Regulation Text
§ 61.181 Applicability.
This subpart prescribes the requirements for the issuance of flight instructor certificates and ratings (except for flight instructor certificates with a sport pilot rating), the conditions under which those certificates and ratings are necessary, and the limitations on those certificates and ratings.
[Docket FAA-2001-11133, 69 FR 44869, July 27, 2004]
Research Notes
Research Notes — § 61.181 Applicability: Flight Instructors
Scope of Subpart H
§ 61.181 is the gateway paragraph for Subpart H — it sets the jurisdictional boundaries for everything that follows. The key limitation embedded here: flight instructor certificates with a sport pilot rating are excluded from Subpart H and governed instead under Part 61 Subpart K. This matters practically because sport pilot CFIs operate under a different regulatory framework, with lighter requirements and more limited privileges than standard flight instructor certificates. Source: 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart H
Advisory Circular Reference
AC 61-65K — Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors is the primary AC governing the practical application of Subpart H. It contains the exact endorsement language for all flight instructor certificates and ratings. Source: FAA Advisory Circulars
ACS Reference
The Flight Instructor Airplane (FAA-S-ACS-25) Airman Certification Standards govern the practical test for the airplane category flight instructor certificate. For other categories, separate ACS documents apply (helicopter, glider, etc.). Source: FAA ACS