practical test.
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Learn more in Private Pilot License →Related Terms
- Recent Flight ExperienceThe takeoff, landing, and instrument currency requirements in 14 CFR 61.57 that a pilot must meet to act as PIC in certain operations, especially when carrying passengers. Carrying passengers requires three takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days (to a full stop at night; see Night Currency). The flight review is required to act as PIC at all; recent flight experience additionally covers passenger-carrying and instrument privileges.
- Registration CertificateThe FAA aircraft registration document that must be carried aboard the aircraft. It is the "R" in the ARROW mnemonic and proves the aircraft is registered to its owner; registration is distinct from the airworthiness certificate.
- REIL (Runway End Identifier Lights)A pair of synchronized flashing lights that mark the approach end of a runway to help pilots identify the threshold, especially at night or in low visibility. REIL outages appear in NOTAMs and can change night arrival planning at unfamiliar airports.
- Risk ManagementThe ACS element that evaluates how a pilot identifies, assesses, and mitigates hazards before and during flight. Risk management sits alongside aeronautical knowledge and skill elements in each ACS task and is central to ADM tools such as personal minimums and go/no-go decisions.