Pilot Flight Training

FAR 91.1103 — Pilot Flight Training

FAR 91.1103 covers initial, transition, upgrade, requalification, and differences flight training for fractional ownership pilots, including simulator use rules.

In Plain English

FAR 91.1103 sets the flight training requirements for pilots flying under a fractional ownership program (Subpart K). It applies to five categories of training:

Initial (new to the program or aircraft)
Transition (moving to a different aircraft)
Upgrade (e.g., SIC to PIC)
Requalification (returning after a lapse)
Differences (variations within the same aircraft type)

For each category, the pilot must receive flight and practice in every maneuver and procedure listed in the approved curriculum. As a default, those maneuvers must be performed in the actual aircraft, but the rule permits substitution in an aircraft simulator or appropriate training device to the extent allowed elsewhere in Subpart K.

If the program manager's approved program uses a simulator or training device, the pilot must:

Complete training and practice in the simulator on every maneuver capable of being performed there, and
Pass a flight check — either in the aircraft or in the simulator — demonstrating PIC or SIC proficiency as appropriate.

Operationally, this ensures every Subpart K pilot has hands-on competency in all required maneuvers before being released to line flying.

Regulation Text

14 CFR § 91.1103

§ 91.1103 Pilots: Initial, transition, upgrade, requalification, and differences flight training. (a) Initial, transition, upgrade, requalification, and differences training for pilots must include flight and practice in each of the maneuvers and procedures contained in each of the curriculums that are a part of the approved training program. (b) The maneuvers and procedures required by paragraph (a) of this section must be performed in flight, except to the extent that certain maneuvers and procedures may be performed in an aircraft simulator, or an appropriate training device, as allowed by this subpart. (c) If the program manager's approved training program includes a course of training using an aircraft simulator or other training device, each pilot must successfully complete— (1) Training and practice in the simulator or training device in at least the maneuvers and procedures in this subpart that are capable of being performed in the aircraft simulator or training device; and (2) A flight check in the aircraft or a check in the simulator or training device to the level of proficiency of a pilot in command or second in command, as applicable, in at least the maneuvers and procedures that are capable of being performed in an aircraft simulator or training device.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What categories of pilot training are covered by FAR 91.1103?

Per FAR 91.1103(a), the section covers initial, transition, upgrade, requalification, and differences training, and each must include flight and practice in every maneuver and procedure in the approved curriculum.

Q2Can simulator time substitute for actual flight time in this training?

Yes. FAR 91.1103(b) requires maneuvers to be performed in flight except where Subpart K allows certain maneuvers to be completed in an aircraft simulator or appropriate training device.

Q3If the approved training program uses a simulator, what must each pilot complete?

Under FAR 91.1103(c), the pilot must complete training and practice in the simulator on all maneuvers capable of being performed there, plus a flight check — in the aircraft or simulator — to PIC or SIC proficiency as applicable.

Practice this with our AI examiner

Examiner Reed adapts to your responses and probes deeper on weak spots — full ACS coverage, not a script.

Studying for a checkride?

Private Pilot Oral Exam Guide

200+ DPE-style questions, ACS-aligned

Private Pilot Checkride Prep

Mock checkride with pass-prediction

PPL Knowledge Test Practice

Free adaptive questions

Related Sections in Part 91

§ 91.1

Part 91 Applicability