FAR 91.5 — Multi-Pilot PIC Requirements
FAR 91.5 requires the PIC of any aircraft type certificated for more than one required pilot to meet the pilot-in-command proficiency rules of § 61.58.
FAR 91.5 sets the rule for who can act as pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft that is type certificated for more than one required pilot flight crewmember — think large transport jets and many business jets where the type certificate requires two pilots.
The rule is short but important: you cannot operate such an aircraft as PIC unless you meet the requirements of FAR 61.58. In practical terms, § 61.58 requires:
- An initial PIC proficiency check in the specific make and model (or type) of aircraft, and
- A recurrent PIC proficiency check every 12 calendar months, with an additional check in a particular type every 24 calendar months if you fly more than one type.
Why it matters: this regulation is what keeps a Part 91 operator of, say, a Citation or King Air 350 on a recurring training cycle similar to airline pilots. Even without flying for hire, the PIC must stay current under § 61.58 — otherwise the flight is illegal under § 91.5.