Sec.  194.229(b)(2), and (2) the cross-country flight prescribed by
Sec.  61.65(f)(2)(ii), set forth by proposed Sec.  194.229(b)(3). The
FAA notes that the person receiving the training at the manufacturer
would also be required to obtain an endorsement from the instructor
pilot certifying the completion of this cross-country flight. For
reasons previously discussed, the FAA finds that there would be no
adverse impact on safety by permitting an instructor pilot to
temporarily replace the authorized instructor for the purpose of
satisfying these alternate experience requirements.
b. Aeronautical Experience Requirements Involving Logging PIC Flight
Time (Sec.  61.65(f)(1))
    The FAA recognizes the obstacle with logging PIC time in accordance
with Sec.  61.51(e)(1) for the reasons stated previously. These
obstacles are relevant to persons seeking an instrument-powered-lift
rating because Sec.  61.65(f)(1) requires 10 hours of cross-country
time

as PIC in a powered-lift. Accordingly, consistent with the alternate
logging requirements proposed for persons seeking to add a powered-lift
category rating on a commercial pilot certificate, the FAA is proposing
in Sec.  194.229(c) to allow a person receiving training at the
manufacturer to log PIC flight time, despite not being rated in the
powered-lift, for flights when the person is solely manipulating the
controls of the powered-lift with an instructor pilot onboard, is
performing the duties of PIC, and the flight is conducted in accordance
with the manufacturer's training curriculum for the powered-lift. The
FAA finds that, for this select group of pilots, the risk mitigations
discussed earlier in this section with regard to test pilots and
instructor pilots would also apply to the proposed alternate logging
requirements discussed in this paragraph, thereby resulting in no
adverse impact to safety.
iii. Pilots Receiving Training Under an Approved Training Program: Use
of a Full Flight Simulator for Instrument Training for an Instrument-
Powered-Lift Rating
    Because the FAA has proposed alternate pathways for pilots to
obtain the experience necessary to be eligible for the initial cadre of
instructors, parts 135, 141, and 142 approved training programs will
have access to a pool of authorized instructors. Therefore, the FAA
does not find it necessary to enable alternate experience requirements
for pilots receiving training under an approved training program that
substitute instructor or test pilots for authorized instructors.
Rather, the only necessary relief for pilots receiving training under
an approved training program is that of FSTD credit, as subsequently
explained.
    With regard to the completion of instrument training in an FSTD,
Sec.  61.65(h) currently permits applicants for an instrument rating to
credit a certain amount of time in an FFS or FTD towards the instrument
time in Sec.  61.65, if the time was accomplished with an authorized
instructor. Specifically, an applicant may credit a maximum of 30 hours
performed in an FFS or FTD if the instrument time was completed in
accordance with part 142. If the instrument time is not completed in
accordance with part 142, the applicant may credit a maximum of 20
hours performed in an FFS or FTD. While the regulation currently
permits applicants for an instrument-powered-lift rating to credit time
obtained in an FFS or FTD, the time may be credited only towards the
instrument time specified in Sec.  61.65(f)(2).
    The FAA is proposing in Sec.  194.231(c) to temporarily permit a
maximum of 4 hours obtained in a Level C or higher FFS to be credited
towards the flight time requirement in Sec.  61.65(f)(1), which
requires an applicant to obtain 10 hours of cross-country time as PIC
in a powered-lift.\146\ The 4 hours must include experience performing
the duties of PIC during a simulated cross-country flight in a Level C
or higher FFS that represents the powered-lift category and that
includes the performance of instrument procedures under simulated
instrument conditions. The FAA likewise is proposing in Sec.
194.231(c)(3) to permit 4 hours of PIC cross-country time in a Level C
or higher FFS only for those applicants who are undergoing an approved
training program under part 135, 141, or 142.
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    \146\ Generally, the FAA does not allow for cross-country time
to be credited in a FFS because it does not depict a realistic
enroute environment under VMC. Verifying waypoints utilizing
pilotage and dead reckoning is not achievable with the visual
displays in a FFS because entire portions of the routes are usually
not depicted within databases that replicate the enroute
environment. However, under IMC conditions the pilot is not being
trained and tested on verifying visual reference with the use of
visual waypoints, but rather the pilot's ability to utilize
instrument navigation to fly along routes depicted on enroute and
terminal charts. These charts depict pertinent navigation
information that is not related to visually referencing waypoints
but utilizing information in the cockpit to verify an aircraft's
position. For these reasons, the FAA finds that allowing for this
time to be credited in a FFS is appropriate because the display and
cockpit information would be identical to that which a pilot would
operate in flight.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Because this cross-country time must be time as PIC under Sec.
61.65(f)(1), the FAA finds that the reasons discussed for permitting
FFS credit towards the PIC flight time requirement in Sec.
61.129(e)(2)(i) (e.g., reasons pertaining to the approved training
program, the structured curriculum, and the value of gaining experience
performing the duties and functions of PIC in a simulated environment)
are equally applicable to the permitted FFS credit towards Sec.
61.65(f)(1). Additionally, with respect to obtaining cross-country time
as PIC, the FAA finds that temporarily permitting a maximum of 4 hours
in a Level C or higher FFS would not adversely affect safety in light
of the skills the pilot would develop in the FFS and the narrow
applicability of the alternate requirement to seasoned pilots who
already hold a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating.
Concerning the skills attained in the FFS, the FAA finds that, for the
purpose of establishing an initial cadre of powered-lift pilots, the
FFS enables the applicant to attain valuable experience for the purpose
of acquiring cross-country time for an instrument rating.
    Pursuant to Sec.  61.1, cross-country time must involve the use of
dead reckoning, pilotage, electronic navigation aids, radio aids, or
other navigation systems to navigate to the landing point. In a Level C
or higher FFS that represents a powered-lift, the applicant would
acquire experience navigating to different airports by reference to the
instruments with the use of navigation aids and other navigation
systems. The applicant would also obtain experience interpreting
different approach charts and conducting a variety of instrument
approaches and departures. To the extent this experience would not
include communications with ATC, flight planning, or filing a flight
plan under IFR, the FAA finds that the skills a pilot would acquire
during these 4 hours combined with the skills a pilot would acquire
from conducting 6 hours of cross-country time in the NAS, which would
include those tasks, would ensure the pilot has sufficient experience
to apply for an instrument-powered-lift rating. Additionally, the
instrument rating practical test in a powered-lift, which includes a
task on cross-country flight planning, would serve as an adequate
safeguard to ensure the applicant is proficient with planning IFR
cross-country flights and filing IFR flight plans. Furthermore, the FAA
has determined that a minimum of Level C FFS would be required to
ensure the appropriate level of aerodynamic modeling, visual fidelity,
and motion cueing to replicate the powered-lift.
4. Alternate Requirements for Cross-Country Flights for Commercial
Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, and Private Pilot Certificate
    Cross-country training and experience has been included in the
aeronautical experience required for pilot certification since the
issuance of the first Civil Aviation Regulations in 1938.\147\ Cross-
country experience develops the necessary air navigation skills to
operate an aircraft outside of a local flying environment that the
pilot is familiar with.\148\ Cross-country time ensures that the pilot
has experience applying knowledge during preflight planning that is
essential to the safety of flight including plotting a course on an
aeronautical chart, selecting checkpoints, measuring distances,
obtaining pertinent weather information, and computing flight time,

