December 2024 - minor FAR changes

[bflynn]

Short take

There is a definition of passengers now. CFIs and those receiving instruction are not passengers of each other. As a result, here are a few twists to instructional flight for currency, mainly around who is PIC. The rules for logging are unchanged.

61.193, the tasks a cfi can do are spelled out, explicitly adding “conduct ground training, flight training, certain checking events,” in addition to giving endorsements. Also in 61.413 for sport instructors. These were done anyway, now they’re official.

New section C to address grey instruction like at fantasy flight or air tours disguised as training.

 

[flyingcheesehead]

Short take

There is a definition of passengers now. CFIs and those receiving instruction are not passengers of each other. As a result, here are a few twists to instructional flight for currency, mainly around who is PIC. The rules for logging are unchanged.

61.193, the tasks a cfi can do are spelled out, explicitly adding “conduct ground training, flight training, certain checking events,” in addition to giving endorsements. Also in 61.413 for sport instructors. These were done anyway, now they’re official.

New section C to address grey instruction like at fantasy flight or air tours disguised as training.

I haven't seen the new wording yet but I heard that it eliminates the non-current CFI and the non-current pilot being able to get each other current. What sayeth the Federal Register as to why the changes?

 

[bflynn]

I haven't seen the new wording yet but I heard that it eliminates the non-current CFI and the non-current pilot being able to get each other current. What sayeth the Federal Register as to why the changes?

That is not true. The currency rules changed the word from “passenger” to “person”, so you still have to solo to regain currency. There is an exception for a cfi. The logic is that a rusty pilot is better off with a cfi, even a non current cfi. If that cfi is also not person current the pilot must otherwise be legal (in medical, not a student, etc).

Federal Register :: Request Access

Heads up, instructors

If you're actively instructing or maintaining your CFI privileges, be sure you understand how changes to currency and security requirements implemented this year affect you.

www.aopa.org

 

[midlifeflyer]

That is not true. The currency rules changed the word from “passenger” to “person”, so you still have to solo to regain currency. There is an exception for a cfi. The logic is that a rusty pilot is better off with a cfi, even a non current cfi. If that cfi is also not person current the pilot must otherwise be legal (in medical, not a student, etc).

it’s sorta true.

You have never had to be solo to regain landing currency. You just couldn’t be the PIC in the flight.

@flyingcheesehead, you’ll remember there were these Chief Counsel interpretations saying that neither CFI nor trainee - even a student pilot - needed to be passenger current during an instructional flight. They eventually realized that, for example, treating a student pilot taking their very first lesson with a CFI who was not landing current as a “non-passenger” was problematic, so the interpretations were withdrawn and the regs amended.

The “sort of”? Here’s the reg:

(5) Paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section [landing currency] do not apply to a person receiving flight training from an authorized instructor, provided:​

(i) The flight training is limited to the purpose of meeting the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section;​

(ii) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the person receiving flight training meets all other requirements to act as pilot in command of the aircraft; and​

(iii) The authorized instructor and the person receiving flight training are the sole occupants of the aircraft​

Note that it applies to the person receiving flight training, not the CFI. So, if a certificated pilot is acting as PIC during an instructional flight to regain currency, neither the pilot nor the CFI needs to be current. OTOH, if the roles are reversed; if the CFI is acting as PIC, it appears the CFI has to be landing current.