FAR 61.100 — Island-Based Pilots
FAR 61.100 explains how recreational pilot applicants on small islands can meet training requirements and what limitations apply to their certificate.
In Plain English
FAR 61.100 provides a special accommodation for recreational pilot applicants who live on small islands where the cross-country training in § 61.99(a)(1) would require flying more than 10 nautical miles from the nearest shoreline.
Here's how it works:
- If no suitable airport exists within 10 NM of shoreline, the applicant is excused from the § 61.99(a)(1) cross-country requirement.
- If another civil airport is reachable without flying more than 10 NM offshore, the applicant must complete a dual flight between two airports, including three landings at the other airport.
- Applicants who use this exception receive a certificate with the endorsement: "Passenger carrying prohibited on flights more than 10 nautical miles from (the appropriate island)."
- The limitation can be amended to add another island if the applicant repeats the requirements for that island.
- Once the applicant later completes the full § 61.99(a)(1) requirements, the limitation may be removed.
This rule matters because it lets island-based students earn a certificate without unsafe long overwater flights, while still protecting passengers through clear operational limits.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.100§ 61.100 Pilots based on small islands.
(a) An applicant located on an island from which the flight training required in § 61.99(a)(1) of this part cannot be accomplished without flying over water for more than 10 nautical miles from the nearest shoreline need not comply with the requirements of that section. However, if other airports that permit civil operations are available to which a flight may be made without flying over water for more than 10 nautical miles from the nearest shoreline, the applicant must show completion of a dual flight between two airports, which must include three landings at the other airport.
(b) An applicant who complies with paragraph (a) of this section and meets all requirements for the issuance of a recreational pilot certificate, except the requirements of § 61.99(a)(1) of this part, will be issued a pilot certificate with an endorsement containing the following limitation, “Passenger carrying prohibited on flights more than 10 nautical miles from (the appropriate island).” The limitation may be subsequently amended to include another island if the applicant complies with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section for another island.
(c) Upon meeting the requirements of § 61.99(a)(1) of this part, the applicant may have the limitation(s) in paragraph (b) of this section removed.
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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Why does FAR 61.100 exist, and who does it apply to?
Per FAR 61.100, it applies to recreational pilot applicants based on islands where the § 61.99(a)(1) cross-country training cannot be done without flying more than 10 NM from the nearest shoreline.
Q2If an island-based applicant uses the FAR 61.100 exception, what limitation appears on their certificate?
FAR 61.100(b) requires the endorsement: "Passenger carrying prohibited on flights more than 10 nautical miles from (the appropriate island)," which restricts where they may carry passengers.
Q3How can a pilot get the island limitation removed from their certificate?
Under FAR 61.100(c), the limitation may be removed once the pilot completes the cross-country flight training requirements of § 61.99(a)(1).
Studying for a checkride?
§61.113 Privileges & Limits
Private pilot compensation, pro-rata sharing, and BasicMed limits
§61.57 Recent Flight Experience
90-day passenger, night, and instrument currency rules
§61.89 Student Pilot Limitations
Solo student limits: no passengers, no compensation, minimum visibility
§61.51 Pilot Logbooks
Logging training, aeronautical experience, and recency for certificates
§61.23 Medical Certificate Duration
First-, second-, and third-class medical requirement and validity periods
Instrument Rating Requirements
IFR eligibility and aeronautical experience
Related Sections in Part 61