headings, and fuel requirements.\149\ The FAA also ensures the pilot
has experience executing cross-country flights during which the pilot
employs various skills and tools, including the use of dead
reckoning,\150\ pilotage,\151\ electronic navigation aids, radio aids,
and other navigation systems to navigate to the landing point. By
requiring a minimum amount of cross-country time in the category of
aircraft for which the rating is sought, the FAA ensures the pilot has
developed knowledge and skills that are specific to operating that
category of aircraft on a flight outside of the pilot's local flying
environment.
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    \147\ Pilot Rating, 14 CFR 20.126, 20.146 (1938).
    \148\ Air navigation is the process of piloting an aircraft from
one geographic position to another while monitoring one's position
as the flight progresses.
    \149\ Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 16,
Introduction. https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak.
    \150\ Dead reckoning is navigation solely by means of
computations based on time, airspeed, distance, and direction.
    \151\ Pilotage is navigation by reference to landmarks or
checkpoints.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For example, manipulating the flight controls of an airplane
differs from manipulating the flight controls of a helicopter. A pilot
conducting a cross-country flight in an airplane may take their hands
off the controls while performing the tasks required during the cross-
country. By contrast, a pilot conducting operations in a helicopter
generally has their feet and hands on the controls at all times. These
differences affect the performance of certain tasks, flight deck
management, and risk management during a cross-country flight and
ultimately require a skill set that is unique to the category of
aircraft. Furthermore, by requiring specific cross-country flights that
land at a point that is a specified distance from the original
departure point, the FAA ensures that trainees are exposed to realistic
cross-country flying conditions over terrain with which they are not
intimately familiar.\152\
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    \152\ Cross-Country Experience Requirements for Pilot
Certification, Final Rule, 47 FR 46064, 46065 (Oct. 14, 1982).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA continues to support this type of experience as an
essential element of all pilot training, including training required to
pilot a powered-lift. Since aircraft are generally used for
transporting persons and property from one location to another, it is
imperative that a pilot be trained on and possess the aeronautical
experience involved in navigating a powered-lift safely from takeoff to
a destination other than the original point of departure.\153\
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    \153\ Legal Interpretation to James Hilliard (2009) (stating
that the rationale behind the cross-country requirement is to
provide a pilot with aeronautical experience flying a significant
distance to and landing at an airport that is not the pilot's home
airport).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Upon evaluating the expected range capabilities of powered-lift,
however, the FAA has determined that the distances specified in the
definition of ``cross-country time'' in Sec.  61.1 and the specific
cross-country flights prescribed in part 61 may not be feasible for the
powered-lift coming to market. In the following sections, the FAA
explains its proposal to adopt alternate provisions in proposed part
194 that would facilitate a pilot's ability to log cross-country time
in a powered-lift and complete cross-country flights over extended
terrain while still realizing the objectives of cross-country flight.
The FAA also explains its proposal to correct a cross-reference in the
definition of cross-country time and to ensure consistent usage of the
defined term throughout part 61.
i. Alternate Means To Log Cross-Country Time in Powered-Lift
    Cross-country time is currently defined in Sec.  61.1(b).\154\
Within Sec.  61.1(b), there are multiple definitions of cross-country
time that are applicable based on how the cross-country time is used to
meet aeronautical experience \155\ requirements. Paragraph (i) of the
definition of cross-country time in Sec.  61.1(b), provides a
generalized definition of cross-country time that is applicable except
as provided in paragraphs (ii) through (vi).\156\ The current
definitions of cross-country time in paragraphs (ii), (vi), and (vii)
apply to the aeronautical experience requirements for powered-lift
ratings (including an instrument-powered-lift rating) for a private
pilot certificate, commercial pilot certificate, ATP certificate, or a
military pilot who qualifies for a commercial pilot certificate under
Sec.  61.73. To meet the definition of cross-country time for
aeronautical experience for powered-lift ratings, the flight time \157\
must include a landing point that is at least a straight-line distance
of more than 50 nautical miles from the original point of departure,
except for an ATP certificate and military pilots who qualify for a
commercial pilot certificate under Sec.  61.73, whereby cross-country
time for aeronautical experience does not require a landing point.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \154\ Prior to 1997, part 61 did not contain a formal or
universal definition of cross-country time. Rather, where a
regulation did not specify parameters of flight that qualified as
cross-country, whether specific flight experience was considered
cross-country in character was a technical determination made by the
FAA. Legal Interpretation to Troy Wambolt (1993). In 1997, the FAA
added a new section, Sec.  61.1(b), Applicability and definitions,
to ensure consistent use of terms throughout part 61 (62 FR 16220
(April 4, 1997)); Pilot, Flight Instructor, Ground Instructor, and
Pilot School Certification Rules; Correction, Final Rule, 62 FR
40888 (Jul. 30, 1997). The FAA adopted specific definitions of
cross-country time to be applicable to separate circumstances of
aeronautical experience, which have been updated through subsequent
rulemaking. See Certification of Aircraft and Airmen for the
Operation of Light-Sport Aircraft, Final Rule, 69 FR 44772 (Jul. 27,
2004); Pilot Certification and Qualification Requirements for Air
Carrier Operations, Final Rule, 78 FR 42324 (Jul. 15, 2013).
    \155\ The FAA also defines aeronautical experience in Sec.
61.1(b) as pilot time obtained in an aircraft, flight simulator, or
FTD for meeting the appropriate training and flight time
requirements for an airman certificate, rating, flight review, or
recency of flight experience requirements of part 61.
    \156\ Paragraph (i) in the current definition of cross-country
time defines cross-country except as provided in paragraphs (ii)
through (vi) of the definition. As explained in section V.F of this
preamble, the FAA proposes to update the cross-reference to include
paragraph (vii) of the definition.
    \157\ See 14 CFR 1.1 for the definition of flight time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Initially, when the FAA adopted the cross-country definition for
meeting the aeronautical experience requirements for powered-lift
ratings, the FAA adopted the same distance of 50 nautical miles that
applies to airplane ratings. After comparing the range capabilities for
popular single-engine airplanes with those for powered-lift, the FAA
has reconsidered the appropriate distance for logging cross-country
time in a powered-lift. Many of the popular single-engine airplanes
have ranges of 600-800 nautical miles. Thus, a 50 nautical mile
distance in these airplanes would equate to 6.25 to 8.3% of their
capable range. Based on a sampling of the powered-lift projects
currently undergoing the type certification process, the range
capabilities for the powered-lift coming to market span from 105-162
nautical miles.\158\ As such, a 50 nautical mile distance in these
powered-lift would equate to 31 to 48% of their capable range.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \158\ The FAA notes that, currently, only one certification
project involves a powered-lift with a greater range.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Given the significant disparity between the range capabilities, the
FAA finds it unnecessary to require cross-country time in a powered-
lift to include the same distance as that required for airplanes. The
FAA is therefore proposing to add Sec.  194.201 as a temporary
provision that would reduce the general distance for logging cross-
country time in a powered-lift from 50 nautical miles to 25 nautical
miles. Specifically, the proposed rule would permit a person to log
flight time in a powered-lift as cross-country time when that time (1)
includes a point of landing that is at least a straight-line distance
of more than 25 nautical miles

from the original point of departure,\159\ and (2) involves the use of
dead reckoning, pilotage, electronic navigation aids, radio aids, or
other navigation systems to navigate to the landing point.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \159\ Powered-lift would not be the only aircraft for which
cross-country time must include a point of landing that is at least
a straight-line distance of more than 25 nautical miles from the
original point of departure. The FAA has defined cross-country time
for meeting the aeronautical experience requirements for a
rotorcraft rating in this manner since the definitions were first
adopted in 1997. Like powered-lift, smaller helicopters have shorter
range capabilities than airplanes. For example, the widely-used
helicopters that weigh between 2500-7500 pounds have ranges of 250-
440 nautical miles.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Reducing the general distance for logging cross-country time in a
powered-lift from 50 nautical miles to 25 nautical miles would not
adversely affect a pilot's ability to develop the necessary air
navigation skills to operate a powered-lift outside of a local flying
environment. The FAA is not proposing to reduce the minimum amount of
cross-country time that must be obtained in a powered-lift. While the
FAA would permit a pilot to log shorter cross-country flights as cross-
country time, the pilot is nevertheless required to obtain the hours of
cross-country time in a powered-lift for the certificate or rating
sought. The reduction in nautical miles would not diminish the value of
the cross-country experience obtained. Because the FAA expects powered-
lift to operate flights of shorter duration (compared to airplanes) and
to landing points other than airports, reducing the distance to 25
nautical miles would facilitate the pilot's ability to acquire more
realistic cross-country experience in a powered-lift. For example,
reducing the distance to 25 nautical miles would ensure powered-lift
pilots are executing cross-country flights of a length that are
commensurate with those operations that will be conducted in the
operating environment after the pilot obtains the powered-lift category
rating.
    The reduction in distance would also provide the pilot and their
flight instructor greater flexibility in selecting routes to landing
locations other than airports used for airplane takeoffs and landings,
such as heliports and helipads, which would result in valuable cross-
country experience for those pilots seeking to operate powered-lift.
Furthermore, despite the shorter distances, the pilot would still gain
experience with preflight planning, including plotting a course on an
aeronautical chart, selecting checkpoints, measuring distances,
obtaining pertinent weather information, and computing flight time,
headings, and fuel requirements. The pilot would also still gain
category-specific cross-country experience from handling the flight
controls of a powered-lift while simultaneously navigating the powered-
lift on the planned route to a destination other than the point of
departure, which includes finding en route checkpoints and using
navigation systems and radar services.
    While an applicant for a powered-lift category rating or
instrument-powered-lift rating would be able to log cross-country time
in powered-lift that consists of shorter general distances (i.e., at
least more than 25 nautical miles), these applicants would still be
required to complete longer cross-country flights as part of the
specific aeronautical experience required for the certificate and
rating.\160\ As noted later in the discussion of alternate cross-
country flight requirements, applicants for a powered-lift rating would
still be required to conduct several cross-country training flights
that include distances of at least 50 nautical miles. Most pilots would
obtain the total hours of category-specific cross-country flight time
required to apply for a pilot certificate with a powered-lift category
rating by completing the specific cross-country flights proposed in the
SFAR.\161\ However, to the extent a pilot acquires fewer hours,\162\
the proposed alternate definition in Sec.  194.201 would permit that
pilot to log shorter cross-country flights to meet the remaining hours
of cross-country flight time required for the powered-lift category
rating.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \160\ Since the FAA adopted the cross-country time definitions
in 1997, the specific aeronautical experience requirements for
certificates and ratings have prescribed cross-country flights with
minimum legs that exceed the general minimum distance specified in
the applicable definitions of ``cross-country time.'' For example,
cross-country time for airplanes as defined in Sec.  61.1 requires
the flight include a distance of at least 50 nautical miles, but
Sec.  61.129(a)(3)(iii) contains discrete cross-country training
requirements that require completion of cross-country flights that
include a distance of at least 100 nautical miles.
    \161\ While the FAA is proposing to adopt provisions in the SFAR
that would require cross-country flights with shorter minimum legs
than those currently specified in Sec.  61.129(e), the FAA notes
that these requirements would serve as an alternative to the
requirements set forth in Sec.  61.129(e). Thus, an applicant for a
commercial pilot certificate with a powered-lift category rating
still has the option to complete the cross-country flights specified
in Sec.  61.129(e).
    \162\ Section 61.129(e)(2)(ii) requires an applicant for a
commercial pilot certificate with a powered-lift category rating to
acquire 10 hours of cross-country flight time as PIC in a powered-
lift. Section 61.65(f) requires an applicant for an instrument-
powered-lift rating to obtain 10 hours of cross-country flight time
as PIC in a powered-lift.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA's proposed provision in Sec.  194.201 would govern the
logging of cross-country time in powered-lift for the purpose of
meeting the aeronautical experience requirements of part 61 that apply
to a powered-lift rating, including the cross-country time required for
an ATP certificate with a powered-lift category rating. Thus, upon
obtaining powered-lift ratings, a person would be permitted to log
cross-country time in accordance with Sec.  194.201 towards the 500
hours of cross-country time in Sec.  61.163(a)(1).
ii. Specific Cross-Country Requirements for a Commercial Pilot
Certificate
    In addition to the alternate requirements for test pilots,
instructor pilots, and select pilots from parts 135, 141, and 142
discussed earlier, the FAA is proposing alternate cross-country
aeronautical experience requirements to those set forth in Sec.
61.129(e) for all applicants for a powered-lift category rating at the
commercial pilot certificate level. Section 61.129(e) requires three
specific cross-country flights in a powered-lift. Section
61.129(e)(3)(ii) requires one 2-hour cross country flight in a powered-
lift in daytime conditions that consists of a total straight-line
distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of
departure. Section 61.129(e)(3)(iii) requires the same cross-country
flight but in nighttime conditions. Lastly, Sec.  61.129(e)(4)(i)
requires one cross-country flight of not less than 300 nautical miles
total distance with landings at a minimum of three points, one of which
is a straight-line distance of at least 250 nautical miles from the
original departure point.
    The FAA mirrored the nautical mile distances required for airplanes
when it adopted these powered-lift cross-country requirements. As
explained in the previous section, the powered-lift coming to the
market have limited range capabilities when compared to the widely-used
single-engine airplanes. These ranges are well under what is currently
required by Sec.  61.129(e)(4)(i), which prescribes a long cross-
country flight that includes straight-line distance of at least 250
nautical miles from the original departure point. Because the long
cross-country flight specified in Sec.  61.129(e)(4)(i) will be
insurmountable for several powered-lift, the FAA finds it necessary to
provide an alternate means for applicants to obtain valuable cross-
country experience over unfamiliar terrain.
    In place of the long cross-country flight in Sec.  61.129(e)(4)(i),
proposed Sec.  194.233(b) would permit an applicant to complete a
cross-country flight that consists of landings at a minimum of three
points, with one segment

consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 50 nautical miles
from the original point of departure. In determining the appropriate
distance, the FAA considered the current aeronautical experience
requirements for persons seeking a commercial pilot certificate with a
rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating under Sec.  61.129(c)
because, as previously explained, helicopters also tend to have shorter
range capabilities than airplanes. The aeronautical experience
requirements for persons seeking a commercial pilot certificate with a
helicopter rating have traditionally required cross-country flights
that include a distance of 50 nautical miles.\163\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \163\ 14 CFR 61.129(c)(3)(ii) and (iii) and (c)(4)(i).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The distance of 50 nautical miles would be more compatible with the
range capabilities of current powered-lift coming to market and with
the intended operational use of these powered-lift (e.g., flights of
shorter duration compared to airplanes).\164\ However, because the
current regulation requires an applicant for a powered-lift rating to
navigate the powered-lift over a greater distance, the FAA finds it
necessary to impose an additional requirement to ensure the applicant
for a powered-lift rating obtains cross-country experience comparable
to that which would be obtained under the current powered-lift
regulation. As a result of reducing the straight-line distance from 250
nautical miles to 50 nautical miles, proposed Sec.  194.233(b) would
require an applicant seeking to comply with the alternate requirement
to complete an additional cross-country flight of the same specified
distance of 50 nautical miles. The proposed additional cross-country
flight would have to be conducted to different points of landing than
the initial cross-country flight. The FAA notes, however, that the
original point of departure may be the same, as pilots generally begin
cross-country flights at their home airport. These additional
requirements are intended to serve as risk mitigations to ensure the
alternate requirement does not have an adverse impact on safety.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \164\ Powered-lift may emerge with greater range capabilities
and higher airspeeds. The proposed requirements are intended to be
temporary measures that would remove obstacles in the current
regulations and facilitate pilot certification for the powered-lift
coming to market. The FAA will continue to evaluate the powered-lift
seeking type certification and monitor the affect the proposed rule
on cross-country training. Based on this evaluation, the FAA will
reevaluate the appropriate distances for cross-country flight in a
powered-lift.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed alternative requirement would result in less distance
over which the pilot would navigate the powered-lift in cruise flight;
however, the applicant would still obtain valuable cross-country
experience because they would be required to navigate the powered-lift
to twice as many landing locations as prescribed under the current
regulation. The proposed requirement for the second cross-country
flight to include landings at different points than the initial cross-
country flight would result in the applicant navigating the powered-
lift to at least four different landing locations other than the
pilot's home airport. Because the applicant would be required to plan
an additional cross-country flight to points that differ from those
selected for the initial cross-country flight, the applicant would
receive increased exposure to preflight planning. For example, the
applicant would be required to plot a new course on an aeronautical
chart, select new checkpoints over unfamiliar terrain, measure
distances to the landing points selected, and obtain pertinent weather
information on the day of the flight, all of which would differ from
that obtained for the initial cross-country flight. The applicant would
also be required to compute the flight time, headings, and fuel
requirements for the second cross-country flight, as well as monitor
the checkpoints while navigating the powered-lift to the different
points of landing.
    Requiring the second cross-country flight to include landings at
different points than the initial cross-country flight would also
ensure the applicant obtains experience navigating the powered-lift to
destinations with which they are not intimately familiar, which would
increase the applicant's exposure to the use of navigational systems
and radar services. Additionally, because the conditions of the second
flight would inherently differ from the initial cross-country flight,
the applicant would be exposed to new cross-country scenarios that
require decision-making and risk management. Furthermore, requiring two
cross-country flights, each of which include a minimum of three points
with one segment consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 50
nautical miles, would ensure the pilot is exposed to realistic cross-
country flying conditions over at least 100 total nautical miles of
unfamiliar terrain. As a result, the applicant would still be exposed
to realistic cross-country flying while navigating the powered-lift to
locations outside of the pilot's local flying environment, which would
enable the pilot to apply and expand their knowledge of cross-country
flight and foster the development of air navigation skills.
Accordingly, the FAA concludes that the alternate cross-country
requirements proposed in the SFAR would not adversely affect safety
because they would ensure that the applicant obtains cross-country
experience that is comparable to that provided by the current
regulation.
    The FAA is likewise proposing alternate requirements for the cross-
country flights that currently exist in Sec.  61.129(e)(3)(ii) and
(iii) (i.e., straight-line distance of at least 100 nautical miles from
the original departure point) for the reasons discussed earlier. Under
proposed Sec.  194.233(a), an applicant would be required to log at
least one 2-hour cross country flight in a powered-lift in daytime
conditions (proposed Sec.  194.233(a)(1)) and one 2-hour cross-country
flight in a powered-lift in nighttime conditions (proposed Sec.
194.233(a)(2)). Each of these proposed cross-country flights must
consist of a total straight-line distance of 50 nautical miles from the
original point of departure (rather than 100 nautical miles, which is
currently required by Sec.  61.129(e)(3)).
    While the proposal would reduce the required distances for the
cross-country flights in Sec.  61.129(e)(3) from 100 nautical miles to
50 nautical miles, it would not reduce the required flight time (e.g.,
2 hours). Therefore, the pilot would still obtain cross-country
experience in the powered-lift for the duration of time that is
currently required by the regulations. However, consistent with the
previous explanation concerning the alternate requirements for Sec.
61.129(e)(4)(i), because the current regulation requires an applicant
for a powered-lift rating to navigate the powered-lift over a greater
distance, the FAA finds it necessary to impose an additional
requirement to ensure the applicant obtains the necessary air
navigation skills under the proposed alternate requirements. As a
result of reducing the straight-line distance from 100 nautical miles
to 50 nautical miles, the FAA proposes in Sec.  194.233(a)(3) to
require an additional cross-country flight of the same specified
distance of 50 nautical miles. Except for the original point of
departure, the additional cross-country flight must include landings at
different points than the points selected for the day and night cross-
country flights. For the same reasons discussed above, the FAA
concludes that the alternate requirements for the cross-country flights
that currently exist in Sec.  61.129(e)(3)(ii) and (iii) would not
adversely affect safety, provided the applicant completes the
additional

