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FARs for Glider Pilots

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Section 1: Student Pilots

* Single asterisk means one reading is sufficient
**Two asterisks indicate that a working knowledge (several readings and some memorization) is required.


*

CFR 14:
Part 1

Definitions and Abbreviations

Skim only, then use for reference
 

Part 43

MAINTENANCE, PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE, REBUILDING, AND ALTERATION

* 43.1 Applicability
* 43.3 Persons authorized to perform maintenance, etc.
 

Part 61

Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors

* 61.1 Applicability and definitions
** 61.3 a Requirement for certificates, ratings and authorizations
* 61.15 a,b Offenses involving alcohol or drugs
* 61.16 Refusal to submit to an alcohol test or to furnish test results
** 61.19 a,b Duration of pilot certificate
Does a student pilot certificate expire?
(a temporary pilot certificate is only valid for 120 days)
* 61.25 Change of name
* 61.27 Voluntary surrender or exchange of certificate
* 61.29 a,c Replacement of lost or destroyed certificate
can also be done on line here: https://amsrvs.registry.faa.gov/amsrvs
and a temporary certificat can be emailed to you right away.
**61.31 jTraiing for for each launch method
What are the three types of launch methods requiring an an endorsement?
** 61.51 a-d Pilot logbooks
What flight time is required to be logged?
To whom must you present your license and what other documents for inspection upon reaonable request?
* 61.53 Operations during medical deficiency
* 61.59 a,b Falsification of records
** 61.60 Change of address
How long do you have to notify the FAA of a change in address while exercising the priveleges of your certificate?
Change of address can be made on line here: https://amsrvs.registry.faa.gov/amsrvs
* 61.83 a-c Eligibility requirements for student pilots
* 61.85 b Application for student pilot certificate
** 61.87 a-c
i(1-19)
Requirements for solo flight (a-c)
Glider maneuvers list i:(1-19)
** 61.89 a General limitations
Limitations on student pilots
** 61.93 a-c
   j
Cross country flight requirements
glider cross country
 

Part 91

General Operating and Flight Rules

** 91.3 a-c Responsibility and authority of the pilot in command
Who always has the final authhority for the operation of the aircraft?
What instance allows you to deviate from any rule, what are the limiations of that authority?
** 91.7 a,b Civil aircraft airworthiness
** 91.9 a-c Civil aircraft flight manual, markings, and placard requirements
** 91.13 Careless or reckless operation
** 91.15 Dropping objects
Under what conditions is dropping objects allowed?
** 91.17 a-e Alcohol or drugs
* 91.19 Carriage of drugs
** 91.103 a,b Preflight Action
Before beginning a flight, what must a PIC become familiar with?
** 91.111 a-c Operation near other aircraft
** 91.113 a-g Right of way rules
Pay special attention to head on - regardless of type,
What type aircraft has priority over gliders?, passing, converging (non head on),
What two aircraft have the right of way over all others?
** 91.119 a-c Minimum safe altitudes
You're soaring on the moutain top and see a hiker on the trail below. How much distance do you need to keep from them?
** 91.123 Compliance with ATC clearances and instructions
** 91.125 ATC light signals
** 91.126 Operating on or in the vicinity of an airport in Class G airspace.
note that some parts of this reg apply to airplanes, but are also best practice for gliders too
** 91.127 Operating on or in the vicinity of an airport in Class E airspace.
Same language as 91.126 above
** 91.137 Temporary Flight Restrictions
See also tfr.faa.gov to locate
** 91.155 a-e Basic VFR weather minimums
Class G
Class E
class E above 10,000 MSL
** 91.203 a,b Civil aircraft: certification required
(Airworthiness and regsitration certificates requirement)
** 91.209 a Aircraft lights
When are aircraft navigation lights required - note that this is different than the time for logging night flight
** 91.211 a Supplemental oxygen
(Above _____ft for _____ Minutes,
anytime above _______ft
Passengers provided above ______ft )
* 91.213 d Inoperative instruments and equipment
for a glider with not MEL, what is requierd to fly the aircraft with an inoperative instrument?
Who can determine if the inoperative instrument consitutes a hazard?
* 91.215 ATC transponder and altitude reporting equipment
(List glider exeptions from 3 & 4.)
** 91.303 a-f Aerobatic flight
What defines it
What is required when performing it
Where is it not allowed?
** 91.307 a-e Parachutes and parachuting
repacking frequency
When required 60/30 (note: not the same paramters as aerobatic flight)
** 91.309 a,b Towing: Gliders
(towline strength & ATC notification)
** 91.409 a,b Inspections
Inspections required for:
All Aircraft
Aircraft used to carry persons for hire or instruction.
     
