Understanding FAA Regulations: FAR Parts 61, 67, 91, 121, and 135 Explained

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governs aviation in the United States through the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), codified in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). These regulations ensure safety, standardization, and compliance across all facets of aviation. Among the many parts, Parts 61, 67, 91, 121, and 135 are critical for pilots, operators, and aviation enthusiasts to understand. This blog post breaks down each part, its purpose, and key aspects, including medical certification requirements under Part 67.

FAR Part 61: Certification of Pilots and Flight Instructors

FAR Part 61 outlines the requirements for the certification, training, and testing of pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors. It applies to individuals seeking to obtain or maintain pilot certificates and ratings.

Key Points:

• Scope: Covers eligibility, training, experience, and testing requirements for various pilot certificates (e.g., private, commercial, airline transport pilot) and ratings (e.g., instrument, multi-engine).
• Certificates and Ratings: Specifies requirements for certificates like Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, and Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), as well as ratings such as instrument, type ratings for specific aircraft, and flight instructor credentials.
• Training Requirements: Details minimum flight hours, ground training, and proficiency checks. For example, a Private Pilot Certificate requires at least 40 hours of flight time (though most students need more).
• Recency of Experience: Includes rules for maintaining currency, such as completing a flight review every 24 months or meeting specific takeoff and landing requirements for carrying passengers.
• Flight Instructors: Governs certification and responsibilities of flight instructors, including their role in endorsing students for solo flights or practical tests.

Who It Affects: Student pilots, certificated pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors.

Example: A student pilot pursuing a Private Pilot Certificate must meet Part 61 requirements, including 40 hours of flight time (with at least 20 hours of flight training and 10 hours of solo flight) and passing a practical test with an FAA examiner.

FAR Part 67: Medical Certification and Standards

FAR Part 67 establishes the medical certification requirements for pilots and other airmen to ensure they are physically and mentally fit to operate aircraft safely.

Key Points:

• Scope: Defines medical standards for issuing and maintaining FAA medical certificates required for most pilot operations.
• Classes of Medical Certificates:
  • First-Class: Required for Airline Transport Pilots (e.g., airline pilots operating under Part 121). Valid for 12 months for pilots under 40, and 6 months for pilots 40 and older.
  • Second-Class: Required for Commercial Pilots (e.g., those operating under Part 135 or other commercial operations). Valid for 12 months.
  • Third-Class: Required for Private Pilots, recreational pilots, and student pilots. Valid for 60 months for pilots under 40, and 24 months for pilots 40 and older.
• Medical Standards: Specifies physical and mental health requirements, including vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and absence of disqualifying conditions (e.g., epilepsy, substance dependence).
• BasicMed: An alternative to the Third-Class medical certificate for certain pilots operating under Part 91. Pilots must complete a medical exam with a state-licensed physician every 48 months and an online course every 24 months, with restrictions on aircraft size, passengers, and flight conditions.
• Special Issuance: Allows pilots with certain medical conditions (e.g., controlled diabetes) to obtain a medical certificate through a special issuance process, subject to FAA review.
• Examinations: Conducted by FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs), who assess applicants based on Part 67 standards.

Who It Affects: All pilots and flight crew members requiring an FAA medical certificate, except those operating under BasicMed or specific exemptions (e.g., sport pilots using a driver’s license).

Example: A commercial pilot operating a charter flight under Part 135 must hold a valid Second-Class medical certificate, renewed annually, ensuring they meet standards for vision, hearing, and overall health.

FAR Part 91: General Operating and Flight Rules

FAR Part 91 establishes the general operating and flight rules for all aircraft operations in the United States, unless a more specific regulation (e.g., Parts 121 or 135) applies. It serves as the baseline for safe aircraft operation.

Key Points:

• Scope: Governs all aircraft operations, including general aviation, private flights, and some commercial operations not covered by other parts.
• Pilot Responsibilities: The pilot-in-command (PIC) is responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft, including preflight inspections, ensuring airworthiness, and complying with air traffic control (ATC) instructions.
• Flight Rules: Includes Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), specifying weather minimums, fuel requirements, and right-of-way rules.
• Aircraft Requirements: Mandates that aircraft be airworthy, with required inspections (e.g., annual inspections) and equipment (e.g., ELT, transponder) for specific operations.
• Special Operations: Covers unique activities like aerobatic flight, banner towing, and experimental aircraft operations.