cross-country flight in accordance with proposed Sec.  194.233(a)(3).
    In addition to the proposed safety mitigations discussed above, the
FAA finds that there are sufficient safeguards in the regulations to
prevent any reduction in safety. The applicant for a commercial pilot
certificate with a powered-lift category rating would still be required
to receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor on the
aeronautical knowledge areas specified in Sec.  61.125(b), which
includes several areas related to cross-country planning and air
navigation (e.g., meteorology, weight and balance computations, use of
performance charts, use of aeronautical charts and a magnetic compass
for pilotage and dead reckoning, use of air navigation facilities,
aeronautical decision making and judgment, and procedures for operating
within the NAS). The applicant would also still be required to receive
and log flight training from an authorized instructor on the areas of
operation specified in Sec.  61.127(b)(5), which includes
``navigation.'' \165\ Additionally, the applicant must meet the
aeronautical experience requirements that apply to the powered-lift
category rating (e.g., 10 hours of cross-country time in a powered-
lift) and pass the practical test on the areas of operation listed in
Sec.  61.127(b), which includes tasks on cross-country planning and
navigation.\166\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \165\ 14 CFR 61.127(b)(5)(vii).
    \166\ Specifically, Cross-Country Planning is a Task under Area
of Operation Preflight Preparation in the Commercial Pilot for
Powered-Lift Category ACS to ensure that applicants exhibit
satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with
cross-country flights and VFR flight planning (e.g., route planning,
calculating fuel requirements, creation of navigation logs).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

iii. Specific Cross-Country Requirements for an Instrument-Powered-Lift
Rating (Sec.  61.65(f))
    In addition to the alternate requirements for test pilots,
instructor pilots, and select pilots from parts 135, 141, and 142
discussed earlier, the FAA is proposing alternate cross-country
aeronautical experience requirements for all applicants for an
instrument-powered-lift rating under Sec.  61.65(f). Currently, the
instrument training on cross-country flight procedures required in
Sec.  61.65(f)(2)(ii) must include a flight of 250 nautical miles along
airways or by directed routing from an ATC facility. For the reasons
stated previously, this cross-country distance is not appropriate for
the powered-lift coming to the market. Therefore, the FAA has
reconsidered the appropriate distances for cross-country flights for an
instrument-powered-lift rating.
    While the 250 nautical mile requirement in Sec.  61.65(f)(2)(ii) is
not required to be in a straight-line distance, the FAA still finds
that it would be an obstacle for several powered-lift based on the
range capabilities that the FAA has evaluated. Therefore, in place of
the long cross-country flight in Sec.  61.65(f)(2)(ii)(A), proposed
Sec.  194.235(a)(2)(i) would permit an applicant to complete a cross-
country flight that involves a distance of 100 nautical miles along
airways or by directed routing from an ATC facility. The FAA again
considered the aeronautical experience requirements for persons seeking
an instrument-helicopter rating because, as previously explained,
helicopters also tend to have shorter range capabilities than
airplanes. As explained in this section the distance for helicopters
would be more compatible with the range capabilities of current
powered-lift coming to market and with the intended operational use of
these powered-lift (e.g., flights of shorter duration compared to
airplanes).
    Consistent with the alternate requirements proposed for the cross-
country experience for a commercial pilot certificate, the FAA finds it
necessary to impose an additional requirement to ensure the applicant
for an instrument-powered-lift rating obtains experience comparable to
that which would be obtained under the current regulation. Thus, the
FAA is proposing to require the applicant to complete an additional
cross-country flight of the same specified distance of 100 nautical
miles.
    Under the proposed cross-country experience requirements, the
applicant would navigate under IFR for a shorter overall distance. By
requiring the applicant to plan and conduct two cross-country flights
under IFR rather than one, the FAA would ensure the applicant receives
additional experience planning a cross-country flight under IFR and
navigating a powered-lift to destinations with which the applicant is
not intimately familiar while operating along airways or by receiving
direct routing from an ATC facility. Furthermore, the applicant would
acquire additional experience filing, activating, and closing an IFR
flight plan; navigating under IFR; interpreting appropriate and current
approach procedure charts; and performing instrument approaches with
the use of navigation systems. Therefore, while the proposed
requirements would result in less distance over which the applicant
would navigate the powered-lift under IFR, the additional cross-country
flight would serve as a risk mitigation to ensure the alternate
requirement does not adversely affect safety.
    Similar to the proposed alternate cross-country experience
requirements discussed in this section of this preamble, there are
sufficient safeguards in the regulations to prevent any reduction in
safety. Under proposed Sec.  194.235(a)(1), the applicant for an
instrument-powered-lift rating would still be required to receive and
log ground training from an authorized instructor (or from an
instructor pilot) on the aeronautical knowledge areas set forth in
Sec.  61.65(b), which would ensure the applicant has the foundational
knowledge to plan and execute IFR cross-country flights. The applicant
would also still be required to receive and log flight training from an
authorized instructor (or from an instructor pilot) on the areas of
operation specified in Sec.  61.65(c), which includes ATC clearances
and procedures, flight by reference to the instruments, navigation
systems, and instrument approach procedures.\167\ Furthermore, the
applicant must meet the existing aeronautical experience requirements
that apply to the instrument-powered-lift rating (e.g., 10 hours of
cross-country flight time as PIC in a powered-lift) and pass the
practical test on the areas of operation in Sec.  61.65(c).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \167\ The introductory language in Sec.  61.65(f)(2) requires
that the flight time under that section cover the areas of operation
in Sec.  61.65(c); therefore, the cross-country flight required
under Sec.  61.65(f)(2)(ii)(A) must cover those areas.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA is also proposing in Sec.  194.235(b) to provide relief
from the requirement in Sec.  61.65(f)(2)(ii) to perform instrument
training on cross-country procedures under instrument flight rules and
a flight plan filed with an air traffic control facility when an
aircraft is not certificated for IFR. This relief is necessary to
prevent a person from filing a flight plan for a powered-lift that is
certificated for VFR only operations in violation of Sec.  91.9. This
relief is available only when the pilot already holds an instrument
airplane rating, an instrument helicopter rating, or an ATP
certificate. These pilots would already have experience operating under
IFR and will have been tested on instrument procedures and regulations
governing IFR operations.\168\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \168\ Based on the narrow applicability of this relief and the
temporary nature of the SFAR, the FAA finds that requiring the
applicant to hold either an instrument rating in an airplane or
helicopter or an ATP certificate would appropriately mitigate any
risk that may be introduced.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

