FAR DECODED — TITLE 14 CFR

Pilots Based on Small Islands (recreational Pilot)

Regulation Text

§ 61.100 Pilots based on small islands.

(a) An applicant located on an island from which the flight training required in § 61.99(a)(1) of this part cannot be accomplished without flying over water for more than 10 nautical miles from the nearest shoreline need not comply with the requirements of that section. However, if other airports that permit civil operations are available to which a flight may be made without flying over water for more than 10 nautical miles from the nearest shoreline, the applicant must show completion of a dual flight between two airports, which must include three landings at the other airport.

(b) An applicant who complies with paragraph (a) of this section and meets all requirements for the issuance of a recreational pilot certificate, except the requirements of § 61.99(a)(1) of this part, will be issued a pilot certificate with an endorsement containing the following limitation, “Passenger carrying prohibited on flights more than 10 nautical miles from (the appropriate island).” The limitation may be subsequently amended to include another island if the applicant complies with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section for another island.

(c) Upon meeting the requirements of § 61.99(a)(1) of this part, the applicant may have the limitation(s) in paragraph (b) of this section removed.

The short answer

(14 CFR § 61.100) accommodates recreational pilot applicants based on islands where the § 61.99(a)(1) cross-country training cannot be done without flying more than 10 nautical miles over water from the nearest shoreline. It substitutes a dual flight with three landings and adds a passenger-carrying limitation.

Research Notes

Common Questions

What distance triggers the small-island accommodation?

It applies when the § 61.99(a)(1) training cannot be accomplished without flying over water for more than 10 nautical miles from the nearest shoreline.

“An applicant located on an island from which the flight training required in § 61.99(a)(1) of this part cannot be accomplished without flying over water for more than 10 nautical miles from the nearest shoreline need not comply with the requirements of that section.” — 14 CFR § 61.100

What must the applicant do if another suitable airport exists?

If another airport allowing civil operations can be reached without flying more than 10 nautical miles over water, the applicant must complete a dual flight between two airports that includes three landings at the other airport.

“... the applicant must show completion of a dual flight between two airports, which must include three landings at the other airport.” — 14 CFR § 61.100

What limitation goes on the certificate, and can it be removed?

The certificate carries a passenger-carrying limitation tied to the island. It can be removed once the applicant meets § 61.99(a)(1).

“Passenger carrying prohibited on flights more than 10 nautical miles from (the appropriate island).” — 14 CFR § 61.100

Amendment History

2016-12-30

Angle of Attack is an aviation flight-training brand founded by Chris Palmer, a two-time Master Aviation Educator and Gold Seal CFI. We decode the FARs so pilots understand not just the words, but what they mean in the cockpit.

AOA's Decoded pages are plain-English interpretation for training and reference. They are not legal advice and do not replace the official regulation. Always confirm current requirements against the authoritative source before acting.