Currency Question

[Beerman]

Hey everyone. Because of this lovely Ohio winter weather along, I haven't had the opportunity to fly since October. There are other reasons why, but primarily due to the weather. Anyway, I have my private with 45 hours, and I am not sure whether I am still current, since I haven't flown in 5 months.

I have searched through my FAR/AIM, but I can't find the FAR's on currency. If someone can point me in the right direction, it'll be appreciated.

 

[Andy Neill]

I refer you to the following link to FAR 61.57:

http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfrhtml_00/Title_14/14cfr61_00.html

It covers the requirements to act as PIC in general and also includes night and instrument requirements.

 

[midlifeflyer]

I'm actually kind of surprised by the question. I though that most DPEs covered currency issues on the oral. Andy referring you to Part 61 (particularly 61.56 and 61.57) is right on point.

 

[FracPilot]

I'm actually kind of surprised by the question. I though that most DPEs covered currency issues on the oral.

One single question in that realm will satisfy the requirements. Maybe he was asked how many landings he had to have to carry passengers. I think right now he is just trying to find currency requirements to act as PIC without passengers - which, there are none in this case. As long as his Flight Review is current - which it is not necessary in this situation since he obtained a certificate within the preceding 24 months - and he has the appropriate medical, he is legally current to fly as PIC solo or with an instructor under FAR 91.

He would be wise to go up with an instructor anyways. A 5 month layoff might not be anything at all to a 5000 hour pilot, but to a 45 hour pilot it's huge.

 

[jergar999]

Do you want to take passengers?

If so, do you want to take them at night?

Is the aircraft a tailwheel?

Right now, you are good to go by yourself (legally).

Three takeoffs and landings (touch-&-go's) will cover you to take passengers. They must have been done at night if you want to take passengers at night, and they must have been made to a full stop if you want to take passengers in a tailwheel aircraft. It's never a bad idea to grab an instructor. I fly 135, mostly in King Airs, but a few times a year I go up in a 172 or Cherokee to do some sightseeing. I always go up with an instructor first, it's amazing what you can forget in a short time, and how much flying with someone who is really current in a specific aircraft can help.

 

[PRO AV8R]

I would have to also recommend you fly with an instructor before going solo and especially before taking passengers with you. If you only have 45 hours and havent flown in 5 months your "Proficency" level is very low. Remember the difference between proficency and currency: You may be legal but not necessarily safe.