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VFR REGULATIONS 19 / LEARN · EXPLORE · CHECK

Pilot certificates & documents

The pilot and the airplane have separate paperwork.

Checking your account…

Your learning goals

  • Apply your flight-ready documents.
  • Recognize the limits and exceptions that affect this flight.
  • Explain a decision using the scenario and supporting rule.

Your flight-ready documents

For an ordinary U.S. private-airplane flight, have your pilot certificate (or authorized equivalent) and acceptable photo ID physically with you or readily accessible in the aircraft. Match the certificate’s ratings and limitations to the airplane and operation.

14 CFR §61.3 · 14 CFR §61.23 · 14 CFR §61.53

Medical basis, not just a card

When required, carry the appropriate medical certificate or acceptable documentation. If using BasicMed, meet its eligibility, examination/course, document, and operating requirements and carry your valid U.S. driver’s license. A driver’s license alone is not enough. Other privileges and aircraft categories have different exceptions.

14 CFR §61.3 · 14 CFR §61.23 · 14 CFR §61.53

Fitness today

A document can be current while you are unfit to fly. §61.53 addresses known medical deficiency; illness, symptoms, or treatment can make acting as PIC unsafe or impermissible. Currency, qualifications, and present fitness are separate checks.

14 CFR §61.3 · 14 CFR §61.23 · 14 CFR §61.53

FLIGHT SCENARIO

What would change your plan?

Your pilot certificate and photo ID are in your wallet. Your medical has expired. Is the wallet enough?

  1. NoticeWhat does this situation require?
  2. VerifyWhat evidence is still missing?
  3. DecideWhat keeps an option open?
Compare your reasoning

No. Establish a valid medical basis for this flight. BasicMed is an option only if all its requirements are already met; it is not automatically activated by an expired medical.

SUMMARY

The pilot and the airplane have separate paperwork.

No. Establish a valid medical basis for this flight. BasicMed is an option only if all its requirements are already met; it is not automatically activated by an expired medical.

Before moving on, explain the decision in your own words: what would you verify, and what would make you change the plan?

PRACTICE

Flashcards and knowledge check

Six flashcards, then five questions with explanations.

Enable JavaScript for flashcards and the knowledge check. The lesson and scenario remain available without it.

Sources & lesson notes

Sources & lesson notes

  1. 14 CFR §61.3Verified against eCFR text current through September 15, 2026.
  2. 14 CFR §61.23Verified against eCFR text current through September 15, 2026.
  3. 14 CFR §61.53Verified against eCFR text current through September 15, 2026.

For U.S. private-pilot airplane study. Rules verified against eCFR text current through September 15, 2026, with linked FAA guidance. Scenarios isolate a rule; actual flight decisions require all applicable rules, aircraft limitations, and current information.