Federal Aviation Regulations
Study FAR Part 61, Part 91, VFR minimums, right-of-way rules, and the regulatory framework every pilot must know.
Overview
Federal Aviation Regulations define the legal framework for all flight operations. This area focuses on the two parts most relevant to private pilots: Part 61 (pilot certification, training, and currency requirements) and Part 91 (general operating and flight rules). You must know the specific numbers — hours, distances, altitudes, and timeframes — the FAA tests precise regulatory knowledge.
Why This Matters
Regulations questions are some of the most straightforward on the exam — if you've memorized the key numbers. Unlike aerodynamics where you need to understand concepts, FARs are about knowing the exact rules. This makes it a high-value study area because focused memorization yields reliable points.
Exam Weight
Expected Questions
6-10 questions
Difficulty
Moderate
Notes
Questions are direct: "What is the minimum visibility for VFR flight in Class G airspace below 1,200 feet at night?" Know your numbers.
Key Concepts
The 6 essential concepts you need to understand for this topic.
Part 61 — Pilot Certification
Part 61 covers who can be a pilot and what they need. Key numbers: 40 hours minimum flight time (20 with instructor, 10 solo), 3 hours night, 3 hours instrument, 5 hours solo cross-country. Also covers medical certificates, student pilot requirements, and endorsements.
Part 91 — VFR Weather Minimums
VFR minimums vary by airspace class and altitude. Class B: 3SM visibility, clear of clouds. Class C/D: 3SM, 500/1000/2000. Class E below 10,000: 3SM, 500/1000/2000. Class E at or above 10,000: 5SM, 1000/1000/1SM. Class G varies by day/night and altitude.
Required Equipment
Day VFR minimum equipment: tachometer, oil pressure/temp, fuel gauge, landing gear indicator, altimeter, magnetic compass, ELT, seatbelts. Night adds: fuses, position lights, anti-collision lights, landing light (if for hire), source of electrical energy. Remember: ATOMATOFLAMES (day) + FLAPS (night).
Right-of-Way Rules
In order of priority: aircraft in distress → balloons → gliders → airships → aircraft towing → other aircraft. When two aircraft of the same category converge, the one on the right has right-of-way. Head-on: both alter course to the right. Overtaking: pass on the right.
Currency Requirements
To carry passengers: 3 takeoffs and landings in the same category/class within 90 days. Night passenger currency: 3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop at night within 90 days. Flight review: every 24 calendar months.
Alcohol and Drug Rules
8 hours bottle-to-throttle, 0.04% BAC limit, no drugs that affect safety. A DUI/DWI conviction must be reported to the FAA within 60 days. These rules are absolute — no exceptions.
Common Mistakes
Confusing Class G VFR weather minimums between day and night — night minimums in Class G below 1,200 feet require 3SM visibility and 500/1000/2000 cloud clearance.
Thinking the private pilot hour requirement is exactly 40 hours — 40 is the minimum, but most students need 60-70.
Forgetting that the 90-day currency is category AND class specific — landing a Cessna 172 doesn't make you current in a Piper Arrow.
Confusing "calendar month" with "30 days" for flight review currency.
Missing that the ELT battery must be replaced after 1 cumulative hour of use or when 50% of useful life has expired.
Study Tips
Create a VFR weather minimums chart organized by airspace class — this is the single most tested FARs topic.
Use mnemonics: ATOMATOFLAMES for day VFR equipment, FLAPS for night additions.
Study the exact numbers in Part 61 — flight hour requirements, cross-country distances, endorsement rules.
Practice scenario-based questions: "Can you fly VFR in this situation?" requires combining multiple rules.
Review the right-of-way priority list until it's memorized — these are easy points on the exam.
FAA References
14 CFR Part 61
Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors
14 CFR Part 91
General Operating and Flight Rules
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK)
Chapter 14 — Airport Operations
Sample Questions
Test your knowledge with these representative questions from the FAA exam.
1. What are the VFR weather minimums for Class C airspace?
Explanation: Class C (and Class D) airspace requires 3 statute miles visibility and 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal distance from clouds.
2. To act as pilot in command carrying passengers at night, you must have made at least:
Explanation: Night passenger currency requires 3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop during the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise within the preceding 90 days.
3. How soon after a DUI conviction must a pilot report it to the FAA?
Explanation: Per 14 CFR 61.15, any alcohol or drug-related motor vehicle action must be reported to the FAA Civil Aviation Security Division within 60 days.
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