14 CFR §61.43
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
- (a)Completion of the practical test for a certificate or rating consists of—
- (1)Performing the tasks specified in the areas of operation contained in the applicable Airman Certification Standards or Practical Test Standards (incorporated by reference, see § 61.14) as listed in appendix A of this part for the airman certificate or rating sought;
- (2)Demonstrating mastery of the aircraft by performing each task required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section successfully;
- (3)Demonstrating proficiency and competency of the tasks required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section within the approved standards; and
- (4)Demonstrating sound judgment.
- (b)The pilot flight crew complement required during the practical test is based on one of the following requirements that applies to the aircraft being used on the practical test:
- (1)If the aircraft's FAA-approved flight manual requires the pilot flight crew complement be a single pilot, then the applicant must demonstrate single pilot proficiency on the practical test.
- (2)If the aircraft's type certification data sheet requires the pilot flight crew complement be a single pilot, then the applicant must demonstrate single pilot proficiency on the practical test.
- (3)If the FAA Flight Standardization Board report, FAA-approved aircraft flight manual, or aircraft type certification data sheet allows the pilot flight crew complement to be either a single pilot, or a pilot and a copilot, then the applicant may demonstrate single pilot proficiency or have a copilot on the practical test. If the applicant performs the practical test with a copilot, the limitation of “Second in Command Required” will be placed on the applicant's pilot certificate. The limitation may be removed if the applicant passes the practical test by demonstrating single-pilot proficiency in the aircraft in which single-pilot privileges are sought.
- (c)If an applicant fails any area of operation, that applicant fails the practical test.
- (d)An applicant is not eligible for a certificate or rating sought until all the areas of operation are passed.
- (e)The examiner or the applicant may discontinue a practical test at any time:
- (f)If a practical test is discontinued, the applicant is entitled credit for those areas of operation that were passed, but only if the applicant:
- (1)Passes the remainder of the practical test within the 60-day period after the date the practical test was discontinued;
- (2)Presents to the examiner for the retest the original notice of disapproval form or the letter of discontinuance form, as appropriate;
- (3)Satisfactorily accomplishes any additional training needed and obtains the appropriate instructor endorsements, if additional training is required; and
- (4)Presents to the examiner for the retest a properly completed and signed application.
- (g)A practical test for an airline transport pilot certificate with category and class rating (if a class rating is required) in an aircraft that requires a type rating or in a flight simulation training device that represents an aircraft that requires a type rating includes the same tasks and maneuvers as a practical test for a type rating.