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  5. § 91.109
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14 CFR · Part 91

14 CFR § 91.109

Flight instruction; Simulated instrument flight and certain flight tests.

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Read in Subpart B
Part 91 Contents
  • Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 50-2: Special Flight Rules in the Vicinity of the Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
  • Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 60: Air Traffic Control System Emergency Operation
  • Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 97: Special Operating Rules for the Conduct of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Area Navigation (RNAV) Operations using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in Alaska
  • Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 104: Prohibition Against Certain Flights by Syrian Air Carriers to the United States
  • Subpart A: General
  • Subpart B: Flight Rules
  • Subpart C: Equipment, Instrument, and Certificate Requirements
  • Subpart D: Special Flight Operations
  • Subpart E: Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and Alterations
  • Subpart F: Large and Turbine-Powered Multiengine Airplanes and Fractional Ownership Program Aircraft
  • Subpart G: Additional Equipment and Operating Requirements for Large and Transport Category Aircraft
  • Subpart H: Foreign Aircraft Operations and Operations of U.S.-Registered Civil Aircraft Outside of the United States; and Rules Governing Persons on Board Such Aircraft
  • Subpart I: Operating Noise Limits
  • Subpart J: Waivers
  • Subpart K: Fractional Ownership Operations
  • Subpart L: Continued Airworthiness and Safety Improvements
  • Subpart M: Special Federal Aviation Regulations
  • Subpart N: Mitsubishi MU-2B Series Special Training, Experience, and Operating Requirements
  • Appendix A to Part 91: Category II Operations: Manual, Instruments, Equipment, and Maintenance
  • Appendix D to Part 91: Airports/Locations: Special Operating Restrictions
  • Appendix E to Part 91: Airplane Flight Recorder Specifications
  • Appendix F to Part 91: Helicopter Flight Recorder Specifications
  • Appendix G to Part 91: Operations in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) Airspace
(a)

No person may operate a civil aircraft (except a manned free balloon) that is being used for flight instruction unless that aircraft has fully functioning dual controls. However, instrument flight instruction may be given in an airplane that is equipped with a single, functioning throwover control wheel that controls the elevator and ailerons, in place of fixed, dual controls, when—

(1)

The instructor has determined that the flight can be conducted safely; and

(2)

The person manipulating the controls has at least a private pilot certificate with appropriate category and class ratings.

(b)

An airplane equipped with a single, functioning throwover control wheel that controls the elevator and ailerons, in place of fixed, dual controls may be used for flight instruction to conduct a flight review required by § 61.56 of this chapter, or to obtain recent flight experience or an instrument proficiency check required by § 61.57 when—

(1)

The airplane is equipped with operable rudder pedals at both pilot stations;

(2)

The pilot manipulating the controls is qualified to serve and serves as pilot in command during the entire flight;

(3)

The instructor is current and qualified to serve as pilot in command of the airplane, meets the requirements of § 61.195(b), and has logged at least 25 hours of pilot-in-command flight time in the make and model of airplane; and

(4)

The pilot in command and the instructor have determined the flight can be conducted safely.

(c)

No person may operate a civil aircraft in simulated instrument flight unless—

(1)

The other control seat is occupied by a safety pilot who possesses at least:

(i)

A private pilot certificate with category and class ratings appropriate to the aircraft being flown; or

(ii)

For purposes of providing training for a solo cross-country endorsement under § 61.93 of this chapter, a flight instructor certificate with an appropriate sport pilot rating and meets the requirements of § 61.412 of this chapter.

(2)

The safety pilot has adequate vision forward and to each side of the aircraft, or a competent observer in the aircraft adequately supplements the vision of the safety pilot; and

(3)

Except in the case of lighter-than-air aircraft, that aircraft is equipped with fully functioning dual controls. However, simulated instrument flight may be conducted in a single-engine airplane, equipped with a single, functioning, throwover control wheel, in place of fixed, dual controls of the elevator and ailerons, when—

(i)

The safety pilot has determined that the flight can be conducted safely; and

(ii)

The person manipulating the controls has at least a private pilot certificate with appropriate category and class ratings.

(d)

No person may operate a civil aircraft that is being used for a flight test for an airline transport pilot certificate or a class or type rating on that certificate, or for a part 121 proficiency flight test, unless the pilot seated at the controls, other than the pilot being checked, is fully qualified to act as pilot in command of the aircraft.

Referenced By

Interpretations of This Section (11)

  • Williams, 2018
  • Cato, 2014
  • Creech, 2013
  • Beaty, 2013
  • Roberts, Andrew, 2012
  • Walker, 2011
  • Goodman, 2011
  • Glenn, 2009
  • Gebhart, 2009
  • Levy, 2009
  • Rizner, 1991

Advisory Circulars (1)

  • AC 68-1A

Documents that cite this section, found in their catalog metadata or text. Listed by date, not by significance.

Regulations Referenced

14 CFR 61.5614 CFR 61.5714 CFR 61.19514 CFR 61.9314 CFR 61.41214 CFR Part 121

Reflects the eCFR edition current as of July 6, 2026. Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 17, 2026.

Primary Source

  • Official Source (14 CFR · Part 91)