 

NTSB:
CFR 49
Part 830

NOTIFICATION AND REPORTING OF AIRCRAFT ACCIDENTS
OR INCIDENTS AND OVERDUE AIRCRAFT, AND PRESERVATION
OF AIRCRAFT WRECKAGE, MAIL, CARGO, AND RECORDS

* 830.1 Applicability
* 830.2 Definitions
Note definitions of Accident, Incident, and substantial damage.
** 830.5 Immediate notification
Note list of items that require immediate NTSB notification
* 830.6 Information to be given in notification
* 830.15 Reports and statements to be filed
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Section 2: Private Pilots

* Single asterisk means one reading is sufficient
** Two asterisks indicate that a working knowledge (several
readings and some memorization) is required.
The following sections of FAR parts 61 and 91, the prospective private pilot should consider all of the sections of FAR Parts 61,91 and NTSB 830 previously listed for student pilots as required knowledge (two asterisks). 
Remember to look up any items that you do not fully understand in FAR Part 1.

 

Part 61

Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors

** 61.17 a,b Temporary certificate
** 61.19 a-c Duration of pilot certificates
* 61.35 a,b Written test: prerequisites and passing grades
* 61.37 a-c Written test: cheating or other unauthorized conduct
* 61.39 a Prerequisites for flight tests
How long is a knoweldge test vaild?
* 61.43 a-c Flight tests: general procedures
* 61.45 a-c Flight tests: required aircraft and equipment
* 61.47 Flight tests: status of an Examiner who is authorized by the Administrator to conduct practical tests
* 61.49 Retesting after failure
** 61.51 a-e Pilot Logbooks
What flight time must be logged?
when can you log flight time as PIC?
** 61.53 b Prohibition on operations during medical deficiency.
** 61.56 a-e Flight Review
Paragraph e refers to the WINGS pilot proficency program at FAASafety.gov
** 61.57 a-c Recent flight experience: pilot in command
Note difference between PIC and sole manipulator
** 61.60 a-c Change of address
How long do you have to notify the FAA of a change in address?
** 61.63 b 4 Additional Aircraft ratings - knowledge test requirement exceptions
* 61.69 Glider towing: experience and instruc. required & currency requirments
61.69 g allows private pilots to tow gliders
* 61.105 a, b Aeronautical knowledge
* 61.107 a,
  b(6)
a) : Flight proficiency: general
b(6): Glider
* 61.109 f Aeronautical Experience
** 61.113
AC 61.142
Private pilot privileges and limitations
sharing costs with passengers
AC goes into more detail on cost sharing
     
 

Part 71

DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS;
AIR TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS

* 71.9 Overlapping airspace designations
* 71.31 Class A airspace
* 71.41 Class B airspace
* 71.51 Class C airspace
* 71.61 Class D airspace
* 71.71 Class E airspace
 

Part 73

Special Use Airspace

* 73.13 Restricted Area Restrictions
* 73.15 Using agency
Who performs the activity in the airspace
* 73.17 Controlling agency
Who has control over the airspace
* 73.83 Prohibited Areas :Restrictions
* 73.85 Using agency
     
 

