Regulation Text
§ 61.58 Pilot-in-command proficiency check: Operation of an aircraft that requires more than one pilot flight crewmember or is turbojet-powered.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, to serve as pilot in command of an aircraft that is type certificated for more than one required pilot flight crewmember or is turbojet-powered, a person must—
(1) Within the preceding 12 calendar months, complete a pilot-in-command proficiency check in an aircraft that is type certificated for more than one required pilot flight crewmember or is turbojet-powered; and
(2) Within the preceding 24 calendar months, complete a pilot-in-command proficiency check in the particular type of aircraft in which that person will serve as pilot in command, that is type certificated for more than one required pilot flight crewmember or is turbojet-powered.
(b) This section does not apply to persons conducting operations under subpart K of part 91, part 121, 125, 133, 135, or 137 of this chapter, or persons maintaining continuing qualification under an Advanced Qualification program approved under subpart Y of part 121 of this chapter.
(c) The pilot-in-command proficiency check given in accordance with the provisions of subpart K of part 91, part 121, 125, or 135 of this chapter may be used to satisfy the requirements of this section.
(d) The pilot-in-command proficiency check required by paragraph (a) of this section may be accomplished by satisfactory completion of one of the following:
(1) A pilot-in-command proficiency check conducted by a person authorized by the Administrator;
(2) The practical test required for a type rating;
(3) The initial or periodic practical test required for the issuance of a pilot examiner or check airman designation; or
(4) A pilot proficiency check administered by a U.S. Armed Force qualifying the pilot for PIC designation with instrument privileges.
(e) For experimental turbojet-powered aircraft with multiple seats, a pilot who has not completed a proficiency check within the prior 12 months may continue operating but is prohibited from carrying passengers other than those authorized by the Administrator for training, flight checks, or certification purposes.
(i) If a pilot takes the pilot-in-command proficiency check required by this section in the calendar month before or the calendar month after the month in which it is due, the pilot is considered to have taken it in the month in which it was due for the purpose of computing when the next pilot-in-command proficiency check is due.
[See full regulatory text at eCFR § 61.58 for complete provisions including paragraphs (f)–(h) on simulator use and operating restrictions.]
Doc. No. 25910, 62 FR 40899, July 30, 1997 through Docket No. FAA-2022-1355, Amdt. No. 61-151, 87 FR 75845, Dec. 9, 2022
Research Notes
Research Notes
Section 61.58 governs PIC proficiency checks for the turbine and multi-crew aircraft that fall outside the Part 121/135 operator framework. This section applies primarily to private operators flying corporate jets, owner-flown turboprops, and fractional ownership aircraft not covered by Part 91K. It establishes a two-layer currency requirement: a 12-month general turbine/multi-crew check and a 24-month type-specific check.
The two-layer system: The 12-month check may be completed in any type-certificated multi-crew or turbojet aircraft — it does not need to be the specific aircraft the pilot is flying. The 24-month check must be in the specific type. This two-layer structure allows pilots who operate multiple types to satisfy the general requirement with a check in any of them, while still requiring a type-specific validation every two years. Think of it as: every year you prove you can still fly a turbojet; every two years you prove you can fly your specific airplane.
Air carrier exemption: Paragraph (b) lists the parts that are exempt from § 61.58. If you are flying under Part 121 (airlines), Part 135 (charter/air taxi), Part 91K (fractional ownership), Part 125 (large aircraft operators), Part 133 (rotorcraft sling load), or Part 137 (agricultural operations), those regulations have their own PIC check requirements that satisfy the intent of § 61.58. The exemption is designed to avoid double-counting for regulated operators.
Experimental turbojet aircraft: Paragraphs (d)(5) and (e) address the unique situation of experimental turbojet aircraft — often warbirds, former military jets, or experimental homebuilt jets. This is a specialized area where owners typically work directly with their FSDO on authorization and currency requirements.
Grace-month rule (paragraph i): The grace month applies to § 61.58 checks the same way it applies to BFR currency — a check completed in the month before or after the due month counts as if completed in the due month for computing the next due date.
Part 61.58 vs. type rating practical test: Completing a type rating practical test within the relevant period satisfies the § 61.58 proficiency check requirement. Pilots who add type ratings frequently are effectively in a perpetual state of compliance through their practical test activity.
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