---
kind: "section"
citation: "49 C.F.R. § 240.231"
title: "49"
number: "240.231"
heading: "Requirements for locomotive engineers unfamiliar with physical characteristics in other than joint operations."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/49/240.231"
---

# §240.231. Requirements for locomotive engineers unfamiliar with physical characteristics in other than joint operations.

- (a) Except as provided in [paragraph (b)](#b) of this section, no locomotive engineer shall operate a locomotive over a territory unless he or she is qualified on the physical characteristics of the territory pursuant to the railroad's certification program.
- (b) Except as provided in [paragraph (c)](#c) of this section, if a locomotive engineer lacks qualification on the physical characteristics required by [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section, he or she shall be assisted by a pilot qualified over the territory pursuant to the railroad's certification program.
  - (1) For a locomotive engineer who has never been qualified on the physical characteristics of the territory over which he or she is to operate a locomotive or train, the pilot shall be a person qualified and certified as a locomotive engineer who is not an assigned crew member.
  - (2) For a locomotive engineer who was previously qualified on the physical characteristics of the territory over which he or she is to operate a locomotive or train, but whose qualification has expired, the pilot may be any person, who is not an assigned crew member, qualified on the physical characteristics of the territory.
- (c) Pilots are not required if the movement is on a section of track with an average grade of less than 1% over 3 continuous miles, and
  - (1) The track is other than a main track; or
  - (2) The maximum distance the locomotive or train will be operated does not exceed one mile; or
  - (3) The maximum authorized speed for any operation on the track does not exceed 20 miles per hour; or
  - (4) Operations are conducted under operating rules that require every locomotive and train to proceed at a speed that permits stopping within one half the range of vision of the locomotive engineer.

## Notes

### Amendments

[64 FR 60993, Nov. 8, 1999]

### Authority

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 20103, 20107, 20135, 21301, 21304, 21311; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note; and 49 CFR 1.89.

### Source

Source: 56 FR 28254, June 19, 1991, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[64 FR 60993, Nov. 8, 1999]