iv. Specific Cross-Country Flights for Private Pilot Certificate (Sec.
61.109)
    This proposed SFAR is intended to enable experienced pilots to
become the initial cadre of commercial powered-lift pilots. Once this
initial pathway is enabled, those individuals will be able to branch
out into the general aviation community with the experience garnered
through compliance with this SFAR. The FAA is proposing an alternate
pathway for these individuals at the commercial level as discussed in
this section of this preamble because they possess the knowledge,
skills, and abilities to a degree higher than what is expected of
private pilots. Moreover, the powered-lift currently working through
the aircraft certification process are complex aircraft intended to be
used for commercial passenger-carrying operations. The FAA does not
deem it necessary to grant relief from existing regulations at the
private pilot level initially due to an expected lack of trainer
aircraft for powered-lift limiting the ability to conduct student pilot
training in powered-lift.
    The FAA expects this SFAR and accompanying permanent regulatory
amendments will facilitate flight training under part 61 in powered-
lift, including for those individuals seeking a powered-lift rating at
the private pilot certificate level. The rationale for offering relief
from the cross-country requirements for commercial pilots applies
equally to an applicant for a private pilot certificate. Therefore, the
FAA is proposing to reduce the nautical mile distances in the
aeronautical experience required to be eligible for a private pilot
certificate.
    To obtain a private pilot certificate with a powered-lift category
rating, a person must satisfy the eligibility requirements for a
private pilot certificate, which are contained in Sec.  61.103. Section
61.103 contains several requirements, including the requirement for a
person to meet certain aeronautical experience set forth by Sec.
61.109 that apply to the aircraft category rating sought before
applying for the practical test.\169\ The aeronautical experience
requirements for a person seeking to obtain a private pilot certificate
with a powered-lift category rating or seeking to add a powered-lift
category rating to a private pilot certificate are contained in Sec.
61.109(e).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \169\ 14 CFR 61.103(g).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Specifically, Sec.  61.109(e) requires a person who applies for a
private pilot certificate with a powered-lift category rating to log at
least 40 hours of total flight time as a pilot, which must include at
least 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor and 10
hours of solo flight training on the areas of operation listed in Sec.
61.107(b)(5). Additionally, this flight training must include the
subsets of training set forth in Sec.  61.109(e)(1) through (5),
including specified cross-country flight training. First, Sec.
61.109(e)(1) requires training to include three hours of cross-country
training in a powered-lift. Section 61.109(e)(2)(i) requires training
to include one cross-country flight of over 100 nautical miles total
distance. Lastly, Sec.  61.109(e)(5) requires 10 hours of solo flight
time consisting of at least 5 hours cross-country time with one solo
cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles total distance with
full-stop landings at three points, of which one segment consists of
more than 50 nautical miles between the takeoff and landing locations.
    As previously discussed in this section of the preamble, when the
FAA adopted the cross-country flight time requirements for a commercial
pilot certificate with a powered-lift category rating, the FAA mirrored
the nautical mile distance that was required for airplanes. The FAA
similarly mirrored the nautical mile distance required for airplanes
for the cross-country flight time requirements in obtaining a private
pilot certificate with a powered-lift category rating. For reasons
discussed in section E of this preamble, the FAA finds it unnecessary
to require cross-country flights in powered-lift at the private pilot
level to include the same distances as those required for airplanes.
Therefore, the FAA is proposing alternate aeronautical experience
requirements that would allow an applicant for a private pilot
certificate with a powered-lift category rating to complete the cross-
country flights in Sec.  61.109 at a reduced nautical mile distance.
    First, in place of the cross-country flight in Sec.
61.109(e)(2)(i) (i.e., night flight training that includes one cross-
country flight over 100 nautical miles), proposed Sec.  194.237(a)
would require an applicant to receive three hours of night flight
training that includes two cross-country flights with each flight
consisting of a total distance that exceeds 50 nautical miles.
Consistent with the prior explanation concerning the alternate cross-
country experience requirements for Sec.  61.129(e)(3)(ii) and (iii)
and (e)(4)(i), the second cross-country flight would serve as a risk
mitigation to ensure that the applicant obtains the necessary air
navigation skills under the proposed alternate requirements. Therefore,
for the same reasons as previously discussed, the FAA finds the
proposed alternate cross-country experience requirements for the cross-
country flight that exists in Sec.  61.109(e)(2)(i) would not adversely
affect safety.
    Additionally, in place of the solo cross-country flight that is
currently listed in Sec.  61.109(e)(5)(ii) (i.e., 150 nautical miles
total distance with one segment of the flight consisting of a straight-
line distance of more than 50 nautical miles), proposed Sec.
194.237(b) would set forth alternate solo cross-country experience.
Specifically, the applicant would be required to complete one solo
cross-country flight of 100 nautical miles total distance with landings
at three points and with one segment of the flight consisting of a
straight-line distance of more than 25 nautical miles (proposed Sec.
194.237(b)(1)).
    However, consistent with the discussion in this section of this
preamble, it will be necessary to impose an additional requirement to
ensure the applicant obtains cross-country experience comparable to
that which would be obtained under the current regulation. Therefore,
the FAA proposes to require an additional solo cross-country flight to
be conducted in a powered-lift (proposed Sec.  194.237(b)(2)). This
additional solo cross-country flight would require landings at a
minimum of three points, with one segment consisting of a straight-line
distance of at least 50 nautical miles from the original point of
departure. The additional cross-country flight would be required to be
conducted to different points of landing than the initial cross-country
flight. The applicant would still obtain valuable cross-country
experience because the applicant would be required to navigate the
powered-lift to twice the number of landing locations than as currently
prescribed under Sec.  61.109(e), providing additional exposure to
preflight planning and experience at myriad landing points. The earlier
discussion of cross-country alternatives for commercial pilot
certificates further details the benefits of navigating the powered-
lift to twice as many landing locations, which is equally applicable in
this context.
    While proposed Sec.  194.237 would reduce the required distances
for the cross-country flights in Sec.  61.109, it does not propose to
reduce the required flight time. A person seeking a private pilot
certificate with a powered-lift category rating would still be required
to obtain 3 hours of cross-country flight training in a powered-lift,
pursuant to Sec.  61.109(e)(1), and 5 hours of cross-

country solo flight time in a powered-lift under proposed Sec.
61.109(e)(5)(i).\170\ The SFAR proposal simply accounts for the
operational capabilities of powered-lift by the reduction of required
nautical miles, while continuing to ensure that the pilot has
sufficient cross-country experience and has developed skills that are
specific to operating a powered-lift on a flight outside of the pilot's
local flying environment corresponding to the private pilot level.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \170\ Currently, Sec.  61.109(e)(5) permits an applicant to
obtain 10 hours of solo flight time in either an airplane or a
powered-lift. For the reasons discussed in section I.H of this
preamble, the FAA is proposing to amend Sec.  61.109(e)(5) to
require the solo flight time to be obtained in a powered-lift.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Furthermore, as previously discussed in this section,
notwithstanding the current definitions of cross-country time in Sec.
61.1(b), the FAA is proposing to allow flight time logged in a powered-
lift as cross-country time provided, in pertinent part, that the time
was acquired during a flight that includes a point of landing that was
at least a straight-line distance of more than 25 nautical miles from
the original point of departure. The FAA notes that this proposal would
apply to cross-country flight training time in a powered-lift required
by Sec.  61.109(e)(1) and solo cross-country time required by Sec.
61.109(e)(5)(i).\171\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \171\ This merely reduces the distance requirements listed in
Sec.  61.109(e)(2)(i) and (e)(5)(ii) to mirror those required in
Sec.  61.109(c)(2)(i) and (c)(5)(ii) for helicopters. Private pilot
applicants for a powered-lift rating must meet all other
aeronautical experience requirements provided in Sec.  61.109(e).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

v. Part 141 Appendices
    The FAA notes that certain existing minimum curriculum requirements
for a part 141 pilot school seeking approval to utilize a powered-lift
specified in the part 141 appendices mirror the cross-country
requirements set forth in Sec. Sec.  61.65(f), 61.109(e), and
61.129(e). For example, paragraph 4.(b)(5)(ii) and (iii) of appendix D
requires one 2-hour cross country flight in daytime conditions in a
powered-lift and one 2-hour cross country flight in nighttime
conditions in a powered-lift that each consist of a total straight-line
distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of
departure; these requirements correspond to those set forth in Sec.
61.129(e)(3)(ii) and (iii). This is also the case with the minimum
cross-country curriculum requirements in appendix B, paragraphs
4.(b)(5)(ii)(A) and 5.(e)(1) for a private powered-lift certification
course (mirroring Sec.  61.109(e)(2)(i) and (e)(5)); appendix C,
paragraph 4.(c)(3)(ii) for an instrument-powered-lift rating course
(mirroring Sec.  61.65(d)(2)(ii)); appendix D, paragraph 5.(e)(2) for a
commercial powered-lift certification course (mirroring Sec.
61.129(e)(4)(i)); and appendix M, paragraphs 4.(b)(4)(ii)(A),
4.(b)(4)(iii)(A), and 5.(d)(1) for a combined private pilot
certification and instrument rating course.
    For the reasons discussed in section V.E, the FAA has found that
the alternate cross-country requirements in proposed Sec. Sec.
194.233, 194.235, and 194.237 would not adversely impact safety, and
that part 141 pilot schools should be able to utilize these alternate
cross-country distances. Therefore, FAA proposes Sec.  194.239(b) to
facilitate this substitution, on the condition that the training course
include an additional cross-country flight consistent with the
requirements of Sec. Sec.  194.233, 194.235, and 194.237, as
applicable.
vi. Technical Correction and Nomenclature Change
    While considering the alternate cross-country requirements proposed
in the SFAR, the FAA became aware of the need for a technical
correction in the definition of cross-country time in Sec.  61.1(b).
Currently, paragraph (i) of the definition provides the general
definition of cross-country time ``[e]xcept as provided in paragraphs
(ii) through (vi) of this definition.'' However, the definition of
cross-country time includes paragraphs (ii) through (vii). Paragraph
(vii) contains the cross-country time definition for a military pilot
who qualifies for a commercial pilot certificate (except with a
rotorcraft category rating) under Sec.  61.73. Thus, like paragraphs
(ii) through (vi), paragraph (vii) contains an exception to the general
definition of cross-country time in paragraph (i). The FAA is,
therefore, proposing to correct the cross-reference in paragraph (i) of
the definition to refer to paragraphs (ii) through (vii) of the
definition.
    Further, while considering the alternate requirements for the
cross-country aeronautical experience in Sec.  61.129(e), the FAA noted
that the nomenclature concerning ``cross-country time'' is inconsistent
throughout part 61. The definition contained in Sec.  61.1(b)
references ``cross-country time'' whereas the regulations often use the
nomenclature ``cross-country flight time.'' The FAA is proposing to
remove ``cross-country flight time'' throughout part 61 and replace the
term with the words ``cross-country time.'' This proposed change would
ensure consistent usage of the defined term throughout the regulations.
The following sections would be amended to reflect this nomenclature
change: Sec. Sec.  61.65(d), (e), (f), (g) introductory text, (g)(1)
and (2); 61.67(b)(3); 61.68(b)(3); 61.129(g)(2)(i); 61.159(a)(1),
(a)(5)(i); 61.160(e), (f); 61.161(a)(1); 61.163(a)(1), (a)(3)(i); and
61.411(a)(1)(iii) and (iv), (c)(1)(iii) and (iv), (d)(1)(iii) and (iv),
(f)(1)(iii) and (iv), (g)(1)(iii) and (iv).
5. Alternate Experience and Logging Summaries
i. Summary Tables for Obtaining a Commercial Pilot Certificate With
Powered-Lift Rating
    As noted, the proposed rule language to facilitate airmen
certification for a commercial pilot certificate with a powered-lift
rating involves several alternate experience and logging requirements.
To facilitate readability of the alternate requirements that would
apply to persons seeking powered-lift ratings, the FAA has
compartmentalized the rule language into individual sections depending
on the powered-lift ratings sought. Tables 2, 3, and 4 contain the
proposed alternate provisions for a commercial pilot certificate with a
powered-lift rating.

