Regulation Text
§ 61.117 Private pilot privileges and limitations: Second in command of aircraft requiring more than one pilot.
Except as provided in § 61.113 of this part, no private pilot may, for compensation or hire, act as second in command of an aircraft that is type certificated for more than one pilot, nor may that pilot act as second in command of such an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire.
[Docket 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997; Amdt. 61-103, 62 FR 40904, July 30, 1997]
Research Notes
Research Notes — § 61.117 Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations: Second in Command
Regulatory Context
Section 61.117 prohibits a private pilot from acting as second in command (SIC) of an aircraft type-certificated for more than one pilot, except when receiving flight instruction. Aircraft requiring two crew positions (airliners, large turbine aircraft) require both positions to be filled by pilots meeting § 61.55 SIC qualifications. A private pilot does not meet those qualifications for normal operations.
The Flight Instruction Exception
A private pilot CAN occupy the right seat of a multi-crew aircraft when receiving instruction from a qualified pilot. This is how private pilots get type-specific training in complex or high-performance aircraft before upgrading certificates. The instruction must be genuine — not a workaround to avoid SIC qualification requirements.
Regulatory Cross-References
- 14 CFR § 61.55 — SIC qualifications: what a legally-compliant SIC must hold
- 14 CFR § 61.133 — commercial pilot privileges (broader SIC privileges)
- 14 CFR § 91.109 — flight instruction; use of safety pilots
Source: 14 CFR § 61.117 — eCFR.gov
Amendment History
AOA Notes
These notes correspond to the highlighted phrases in the regulation text above. Each one flags something worth knowing — a common misread, a checkride gotcha, or a practical pro tip.
CFI Commentary
Highlighted phrases in the regulation text above link to instructor notes at the bottom of this page. Look for the amber or blue highlights — each one flags a gotcha or a pro tip worth knowing.