Alternative Means of Compliance for the Pilot-In-Command Night Takeoff and Landing Recent Flight Experience Requirements

This final rule establishes an alternative means of compliance for the pilot-in-command (PIC) night takeoff and landing recent flight experience requirements. A pilot who operates more than one type of airplane, certificated for more than one pilot flight crewmember, can meet the PIC night takeoff and landing recent flight experience requirements in one of the types of airplanes he/she operates. The pilot would then be considered qualified to perform night flights in the other types of airplanes he/she operates as PIC. In addition, this new alternative means of compliance establishes certain qualifications, aeronautical experience, and additional training. This action is needed to accommodate pilots employed by corporate operators and airplane manufacturers who operate diverse fleets of airplanes that are type certificated for more than one pilot flight crewmember. These operators and manufacturers require their pilots to meet a high level of aeronautical experience and training for qualification as a PIC. This final rule is intended to provide an additional means of compliance with the recent night flight experience requirements while maintaining an equivalent level of safety.