§ 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) 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) of this section successfully;
( 3 ) Demonstrating proficiency and competency of the tasks required by paragraph (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.
[Doc. No. 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 No. FAA-2022-1463; Amdt. No.61-153, 89 FR 22517, Apr. 1, 2024]