---
kind: "section"
citation: "14 C.F.R. § 61.43"
title: "14"
number: "61.43"
heading: "Practical tests: General procedures."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/14/61.43"
---

# §61.43. Practical tests: General procedures.

- (a) **Completion of the practical test for a certificate or rating consists of—**
  - (1) Performing the tasks specified in the areas of operation contained in the applicable Airman Certification Standards or Practical Test Standards (incorporated by reference, see [§ 61.14](/cfr/14/61.14.md)) as listed in appendix A of this part for the airman certificate or rating sought;
  - (2) Demonstrating mastery of the aircraft by performing each task required by [paragraph (a)(1)](#a-1) of this section successfully;
  - (3) Demonstrating proficiency and competency of the tasks required by [paragraph (a)(1)](#a-1) of this section within the approved standards; and
  - (4) **Demonstrating sound judgment.**
- (b) The pilot flight crew complement required during the practical test is based on one of the following requirements that applies to the aircraft being used on the practical test:
  - (1) If the aircraft's FAA-approved flight manual requires the pilot flight crew complement be a single pilot, then the applicant must demonstrate single pilot proficiency on the practical test.
  - (2) If the aircraft's type certification data sheet requires the pilot flight crew complement be a single pilot, then the applicant must demonstrate single pilot proficiency on the practical test.
  - (3) If the FAA Flight Standardization Board report, FAA-approved aircraft flight manual, or aircraft type certification data sheet allows the pilot flight crew complement to be either a single pilot, or a pilot and a copilot, then the applicant may demonstrate single pilot proficiency or have a copilot on the practical test. If the applicant performs the practical test with a copilot, the limitation of “Second in Command Required” will be placed on the applicant's pilot certificate. The limitation may be removed if the applicant passes the practical test by demonstrating single-pilot proficiency in the aircraft in which single-pilot privileges are sought.
- (c) If an applicant fails any area of operation, that applicant fails the practical test.
- (d) An applicant is not eligible for a certificate or rating sought until all the areas of operation are passed.
- (e) The examiner or the applicant may discontinue a practical test at any time:
  - (1) When the applicant fails one or more of the areas of operation; or
  - (2) **Due to inclement weather conditions, aircraft airworthiness, or any other safety-of-flight concern.**
- (f) If a practical test is discontinued, the applicant is entitled credit for those areas of operation that were passed, but only if the applicant:
  - (1) Passes the remainder of the practical test within the 60-day period after the date the practical test was discontinued;
  - (2) Presents to the examiner for the retest the original notice of disapproval form or the letter of discontinuance form, as appropriate;
  - (3) Satisfactorily accomplishes any additional training needed and obtains the appropriate instructor endorsements, if additional training is required; and
  - (4) **Presents to the examiner for the retest a properly completed and signed application.**
- (g) A practical test for an airline transport pilot certificate with category and class rating (if a class rating is required) in an aircraft that requires a type rating or in a flight simulation training device that represents an aircraft that requires a type rating includes the same tasks and maneuvers as a practical test for a type rating.

## Notes

### Amendments

[Docket 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997, as amended by Amdt. 61-124, 74 FR 42549, Aug. 21, 2009; Amdt. 61-142, 83 FR 30276, June 27, 2018; Docket FAA-2022-1463, Amdt. 61-153, 89 FR 22517, Apr. 1, 2024; FAA-2023-1275, Amdt. 61-157, 89 FR 92484, Nov. 21, 2024]

### Authority

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, 44701-44703, 44707, 44709-44711, 44729, 44903, 45102-45103, 45301-45302.

### Source

Source: Docket 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[Docket 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997, as amended by Amdt. 61-124, 74 FR 42549, Aug. 21, 2009; Amdt. 61-142, 83 FR 30276, June 27, 2018; Docket FAA-2022-1463, Amdt. 61-153, 89 FR 22517, Apr. 1, 2024; FAA-2023-1275, Amdt. 61-157, 89 FR 92484, Nov. 21, 2024]