 Table 2--Alternate Provisions for a Commercial Pilot Certificate With a
     Powered-Lift Category Rating: Test Pilots and Instructor Pilots
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Alternate
     Current flight time       Alternate provisions for   provisions for
     requirements (Sec.             test pilots *           instructor
         61.129(e))                                          pilots *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Powered-Aircraft Time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
100 hours in powered-         No alternative.            No alternative.
 aircraft, of which 50 hours
 must be in a powered-lift.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                             PIC Flight Time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
100 hours of PIC flight       A test pilot who is not    An instructor
 time, which includes at       rated in the powered-      pilot who is
 least--                       lift may log PIC flight    not rated in
(1) 50 hours in a powered-     time in the experimental   the powered-
 lift, and.                    powered-lift if (1) the    lift may log
(2) 50 hours in cross-         test pilot is the sole     PIC flight
 country flight of which 10    manipulator of the         time in the
 must be in powered-lift..     controls, (2) the test     experimental
                               pilot is acting as PIC,    powered-lift
                               and (3) the flight is      if (1) acting
                               conducted for the          as PIC, and
                               purpose of R&D or          (2) the flight
                               showing compliance.        is conducted
                              See proposed Sec.           for the
                               194.217(c).                purpose of
                                                          crew training.
                                                         See proposed
                                                          Sec.
                                                          194.219(c).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Training on the Areas of Operation listed in Sec.   61.127(b)(5)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 hours of training on the   Test pilot may receive     In lieu of
 areas of operation listed     this training from an      receiving this
 in Sec.   61.127(b)(5) that   instructor pilot (rather   training, an
 includes at least--           than an authorized         instructor
                               instructor) if (1)         pilot may
                               training is conducted in   provide the
                               accordance with the        manufacturer's
                               manufacturer's training    training
                               curriculum, and (2) test   curriculum to
                               pilot receives             a test pilot,
                               endorsement from           which includes
                               instructor pilot           20 hours of
                               certifying satisfactory    training on
                               completion of the          the areas of
                               curriculum.                operation
                              See proposed Sec.           listed in Sec.
                               194.217(b)(1).
                                                          61.127(b)(5).
                                                          Instructor
                                                          pilot must
                                                          receive
                                                          endorsement
                                                          from
                                                          management
                                                          official
                                                          certifying
                                                          that
                                                          instructor
                                                          pilot provided
                                                          the training.
                                                         See proposed
                                                          Sec.
                                                          194.219(b)(1).
(1) 10 hours of instrument    Test pilot may receive     Instructor
 training using a view-        this instrument training   pilot may
 limiting device including     from instructor pilot in   satisfy this
 attitude instrument flying,   an experimental powered-   requirement by
 partial panel skills,         lift in accordance with    providing
 recovery from unusual         the manufacturer's         instrument
 flight attitudes, and         proposed training          training to
 intercepting and tracking     curriculum.                test pilot in
 navigational systems. 5      See proposed Sec.           accordance
 hours of the 10 hours         194.217(b)(1).             with the
 required on instrument                                   manufacturer's
 training must be in a                                    proposed
 powered-lift.                                            training
                                                          curriculum.
                                                         See proposed
                                                          Sec.
                                                          194.219(b)(1).
(2) The following cross-      Test pilot may complete    Instructor
 country flights--             all of the following       pilot may
 One 2-hour cross      cross-country flights--    complete all
 country flight in a powered- One 2-hour cross country    of the same
 lift in daytime conditions    flight in a powered-lift   alternate
 that consists of a total      in daytime conditions      cross-country
 straight-line distance of     that consists of a total   flights as
 more than 100 nautical        straight-line distance     test pilot.
 miles from the original       of more than 50 nautical  See proposed
 point of departure; and.      miles from the original    Sec.
 One 2-hour cross      point of departure;        194.233(a).
 country flight in a powered- One 2-hour cross country
 lift in nighttime             flight in a powered-lift
 conditions that consists of   in nighttime conditions
 a total straight-line         that consists of a total
 distance of more than 100     straight-line distance
 nautical miles from the       of more than 50 nautical
 original point of             miles from the original
 departure; and.               point of departure; and
                              An additional cross-
                               country flight with
                               landings at a minimum of
                               three points, with one
                               segment consisting of a
                               straight-line distance
                               of at least 50 nautical
                               miles from the original
                               point of departure. The
                               additional cross-country
                               flight must include
                               landings at different
                               points than the first
                               two cross-country
                               flights.
                              See proposed Sec.
                               194.233(a).
(3) 3 hours in a powered-     Test pilot may accomplish  Instructor
 lift with an authorized       the practical test         pilot may
 instructor in preparation     preparation with an        accomplish the
 for the practical test        instructor pilot (rather   practical test
 within the preceding 2        than an authorized         preparation
 calendar months from the      instructor).               with another
 month of the test.           See proposed Sec.           instructor
                               194.217(b)(2).             pilot (rather
                                                          than an
                                                          authorized
                                                          instructor).
                                                         See proposed
                                                          Sec.
                                                          194.219(b)(2).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Solo Flight Time or Flight Time Performing the Duties of PIC
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ten hours of solo flight      Test pilot may complete    The alternate
 time in a powered-lift or     10 hours of solo flight    provision for
 10 hours of flight time       time under an              test pilots
 performing the duties of      endorsement from an        also applies
 PIC in a powered-lift with    instructor pilot or 10     to instructor
 an authorized instructor on   hours of flight time       pilots.
 board (either of which may    performing the duties of  See proposed
 be credited towards the       PIC in a powered-lift      Sec.
 flight time requirement       with either a test pilot   194.219(b)(3).
 under Sec.   61.129(e)(2),    or an instructor pilot
 on the areas of operation     onboard.
 listed in Sec.               See proposed Sec.
 61.127(b)(5)) that            194.217(b)(3).
 includes--

(1) One cross-country flight  Test pilot may complete    Instructor
 of not less than 300          two cross-country          pilot may
 nautical miles total          flights with landings at   complete the
 distance with landings at a   a minimum of three         same alternate
 minimum of three points,      points, with one segment   cross-country
 one of which is a straight-   consisting of a straight-  flights as
 line distance of at least     line distance of at        test pilot.
 250 nautical miles from the   least 50 nautical miles   See proposed
 original departure point.     from the original point    Sec.
 However, if this              of departure. The second   194.233(b).
 requirement is being met in   cross-country flight
 Hawaii the longest segment    must include landings at
 need only have a straight-    different points than
 line distance of at least     the first cross country
 150 nautical miles; and       flight.
                              See proposed Sec.
                               194.233(b).
(2) 5 hours in night VFR      No alternative.            No alternative.
 conditions with 10 takeoffs
 and 10 landings (with each
 landing involving a flight
 in the traffic pattern) at
 an airport with an
 operating control tower.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* To use the alternate provisions below, the flights must be conducted
  in an experimental powered-lift at the manufacturer and the test
  pilots and instructor pilots must be authorized by the Administrator
  to act as PIC of the experimental powered-lift. See proposed Sec.
  Sec.   194.217(a) and 194.219(a).

 Table 3--Alternate Provisions for a Commercial Pilot Certificate With a
   Powered-Lift Category Rating: Initial Cadre of Check Pilots, Chief
                      Instructors, Assistant Chief
               Instructors, and Training Center Evaluators
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Alternate provisions for
                                          initial cadre of check pilots,
Current flight time requirements  (Sec.    chief instructors, assistant
                61.129(e))                chief instructors, and TCEs *
                                              (herein referred to as
                                                   applicants)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Powered-Aircraft Time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
100 hours in powered-aircraft, of which  No alternative.
 50 hours must be in a powered-lift.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             PIC Flight Time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
100 hours of PIC flight time, which      An applicant who is not rated
 includes at least--                      in the powered-lift may log up
(1) 50 hours in a powered-lift, and....   to 40 hours of PIC flight time
(2) 50 hours in cross-country flight of   in a powered-lift for flights
 which 10 must be in powered-lift..       that are conducted in
                                          accordance with a
                                          manufacturer's training
                                          curriculum if the applicant is
                                          (1) the sole manipulator of
                                          the controls, (2) manipulating
                                          the controls of the powered-
                                          lift with an instructor pilot
                                          onboard, and (3) performing
                                          the duties of PIC.
                                         See proposed Sec.   194.221(c).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Training on the Areas of Operation listed in Sec.   61.127(b)(5)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 hours of training on the areas of     An applicant may receive this
 operation listed in Sec.                 training from an instructor
 61.127(b)(5) that includes at least--    pilot (rather than an
                                          authorized instructor) if (1)
                                          training is conducted in
                                          accordance with the
                                          manufacturer's training
                                          curriculum, and (2) applicant
                                          receives endorsement from
                                          instructor pilot certifying
                                          satisfactory completion of the
                                          curriculum.
                                         See proposed Sec.
                                          194.221(b)(1).
(1) 10 hours of instrument training      An applicant may receive this
 using a view-limiting device including   instrument training from
 attitude instrument flying, partial      instructor pilot in a type
 panel skills, recovery from unusual      certificated powered-lift in
 flight attitudes, and intercepting and   accordance with the
 tracking navigational systems. 5 hours   manufacturer's training
 of the 10 hours required on instrument   curriculum.
 training must be in a powered-lift.     See proposed Sec.
                                          194.221(b)(1).

