Mastering the pertinent regulations throughout every phase of training is critical. In a perfect world, we would have an infinity of time to advance to the point of reading the FAR/AIM cover to cover, and then concentrate more intensely on the most significant and relevant parts. However, such is unrealistic and we are unfortunately tasked with the challenge of prioritizing most deeply learning the sections and regulations that are essential to our current area of focus. Easy, right? Luckily with proper guidance, it can be. This post
aims to highlight the Federal Aviation Regulations, or FARs, that are commonly overlooked, confused, or misunderstood, so that the time you spend reading them is as worthwhile as possible. Continue on to see some FARs we think are especially important to each phase of your training.
Private Pilot Certificate
§61.23 - Medical certificates
§61.3 - Requirement for certificates, ratings, and authorizations
§61.57 - Recent flight experience: PIC
§61.103 - Eligibility requirements
§61.113 - Private pilot privileges & limitations
§91.7 - Civil aircraft airworthiness
§91.103 - Preflight action
§91.113 - Right-of-way rules
§91.125 - ATC light signals
§91.151 - VFR Fuel requirements
§91.155 - VFR Weather minimums
§91.211 - Supplemental oxygen
Instrument Rating
§61.65 - Instrument rating requirements
§91.167 - Fuel requirements for flight in IFR conditions
§91.175 - Takeoff and landing under IFR
§91.185 - IFR operations: Two-way radio communications failure
Commercial Pilot Certificate
§61.133 - Commercial pilot privileges and limitations
§61.129 - Aeronautical experience
Honorable Mention
§91.203 - Civil aircraft: certifications required
§91.213 - Inoperative instruments and equipment
Appendix A to Part 43 - Major Alterations, Major Repairs, and Preventive Maintenance
These are just a handful of Federal Aviation Regulations that we encourage you to spend a little additional time on. Some study tips we suggest include reading at least one regulation a day (maybe we should start a #RegOfTheDay!?), and making flashcards for the ones you find the most challenging. Creating a tab system for your FAR/AIM can be immensely helpful, physically or electronically, for quick referencing, and make sure you have the current year's copy. Finally, ask your instructor for any clarification if you don't understand what a regulation is addressing, or any other details. We know this reading is dry compared to other, more stimulating, aviation material, but it is of paramount importance to practice being a law-abiding airman, and knowledge is power in doing so. What topic(s) would you like to read more on?
Let us know!