Power Hour Lesson Outlines

Outline:

1. Part 61 FARs: Overview of Regulations and Endorsements

   • Fundamentals of Part 61: The Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 61 governs the certification of pilots. It also covers the qualifications and endorsements necessary to add additional ratings to an existing pilot certificate.

   • CFIs and the Common Mistake: CFIs (Certified Flight Instructors) who aren't teaching other CFIs often make common mistakes when it comes to understanding the proper procedures for adding category or class ratings. 

2. Traditional Route to Commercial Pilot

   • Pilot Progression:

     • Student Pilot → Private Pilot → Instrument Rating → Commercial Pilot

   • Process of Additional Ratings: Pilots can add additional ratings to their certificates without going through the full process of obtaining a new certificate. This includes categories like Recreational, Sport, Private, and Commercial ratings.

3. Eligibility and Aeronautical Knowledge

   • Eligibility for Additional Ratings: To add a new category or class rating, pilots must meet specific eligibility requirements outlined in FAR Part 61.

   • Aeronautical Knowledge: The required aeronautical knowledge for each rating is specific to the category/class being added and can be found in the relevant sections of the FARs.

4. Flight Proficiency and Aeronautical Experience

   • Flight Proficiency: Pilots must demonstrate proficiency through flight training and practice. The FARs specify the flight proficiency needed to add a new category or class rating.

   • Aeronautical Experience: A pilot must meet the required hours of flight experience, which are documented in the pilot's logbook, as per FAR 61.51.

5. Endorsements for Adding Category/Class Ratings

   • Endorsements from AC 61-65: The necessary endorsements for additional ratings are derived from Advisory Circular 61-65, which outlines the specific training and testing requirements.

6. Acquiring a Different Category or Class Rating

   • Recreational, Sport, Private, and Commercial Ratings: Pilots may seek additional ratings within the same level of certificate (e.g., adding a commercial rating while already holding a private certificate).

   • Not Going to These Regulations First: For different certificates like Recreational (Subpart D), Sport (Subpart J), Private (Subpart E), and Commercial (Subpart F), the ratings are already covered within the same certificate.

7. Level or Grade of Pilot Certificate

   • Certificate Levels: A pilot's certificate level is based on their current certifications. The FARs do not explicitly define the term "grade" or "level," but it reflects the pilot’s certification status.

   • IACRA: The Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) provides details on a pilot’s level or grade and can help track progress through the various stages of certification.

8. Adding a New Category or Class at a Higher Grade

   • Acquiring a New Category or Class Rating: Pilots can add a new category/class rating by meeting the training, knowledge, and experience requirements specific to the rating being added.

   • Training and Knowledge: The FARs specify that pilots must undergo training in aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, and meet specific flight experience requirements to add a new category or class.

9. Category and Class Definitions

   • Category: Categories are broad classifications of aircraft, such as:

     • Airplane

     • Rotorcraft

     • Glider

     • Lighter-than-Air

     • Powered Lift

     • Weight Shift Control

   • Class: Within each category, there are various classes. For example:

     • Airplane Classes: Single Engine Land, Multi-Engine Land, Sea Planes, etc.

     • Rotorcraft Classes: Helicopters, Gyroplanes.

     • Lighter-than-Air Classes: Balloons, Airships.

10. Adding a New Category – 61.63(b)

    • Key Points for Adding a Category: The pilot must receive instruction in aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency, meet the required experience, and complete appropriate logbook entries.

    • No Knowledge Test: If the pilot is adding a new category (such as going from Power-Power or Power-No Power), no knowledge test is required unless it is a Power-Power situation.

    • Experience Requirements: No experience requirements are needed if the category does not involve a higher grade, as the proficiency is what matters.

11. Adding an Additional Class Rating

    • Training and Proficiency: Pilots must receive training in the aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency areas relevant to the class rating they are adding.

    • Experience Requirements: For some additional class ratings, such as Power-Power and Power-No Power, there are no specific experience requirements.

12. Endorsements for PIC Time

    • PIC Time Requirements: To log Pilot-in-Command (PIC) time in a specific aircraft, the pilot must hold the corresponding rating for that aircraft. Solo flight is a key condition for logging PIC time.

    • Endorsement for Solo: The endorsement for solo flight can be found in FAR 61.31(d), which allows the pilot to fly solo with the appropriate training and endorsements.

13. What Will Be Tested?

    • ACS Appendices: Testing for additional category/class ratings is based on the specific tasks outlined in the Appendices of the Airman Certification Standards (ACS). The ratings task table defines the key areas of proficiency.

14. Self-Testing and Learning

    • Self-Assessment: Pilots can test themselves on their understanding of category/class ratings through practical exercises or courses. The PDF includes references to courses that help pilots with endorsements and scenarios, providing online resources for learning.