FAA Regulations Part 61: The Rulebook That Turns You Into a Pilot
Feb 22, 2026
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If you’re working toward your Private Pilot Certificate—or even just thinking about it—you’ve already met one of the most important sections of FAA regulations: 14 CFR Part 61. This is the part of the rulebook that answers the big questions every pilot asks early on:
Who can be a pilot?
What training do I need?
How many hours must I fly?
When can I carry passengers?
In short, Part 61 is the pathway from aviation enthusiast to certificated pilot. In this article, we’ll introduce Part 61, explain how it fits into the broader FAA regulatory system, and clarify how it works alongside the FARs and the AIM—all with small-aircraft pilots firmly in mind.
Let’s be honest: when most student pilots first hear the words “FAA regulations,” their eyes glaze over just a little. Regulations don’t quite have the thrill of your first takeoff, the excitement of learning steep turns, or the joy of greasing a landing.
But here's the thing—understanding FAA regulations is a huge part of becoming a safe, competent, and legal pilot. And once you get to know th...
Nestled quietly at the top of your windshield or on the glareshield, often bouncing slightly with the engine’s rhythm, the magnetic compass might seem like a relic from another era. No power source. No fancy screen. Just a floating card in a bowl of liquid.
But don’t let its simplicity fool you—this humble instrument is still required in every certified aircraft and can be a lifesaver when the ...
If you've flown a small aircraft equipped with a glass cockpit or even a slightly more advanced autopilot system, chances are you've seen some mysterious symbols show up on the attitude indicator—maybe a set of command bars, a “vee” shape, or a set of magenta cues telling you to pitch up or bank left. These are the hallmarks of a flight director, one of the most helpful (yet often misunderstood...
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