FAR 91.1089 — Check Pilot Qualifications
FAR 91.1089 sets the qualifications for check pilots (aircraft) and check pilots (simulator) in fractional ownership programs under Part 91 Subpart K.
In Plain English
FAR 91.1089 lays out who can serve as a check pilot in a fractional ownership program (Part 91 Subpart K). There are two types:
- Check pilot (aircraft) — qualified to give checks in the aircraft, a flight simulator, or a flight training device.
- Check pilot (simulator) — qualified to give checks only in a simulator or flight training device.
To serve as a check pilot (aircraft), the person must, for that aircraft type:
- Hold the pilot certificates and ratings required to act as PIC under Subpart K.
- Have completed all required training (including recurrent) and proficiency/competency checks.
- Complete the check pilot training in § 91.1093.
- Hold at least a Class III medical (Class I or II if a required crewmember).
- Be approved by the Administrator.
A check pilot (simulator) must meet the same items except the medical, and must also stay current by either flying two flight segments as a required crewmember in the prior 12 months, or completing an approved line-observation program. This rule matters because it ensures the people evaluating Subpart K pilots are themselves current, qualified, and FAA-approved.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 91.1089§ 91.1089 Qualifications: Check pilots (aircraft) and check pilots (simulator).
(a) For the purposes of this section and § 91.1093:
(1) A check pilot (aircraft) is a person who is qualified to conduct flight checks in an aircraft, in a flight simulator, or in a flight training device for a particular type aircraft.
(2) A check pilot (simulator) is a person who is qualified to conduct flight checks, but only in a flight simulator, in a flight training device, or both, for a particular type aircraft.
(3) Check pilots (aircraft) and check pilots (simulator) are those check pilots who perform the functions described in § 91.1073(a)(4) and (c).
(b) No program manager may use a person, nor may any person serve as a check pilot (aircraft) in a training program established under this subpart unless, with respect to the aircraft type involved, that person—
(1) Holds the pilot certificates and ratings required to serve as a pilot in command in operations under this subpart;
(2) Has satisfactorily completed the training phases for the aircraft, including recurrent training, that are required to serve as a pilot in command in operations under this subpart;
(3) Has satisfactorily completed the proficiency or competency checks that are required to serve as a pilot in command in operations under this subpart;
(4) Has satisfactorily completed the applicable training requirements of § 91.1093;
(5) Holds at least a Class III medical certificate unless serving as a required crewmember, in which case holds a Class I or Class II medical certificate as appropriate; and
(6) Has been approved by the Administrator for the check pilot duties involved.
(c) No program manager may use a person, nor may any person serve as a check pilot (simulator) in a training program established under this subpart unless, with respect to the aircraft type involved, that person meets the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section, or—
(1) Holds the applicable pilot certificates and ratings, except medical certificate, required to serve as a pilot in command in operations under this subpart;
(2) Has satisfactorily completed the appropriate training phases for the aircraft, including recurrent training, that are required to serve as a pilot in command in operations under this subpart;
(3) Has satisfactorily completed the appropriate proficiency or competency checks that are required to serve as a pilot in command in operations under this subpart;
(4) Has satisfactorily completed the applicable training requirements of § 91.1093; and
(5) Has been approved by the Administrator for the check pilot (simulator) duties involved.
(d) Completion of the requirements in paragraphs (b)(2), (3), and (4) or (c)(2), (3), and (4) of this section, as applicable, must be entered in the individual's training record maintained by the program manager.
(e) A check pilot who does not hold an appropriate medical certificate may function as a check pilot (simulator), but may not serve as a flightcrew member in operations under this subpart.
(f) A check pilot (simulator) must accomplish the following—
(1) Fly at least two flight segments as a required crewmember for the type, class, or category aircraft involved within the 12-month period preceding the performance of any check pilot duty in a flight simulator; or
(2) Before performing any check pilot duty in a flight simulator, satisfactorily complete an approved line-observation program within the period prescribed by that program.
(g) The flight segments or line-observation program required in paragraph (f) of this section are considered to be completed in the month required if completed in the month before or the month after the month in which they are due.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What's the difference between a check pilot (aircraft) and a check pilot (simulator) under Subpart K?
Per FAR 91.1089(a), a check pilot (aircraft) can conduct checks in the aircraft, simulator, or FTD, while a check pilot (simulator) is limited to conducting checks in a simulator or FTD only.
Q2Does a check pilot (simulator) need a medical certificate?
No. Under FAR 91.1089(c) and (e), a check pilot (simulator) does not need a medical to perform simulator check duties, but without one they cannot serve as a flightcrew member in Subpart K operations.
Q3How does a check pilot (simulator) maintain recency to conduct checks?
FAR 91.1089(f) requires either flying at least two flight segments as a required crewmember in the type, class, or category within the preceding 12 months, or satisfactorily completing an approved line-observation program before performing simulator check duties.
Studying for a checkride?
Related Sections in Part 91