FAR 91.1055 — Pilot Pairing Requirements
FAR 91.1055 sets pilot pairing rules for fractional ops: when the PIC must fly takeoffs/landings, 75-hour minimums, and type rating limits.
In Plain English
FAR 91.1055 governs pilot pairing and operating limitations for fractional ownership program operations under Subpart K. It exists to ensure that low-time second in commands are paired with experienced captains during higher-risk operations.
If the SIC has fewer than 100 hours in make/model (and type, if required) and the PIC is not a qualified check pilot, the PIC must make all takeoffs and landings when:
- A Destination Airport Analysis is required under § 91.1037(c)
- Visibility is at or below ¾ mile
- RVR is at or below 4,000 feet
- The runway has water, snow, slush, ice, or similar contamination
- Braking action is reported less than "good"
- Crosswind component exceeds 15 knots
- Windshear is reported near the airport
- The PIC otherwise deems it prudent
Additionally, no flight may be released unless either the PIC or SIC has at least 75 hours in that make/model (or type). Finally, no pilot may be assigned as PIC on more than two aircraft types requiring separate type ratings. These rules matter operationally because they directly affect crew scheduling and who flies the leg.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 91.1055§ 91.1055 Pilot operating limitations and pairing requirement.
(a) If the second in command of a fixed-wing program aircraft has fewer than 100 hours of flight time as second in command flying in the aircraft make and model and, if a type rating is required, in the type aircraft being flown, and the pilot in command is not an appropriately qualified check pilot, the pilot in command shall make all takeoffs and landings in any of the following situations:
(1) Landings at the destination airport when a Destination Airport Analysis is required by § 91.1037(c); and
(2) In any of the following conditions:
(i) The prevailing visibility for the airport is at or belowmile.
(ii) The runway visual range for the runway to be used is at or below 4,000 feet.
(iii) The runway to be used has water, snow, slush, ice or similar contamination that may adversely affect aircraft performance.
(iv) The braking action on the runway to be used is reported to be less than “good.”
(v) The crosswind component for the runway to be used is in excess of 15 knots.
(vi) Windshear is reported in the vicinity of the airport.
(vii) Any other condition in which the pilot in command determines it to be prudent to exercise the pilot in command's authority.
(b) No program manager may release a program flight under this subpart unless, for that aircraft make or model and, if a type rating is required, for that type aircraft, either the pilot in command or the second in command has at least 75 hours of flight time, either as pilot in command or second in command. The Administrator may, upon application by the program manager, authorize deviations from the requirements of this paragraph by an appropriate amendment to the management specifications in any of the following circumstances:
(1) A newly authorized program manager does not employ any pilots who meet the minimum requirements of this paragraph.
(2) An existing program manager adds to its fleet a new category and class aircraft not used before in its operation.
(3) An existing program manager establishes a new base to which it assigns pilots who will be required to become qualified on the aircraft operated from that base.
(c) No person may be assigned in the capacity of pilot in command in a program operation to more than two aircraft types that require a separate type rating.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1Under fractional ops, when must the PIC make all takeoffs and landings if paired with a low-time SIC?
Per FAR 91.1055(a), when the SIC has fewer than 100 hours in make/model (and type, if required) and the PIC isn't a qualified check pilot, the PIC must fly all takeoffs and landings when a Destination Airport Analysis is required, or in conditions like crosswinds over 15 knots, RVR at or below 4,000 feet, contaminated runways, braking less than good, windshear, or low visibility.
Q2What is the minimum flight time requirement for releasing a Subpart K program flight?
FAR 91.1055(b) requires that either the PIC or SIC have at least 75 hours of flight time in that make/model (or type, if a type rating is required) before the program manager may release the flight.
Q3How many aircraft types requiring a separate type rating can a pilot be assigned as PIC in a fractional program?
Under FAR 91.1055(c), no pilot may be assigned as PIC in a program operation to more than two aircraft types that require a separate type rating.
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Related Sections in Part 91