Part 91

General Operating and Flight Rules

* 91.25 Aviation safety reporting program
** 91.107 a Use of safety belts and shoulder harness
What are the PIC's responsibilities in regards to passengers and their seat belts?
When must passengers have their seat belts and shoulder harnesses fastened?
** 91.121 a Altimeter settings
** 91.129 Operations in Class D airspace
** 91.130 Operations in Class C airspace.
** 91.131 Operations in Class B airspace
** 91.133 a,b Restricted and prohibited areas
** 91.135 Operations in Class A airspace
* 91.137 a-e Temporary flight restrictions
See also tfr.faa.gov or faa.sua.gov to locate
** 91.141 Flight restrictions on the proximity of the Presidential or other parties
* 91.157 a-e Special VFR weather minimums
* 91.159 VFR cruising altitude of flight level
Know where to expect the airplanes to be
** 91.225 d Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out equipment and use.
ADS B out is required for most aircraft:
  • In Class B and C airspace
  • Within a "Mode C Veil" within 30NM of selected major airports
  • Above the ceiling of class B and C airspace up to 10,000 ft MSL
  • Above 10,000 ft MSL (except within 2500 feet AGL)
  • Class E airspace above 3000 ft MSL over the Gulf of Mexico out to 12 miles
Which two requirements are gliders specifically exempted from?
* 91.159 VFR cruising altitude of flight level
Know where to expect the airplanes to be
* 91.403 a-c General maintenance
Who is responsible for maintaing an aircraft?
* 91.405 Maintenance required
Who is responsible to ensure that required maintenance and inspections are performed?
* 91.407 a-c Operation after maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, or alteration
* 91.417 a-c Maintenance records
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Section 3: Commercial Pilots

* Single asterisk means one reading is sufficient
** Two asterisks indicate that a working knowledge (several
readings and some memorization) is required.
The following sections of FAR parts 61 and 91, the prospective Commercial pilot should consider all of the sections of FAR Parts 61,91 and NTSB 830 previously listed for Private and Student pilots as required knowledge (two asterisks). 
Remember to look up any items that you do not fully understand in FAR Part 1.

 

Part 61

Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors

*Subpart F

Commercial pilots

** 61.133Commercial Pilots Privileges and Limiations
 

Part 91

General Operating and Flight Rules

** 91.213 Inoperative instruments and equipment
** Link Ferry Permits
* 119.1
136.1
Air Carriers and Commercial Operators
COMMERCIAL AIR TOURS AND NATIONAL PARKS AIR TOUR MANAGEMENT
determine the applicability of FAR 119 and 136 to Glider Tour operations
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Section 4: Flight Instructors

* Single asterisk means one reading is sufficient
** Two asterisks indicate that a working knowledge (several
readings and some memorization) is required.

 

Part 61

Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors

*Subpart H

Flight Instructors (other than Sport)

** 61.189Flight Instructor Records
What records must an instructor keep and for how long?
** 61.193 Flight Instructor Privileges
** 61.195 Flight Instructor Linitations and Qualifications
What is the maximum number of hours of flight training that can be conducted in a 24 hour period?
What must you do before endorsing a student for solo priveleges
Who may may provide ground or flight training to initial flight instructor applicants?
** 61.197 Recent experience requirements for flight instructor certification.
Explain each of the ways to maintain recency on a CFI certificate<
  • Practical test
  • Recommendataion success rate
  • WINGS endorsements
  • FIRC
  • Airline or Military activity
 

Part 91

General Operating and Flight Rules


Additional Content Pending
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Section 5: Foreign Student Pilots, Pilots, and aircraft owners

(This applies to both individuals and business entities)

FAA FARs §3.301 through §3.303, require any student applicant, certificate holder, or aircraft registration to have an associated US Physical address. 

If they do not, they must designate a “US Agent for Service”, which essentially acts as a digital and/or physical mail forwarding service. 

This alleviates the FAA from the burden of international postage, and ensuring timely delivery. The full advisory circular can be found here: https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_3-1.pdf 

To register an agent of service, go to https://usas.faa.gov 

The full text of the FARs can be found at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-3/subpart-C?toc=1 

One of the companies offering this service is https://www.valiair.com/, and they charge $75/year for this service. 

The deadlines for new applicants is April 2nd, 2025, and for existing certificate holders is July 7th, 2025.
 
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