(2) The following cross-country          An applicant may complete all
 flights--                                of the following cross-country
 One 2-hour cross country         flights--
 flight in a powered-lift in daytime     One 2-hour cross country flight
 conditions that consists of a total      in a powered-lift in daytime
 straight-line distance of more than      conditions that consists of a
 100 nautical miles from the original     total straight-line distance
 point of departure; and.                 of more than 50 nautical miles
 One 2-hour cross country         from the original point of
 flight in a powered-lift in nighttime    departure;
 conditions that consists of a total     One 2-hour cross country flight
 straight-line distance of more than      in a powered-lift in nighttime
 100 nautical miles from the original     conditions that consists of a
 point of departure; and.                 total straight-line distance
                                          of more than 50 nautical miles
                                          from the original point of
                                          departure; and
                                         An additional cross-country
                                          flight with landings at a
                                          minimum of three points, with
                                          one segment consisting of a
                                          straight-line distance of at
                                          least 50 nautical miles from
                                          the original point of
                                          departure. The additional
                                          cross-country flight must
                                          include landings at different
                                          points than the first two
                                          cross-country flights.
                                         See proposed Sec.   194.233(a).
(3) 3 hours in a powered-lift with an    An applicant may accomplish the
 authorized instructor in preparation     practical test preparation
 for the practical test within the        from an instructor pilot
 preceding 2 calendar months from the     (rather than an authorized
 month of the test.                       instructor).
                                         See proposed Sec.
                                          194.221(b)(2).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Solo Flight Time or Flight Time Performing the Duties of PIC
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ten hours of solo flight time in a       An applicant may complete 10
 powered-lift or 10 hours of flight       hours of solo flight time
 time performing the duties of PIC in a   under an endorsement from an
 powered-lift with an authorized          instructor pilot or 10 hours
 instructor on board (either of which     of flight time performing the
 may be credited towards the flight       duties of PIC in a powered-
 time requirement under Sec.              lift with an instructor pilot
 61.129(e)(2), on the areas of            onboard (rather than an
 operation listed in Sec.                 authorized instructor).
 61.127(b)(5)) that includes--           See proposed Sec.
                                          194.221(b)(3).
(1) One cross-country flight of not      An applicant may complete two
 less than 300 nautical miles total       cross-country flights with
 distance with landings at a minimum of   landings at a minimum of three
 three points, one of which is a          points, with one segment
 straight-line distance of at least 250   consisting of a straight-line
 nautical miles from the original         distance of at least 50
 departure point. However, if this        nautical miles from the
 requirement is being met in Hawaii the   original point of departure.
 longest segment need only have a         The second cross-country
 straight-line distance of at least 150   flight must include landings
 nautical miles; and                      at different points than the
                                          first cross country flight.
                                         See proposed Sec.   194.233(b).
(2) 5 hours in night VFR conditions      No alternative.
 with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings (with
 each landing involving a flight in the
 traffic pattern) at an airport with an
 operating control tower.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* To use the alternate provisions below, the flights must be conducted
  in a type-certificated powered-lift at the manufacturer and the
  applicant must be authorized by the Administrator to serve as an
  initial check pilot, chief instructor, assistant chief instructor, or
  training center evaluator for the purpose of initiating training in a
  powered-lift under an approved training program under part 135, 141,
  or 142, as appropriate. See proposed Sec.   194.221(a).

 Table 4--Alternate Provisions for a Commercial Pilot Certificate With a
  Powered-Lift Category Rating: Persons Receiving Training Under a Part
               135, 141, or 142 Approved Training Program
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Alternate provisions for
                                             persons receiving training
  Current flight time requirements (Sec.     under a part 135,  141, or
                61.129(e))                      142 approved training
                                             program * (herein referred
                                                  to as applicants)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Powered-Aircraft Time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
100 hours in powered-aircraft, of which 50  No alternative.
 hours must be in a powered-lift.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             PIC Flight Time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
100 hours of PIC flight time, which         An applicant who is not
 includes at least--                         rated in the powered-lift
.(1) 50 hours in a powered-lift, and         may log up to 40 hours of
(2) 50 hours in cross-country flight of      PIC flight time in a
 which 10 must be in powered-lift            powered-lift for flights
                                             that are conducted in
                                             accordance with an approved
                                             training program under part
                                             135, 141 or 142 if the
                                             applicant is (1) the sole
                                             manipulator of the
                                             controls, (2) manipulating
                                             the controls of the powered-
                                             lift with an authorized
                                             instructor onboard, and (3)
                                             performing the duties of
                                             PIC.
                                            See proposed Sec.
                                             194.223(c).
                                             An applicant may
                                             credit up to 15 hours
                                             obtained in a level C or
                                             higher FFS toward the
                                             requirement to obtain 50
                                             hours of PIC flight time in
                                             a powered-lift if (1) the
                                             FFS represents the powered-
                                             lift category, (2) the
                                             applicant was performing
                                             the duties of PIC, and (3)
                                             the flights are conducted
                                             in accordance with an
                                             approved training program
                                             under part 135, 141 or 142.
                                            See proposed Sec.
                                             194.233(d).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Training on the Areas of Operation listed in Sec.   61.127(b)(5)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 hours of training on the areas of        No alternative.
 operation listed in Sec.   61.127(b)(5)
 that includes at least--
(1) 10 hours of instrument training using   No alternative.
 a view-limiting device including attitude
 instrument flying, partial panel skills,
 recovery from unusual flight attitudes,
 and intercepting and tracking
 navigational systems. 5 hours of the 10
 hours required on instrument training
 must be in a powered-lift.
(2) The following cross-country flights--   An applicant may complete
 One 2-hour cross country flight     all of the following cross-
 in a powered-lift in daytime conditions     country flights--
 that consists of a total straight-line      One 2-hour cross
 distance of more than 100 nautical miles    country flight in a powered-
 from the original point of departure; and   lift in daytime conditions
 One 2-hour cross country flight     that consists of a total
 in a powered-lift in nighttime conditions   straight-line distance of
 that consists of a total straight-line      more than 50 nautical miles
 distance of more than 100 nautical miles    from the original point of
 from the original point of departure; and   departure;
                                             One 2-hour cross
                                             country flight in a powered-
                                             lift in nighttime
                                             conditions that consists of
                                             a total straight-line
                                             distance of more than 50
                                             nautical miles from the
                                             original point of
                                             departure; and
                                             An additional cross-
                                             country flight with
                                             landings at a minimum of
                                             three points, with one
                                             segment consisting of a
                                             straight-line distance of
                                             at least 50 nautical miles
                                             from the original point of
                                             departure. The additional
                                             cross-country flight must
                                             include landings at
                                             different points than the
                                             first two cross-country
                                             flights.
                                            (See proposed Sec.
                                             194.211(b))
                                            See proposed Sec.
                                             194.233(a).
(3) 3 hours in a powered-lift with an       No alternative.
 authorized instructor in preparation for
 the practical test within the preceding 2
 calendar months from the month of the
 test.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Solo Flight Time or Flight Time Performing the Duties of PIC
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ten hours of solo flight time in a powered- No alternative.
 lift or 10 hours of flight time
 performing the duties of PIC in a powered-
 lift with an authorized instructor on
 board (either of which may be credited
 towards the flight time requirement under
 Sec.   61.129(e)(2), on the areas of
 operation listed in Sec.   61.127(b)(5))
 that includes--
(1) One cross-country flight of not less    An applicant may complete
 than 300 nautical miles total distance      two cross-country flights
 with landings at a minimum of three         with landings at a minimum
 points, one of which is a straight-line     of three points, with one
 distance of at least 250 nautical miles     segment consisting of a
 from the original departure point.          straight-line distance of
 However, if this requirement is being met   at least 50 nautical miles
 in Hawaii the longest segment need only     from the original point of
 have a straight-line distance of at least   departure. The second cross-
 150 nautical miles; and                     country flight must include
                                             landings at different
                                             points than the first cross
                                             country flight.
                                            See proposed Sec.
                                             194.233(b).
(2) 5 hours in night VFR conditions with    No alternative.
 10 takeoffs and 10 landings (with each
 landing involving a flight in the traffic
 pattern) at an airport with an operating
 control tower.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* To use the alternate provisions below, the applicant must receive
  training at an approved training program under part 135, 141, or 142
  for the purpose of obtaining a powered-lift category rating.

ii. Summary Tables for Obtaining an Instrument-Powered-Lift Rating
    As noted, the proposed rule language to facilitate airmen
certification for an instrument-powered-lift rating involves several
alternate experience and logging requirements. To facilitate
readability of the alternate requirements that would apply to persons
seeking powered-lift ratings, the FAA has compartmentalized the rule
language into individual sections depending on the powered-lift ratings
sought. Tables 5, 6, and 7 summarize the proposed alternate provisions
for an instrument-powered-lift rating.

