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VFR REGULATIONS 24 / LEARN · EXPLORE · CHECK

Recent experience versus proficiency

Legal is the floor; proficiency is the decision.

Checking your account…

Your learning goals

  • Apply six different checks.
  • Recognize the limits and exceptions that affect this flight.
  • Explain a decision using the scenario and supporting rule.

Six different checks

  • Certificate: what privileges do you hold?
  • Ratings: which category, class, and type when required?
  • Endorsements: which additional aircraft/training authorizations apply?
  • Medical basis and fitness: are you qualified and well today?
  • Flight review: is the required review or substitute current?
  • Passenger experience: do the relevant recent takeoff/landing requirements fit?

14 CFR §61.3 · 14 CFR §61.31 · 14 CFR §61.53 · 14 CFR §61.56 · 14 CFR §61.57 · 14 CFR §91.3

Then ask about the actual mission

Recent landings on a calm, long runway do not establish comfort with a short runway, gusty crosswind, mountains, or darkness. Proficiency includes judgment and skill for this flight, beyond date-based compliance.

14 CFR §61.3 · 14 CFR §61.31 · 14 CFR §61.53 · 14 CFR §61.56 · 14 CFR §61.57 · 14 CFR §91.3

Choose practice before passengers

Reduce the challenge, fly with an instructor, or postpone. A qualified pilot can decide not to go. A training plan should address the unfamiliar task rather than merely resetting a currency clock.

14 CFR §61.3 · 14 CFR §61.31 · 14 CFR §61.53 · 14 CFR §61.56 · 14 CFR §61.57 · 14 CFR §91.3

FLIGHT SCENARIO

What would change your plan?

You are fully current but have not flown at night in gusty winds for a year. Tonight’s family trip has both. What is missing?

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

A realistic proficiency assessment. Choose a lower-risk plan or train with an instructor rather than using legal currency as proof of skill for these conditions.

SUMMARY

Legal is the floor; proficiency is the decision.

A realistic proficiency assessment. Choose a lower-risk plan or train with an instructor rather than using legal currency as proof of skill for these conditions.

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 §61.31Verified against eCFR text current through September 15, 2026.
  3. 14 CFR §61.53Verified against eCFR text current through September 15, 2026.
  4. 14 CFR §61.56Verified against eCFR text current through September 15, 2026.
  5. 14 CFR §61.57Verified against eCFR text current through September 15, 2026.
  6. 14 CFR §91.3Verified 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.