---
kind: "section"
citation: "14 C.F.R. § 121.424"
title: "14"
number: "121.424"
heading: "Pilots: Initial, transition, conversion, and upgrade flight training."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/14/121.424"
---

# §121.424. Pilots: Initial, transition, conversion, and upgrade flight training.

- (a) Initial, transition, and conversion flight training for pilots must include the following:
  - (1) Flight training and practice in the maneuvers and procedures set forth in the certificate holder's approved low-altitude windshear flight training program and in appendix E to this part, as applicable; and
  - (2) Extended envelope training set forth in [§ 121.423](/cfr/14/121.423.md).
- (b) In addition to the requirements in [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section, initial flight training for pilots in command must include sufficient scenario-based training incorporating CRM and leadership and command skills to ensure the pilot's proficiency as pilot in command. The training required by this [paragraph (b)](#b) may be completed inflight or in an FSTD.
- (c) The training required by [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section must be performed inflight except—
  - (1) That windshear maneuvers and procedures must be performed in an FFS in which the maneuvers and procedures are specifically authorized to be accomplished;
  - (2) That the extended envelope training required by [§ 121.423](/cfr/14/121.423.md) must be performed in a Level C or higher full flight simulator unless the Administrator has issued to the certificate holder a deviation in accordance with [§ 121.423(e)](/cfr/14/121.423.md?p=e); and
  - (3) To the extent that certain other maneuvers and procedures may be performed in an FFS, an FTD, or a static airplane as permitted in appendix E to this part.
- (d) Except as permitted in [paragraph (e)](#e) of this section, the initial flight training required by [paragraph (a)(1)](#a-1) of this section must include at least the following programmed hours of inflight training and practice unless reduced under [§ 121.405](/cfr/14/121.405.md);
  - (1) **Group I airplanes—**
    - (i) **Reciprocating powered.** Pilot in command, 10 hours; second in command, 6 hours; and
    - (ii) **Turbopropeller powered.** Pilot in command, 15 hours; second in command, 7 hours.
  - (2) **Group II airplanes.** Pilot in command, 20 hours; second in command, 10 hours.
- (e) If the certificate holder's approved training program includes a course of training utilizing an FFS under § [121.409 (c)](/cfr/14/121.409.md?p=c) and [(d)](/cfr/14/121.409.md?p=d) of this part, each pilot must successfully complete—
  - (1) With respect to [§ 121.409(c)](/cfr/14/121.409.md?p=c) of this part—
    - (i) Training and practice in the FFS in at least all of the maneuvers and procedures set forth in appendix E of this part for initial flight training that are capable of being performed in an FFS; and
    - (ii) A proficiency check in the FFS or the airplane to the level of proficiency of a pilot in command or second in command, as applicable, in at least the maneuvers and procedures set forth in appendix F of this part that are capable of being performed in an FFS.
  - (2) With respect to [§ 121.409(d)](/cfr/14/121.409.md?p=d) of this part, training and practice in at least the maneuvers and procedures set forth in the certificate holder's approved low-altitude windshear flight training program that are capable of being performed in an FFS in which the maneuvers and procedures are specifically authorized.

## Notes

### Amendments

[Docket 9509, 35 FR 90, Jan. 3, 1970, as amended by Amdt. 121-199, 53 FR 37697, Sept. 27, 1988; Amdt. 121-366, 78 FR 67840, Nov. 12, 2013; Amdt. 121-382, 85 FR 10923, Feb. 25, 2020; Amdt. 121-384, 85 FR 39070, June 30, 2020; Docket FAA-2019-0360, Amdt. 121-392, 89 FR 51427, June 18, 2024]

### Source

Source: Docket 9509, 35 FR 90, Jan. 3, 1970, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40103, 40113, 40119, 41706, 42301 preceding note added by Pub. L. 112-95, sec. 412, 126 Stat. 89, 44101, 44701-44702, 44705, 44709-44711, 44713, 44716-44717, 44722, 44729, 44732; 46105; Pub. L. 111-216, 124 Stat. 2348 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note); Pub. L. 112-95, 126 Stat. 62 (49 U.S.C. 44732 note); Pub. L. 115-254, 132 Stat. 3186 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note).

### Amendments

[Docket 9509, 35 FR 90, Jan. 3, 1970, as amended by Amdt. 121-199, 53 FR 37697, Sept. 27, 1988; Amdt. 121-366, 78 FR 67840, Nov. 12, 2013; Amdt. 121-382, 85 FR 10923, Feb. 25, 2020; Amdt. 121-384, 85 FR 39070, June 30, 2020; Docket FAA-2019-0360, Amdt. 121-392, 89 FR 51427, June 18, 2024]