Who It Affects: All pilots and aircraft operators, from private pilots flying small planes to corporate jet operators, unless operating under Parts 121 or 135.

Example: A private pilot flying a Cessna 172 for personal use must comply with Part 91 rules, such as maintaining VFR weather minimums and ensuring the aircraft has a current annual inspection. They must also hold a valid Third-Class medical certificate or operate under BasicMed.

FAR Part 121: Operating Requirements for Domestic, Flag, and Supplemental Operations

FAR Part 121 regulates air carriers conducting scheduled passenger or cargo operations, typically involving large commercial airlines. It imposes stringent safety and operational standards.

Key Points:

• Scope: Applies to air carriers operating scheduled flights (domestic or international) and some supplemental (charter) operations with large aircraft (more than 30 seats or 7,500 pounds payload).
• Crew Requirements: Mandates specific training, qualifications, and rest periods for pilots, flight attendants, and other crew members. Pilots must hold an ATP certificate and a First-Class medical certificate.
• Aircraft Standards: Requires aircraft to meet rigorous maintenance and inspection schedules, including continuous airworthiness programs.
• Operational Rules: Covers flight planning, dispatch, weather minimums, and emergency procedures. It also mandates the use of a qualified dispatch team for flight operations.
• Safety Systems: Requires advanced safety equipment, such as Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS) and Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS).

Who It Affects: Major airlines (e.g., Delta, United) and their pilots, crew, and maintenance personnel.

Example: A Boeing 737 operated by a major airline on a scheduled flight from New York to Chicago operates under Part 121, requiring two ATP-certified pilots with First-Class medical certificates, a trained cabin crew, and a detailed dispatch plan.

FAR Part 135: Operating Requirements for Commuter and On-Demand Operations

FAR Part 135 governs commuter and on-demand air operations, such as air taxis, charter flights, and some regional airlines. It bridges the gap between general aviation (Part 91) and major airlines (Part 121).

Key Points:

• Scope: Applies to operations involving smaller aircraft (typically 30 seats or fewer) for commuter (scheduled) or on-demand (charter) services.
• Pilot Requirements: Pilots must meet specific training and experience standards, often including an ATP or Commercial Pilot Certificate with a Second-Class medical certificate, depending on the operation.
• Operational Limits: Imposes rules on flight and duty times, rest periods, and weather minimums to ensure safety.
• Maintenance Standards: Requires regular maintenance and inspections, though less stringent than Part 121 due to the smaller scale of operations.
• Flexibility: Allows more operational flexibility than Part 121, such as single-pilot operations in some cases, but still enforces strict safety protocols.

Who It Affects: Air charter companies, air taxi services, small regional airlines, and their pilots and crew.

Example: A charter company operating a Cessna Citation jet for on-demand business flights must comply with Part 135, including pilot training, Second-Class medical certificates, aircraft maintenance, and duty time limitations.

Comparing the Parts: A Quick Reference

Why These Regulations Matter

The FARs, including Part 67’s medical standards, are designed to ensure safety, efficiency, and accountability in aviation. Understanding the distinctions between Parts 61, 67, 91, 121, and 135 is crucial for anyone involved in aviation, whether you’re a student pilot, a private aircraft owner, or a professional working for an airline or charter service. Each part addresses specific needs and operational complexities, with Part 67 ensuring that pilots are medically fit to handle the demands of flight. Together, these regulations create a layered framework that keeps U.S. airspace among the safest in the world.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the FARs can seem daunting, but they serve as the backbone of aviation safety and standardization. Whether you’re studying for your pilot certificate under Part 61, maintaining a medical certificate under Part 67, flying your own plane under Part 91, or working for an airline under Part 121 or a charter service under Part 135, these regulations guide your responsibilities and ensure compliance. For detailed requirements, always consult the latest version of the FARs on the FAA’s website or seek guidance from a certified flight instructor, Aviation Medical Examiner, or aviation professional.

Happy flying, and stay safe in the skies!