  Table 5--Alternate Provisions for an Instrument-Powered-Lift Rating:
                    Test Pilots and Instructor Pilots
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Alternate
     Current flight time       Alternate provisions for   provisions for
     requirements (Sec.             test pilots *           instructor
          61.65(f))                                          pilots *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Cross-Country Time as PIC
------------------------------------------------------------------------
50 hours of cross-country     A test pilot who is not    An instructor
 time as PIC, of which 10      rated in the powered-      pilot who is
 hours must have been in a     lift may log PIC flight    not rated in
 powered-lift.                 time in the experimental   the powered-
                               powered-lift toward the    lift may log
                               10-hour cross-country      PIC flight
                               time requirement if (1)    time in the
                               the test pilot is the      experimental
                               sole manipulator of the    powered-lift
                               controls, (2) the test     towards the 10-
                               pilot acting as PIC of     hour cross-
                               the powered-lift, and      country time
                               (3) the flight is          requirement if
                               conducted for the          (1) acting as
                               purpose of R&D or          PIC of the
                               showing compliance.        powered lift,
                              See proposed Sec.           and (2) the
                               194.225(c).                flight is
                                                          conducted for
                                                          the purpose of
                                                          crew training.
                                                         See proposed
                                                          Sec.
                                                          194.227(c).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Instrument Time on the Areas of Operation listed in Sec.   61.65(c)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
40 hours of actual or         Test pilot may receive 15  In lieu of
 simulated instrument time     hours of instrument        receiving the
 in the areas of operation     training on the areas of   15 hours of
 listed in Sec.   61.65(c),    operation listed in Sec.   instrument
 of which 15 hours must have     61.65(c) from an         training on
 been received from an         instructor pilot (rather   the areas of
 authorized instructor who     than an authorized         operation
 holds an instrument-powered-  instructor) if the         listed in Sec.
 lift rating, and the          training is conducted in     61.65(c), an
 instrument time includes:     accordance with the        instructor
                               manufacturer's proposed    pilot may
                               training curriculum, and   provide this
                               test pilot receives        instrument
                               endorsement from           training to
                               instructor pilot           the test pilot
                               certifying satisfactory    in accordance
                               completion of the          with the
                               curriculum.                manufacturer's
                              See proposed Sec.           proposed
                               194.225(b)(1).             training
                                                          curriculum.
                                                          Instructor
                                                          pilot must
                                                          receive
                                                          endorsement
                                                          from
                                                          management
                                                          official
                                                          certifying
                                                          that
                                                          instructor
                                                          pilot provided
                                                          the training.
                                                         See proposed
                                                          Sec.
                                                          194.227(b)(1).
(1) 3 hours of instrument     Test pilot may accomplish  Instructor
 flight training from an       the practical test         pilot may
 authorized instructor in a    preparation with an        accomplish the
 powered-lift that is          instructor pilot (rather   practical test
 appropriate to the            than an authorized         preparation
 instrument-powered-lift       instructor).               with another
 rating within 2 calendar     See proposed Sec.           instructor
 months before the date of     194.225(b)(2).             pilot (rather
 the practical test; and.                                 than an
                                                          authorized
                                                          instructor).
                                                         See proposed
                                                          Sec.
                                                          194.227(b)(2).
(2) Instrument flight          Test pilot may
 training on cross-country     complete the cross-        Instructor
 flight procedures,            country flight with an     pilot may
 including one cross-country   instructor pilot (rather   complete the
 flight in a powered-lift      than an authorized         cross-country
 with an authorized            instructor).               flight with
 instructor that is            Instead of         another
 performed under IFR, when a   completing one cross-      instructor
 flight plan has been filed    country flight of 250      pilot (rather
 with an ATC control           nautical miles, a test     than an
 facility, that involves--     pilot may complete two     authorized
 A flight of 250       cross-country flights,     instructor).
 nautical miles along          each of which must
 airways or by directed        involve a flight of 100    Instructor
 routing from an ATC           nautical miles along       pilot may
 facility;.                    airways or by directed     complete the
 An instrument         routing from an ATC        same alternate
 approach at each airport;     facility.\1\               cross-country
 and.                         See proposed Sec.  Sec.     flights as
 Three different       194.225(b)(4) and          test pilot.
 kinds of approaches with      194.235(a).               See proposed
 the use of navigation                                    Sec.  Sec.
 systems.                                                 194.227(b)(4)
                                                          and
                                                          194.235(a).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* To use the alternate provisions below, the flights must be conducted
  in an experimental powered-lift at the manufacturer and the test
  pilots and instructor pilots must be authorized by the Administrator
  to act as PIC of the experimental powered-lift. See proposed Sec.
  Sec.   194.225(a) and 194.227(a).
\1\ The other requirements in Sec.   61.65(f)(2)(ii) would continue to
  apply for persons not utilizing the relief under proposed Sec.
  194.235(b). Thus, each cross-country flight with the reduced 100-
  nautical mile distance must be performed under IFR when a flight plan
  has been filed with an ATC facility and must involve (1) an instrument
  approach at each airport and (2) three different kinds of approaches
  with the use of navigation systems.

  Table 6--Alternate Provisions for an Instrument-Powered-Lift Rating:
    Initial Cadre of Check Pilots, Chief Instructors, Assistant Chief
               Instructors, and Training Center Evaluators
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Alternate provisions for
                                          initial cadre of check pilots,
 Current flight time requirements (Sec.   chief instructors,  assistant
                61.65(f))                 chief instructors, and TCEs *
                                              (herein referred to as
                                                   applicants)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Cross-Country Time as PIC
------------------------------------------------------------------------
50 hours of cross-country time as PIC,   An applicant who is not rated
 of which 10 hours must have been in a    in the powered-lift may log
 powered-lift.                            PIC flight time in the powered-
                                          lift towards the 10-hour cross-
                                          country time requirement for
                                          flights that are conducted in
                                          accordance with a
                                          manufacturer's training
                                          curriculum if the applicant is
                                          (1) the sole manipulator of
                                          the controls, (2) manipulating
                                          the controls of the powered-
                                          lift with an instructor pilot
                                          onboard, and (3) performing
                                          the duties of PIC.
                                         See proposed Sec.   194.229(c).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Instrument Time on the Areas of Operation listed in Sec.   61.65(c)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
40 hours of actual or simulated          An applicant may receive 15
 instrument time in the areas of          hours of instrument training
 operation listed in Sec.   61.65(c),     on the areas of operation
 of which 15 hours must have been         listed in Sec.   61.65(c) from
 received from an authorized instructor   an instructor pilot (rather
 who holds an instrument-powered-lift     than an authorized instructor)
 rating, and the instrument time          if the training is conducted
 includes:                                in accordance with the
at least--.............................   manufacturer's training
                                          curriculum, and the applicant
                                          receives endorsement from
                                          instructor pilot certifying
                                          satisfactory completion of the
                                          curriculum.
                                         See proposed Sec.
                                          194.229(b)(1).
(1) 3 hours of instrument flight         An applicant may accomplish the
 training from an authorized instructor   practical test preparation
 in a powered-lift that is appropriate    from an instructor pilot
 to the instrument-powered-lift rating    (rather than an authorized
 within 2 calendar months before the      instructor).
 date of the practical test; and.        See proposed Sec.
                                          194.229(b)(2).
(2) Instrument flight training on cross-  Applicant may complete
 country flight procedures, including     the cross-country flight with
 one cross-country flight in a powered-   an instructor pilot (rather
 lift with an authorized instructor       than an authorized
 that is performed under IFR, when a      instructor).
 flight plan has been filed with an ATC   Instead of completing
 control facility, that involves--        one cross-country flight of
 A flight of 250 nautical miles   250 nautical miles, an
 along airways or by directed routing     applicant may complete two
 from an ATC facility;.                   cross-country flights, each of
 An instrument approach at each   which must involve a flight of
 airport; and.                            100 nautical miles along
 Three different kinds of         airways or by directed routing
 approaches with the use of navigation    from an ATC facility.\1\
 systems.                                See proposed Sec.  Sec.
                                          194.229(b)(4) and 194.235(a).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* To use the alternate provisions below, the flights must be conducted
  in a type-certificated powered-lift at the manufacturer and the
  applicant must be authorized by the Administrator to serve as an
  initial check pilot, chief instructor, assistant chief instructor, or
  training center evaluator for the purpose of initiating training in a
  powered-lift under an approved training program under part 135, 141,
  or 142, as appropriate. See proposed Sec.   194.229(a).
\1\ The other requirements in Sec.   61.65(f)(2)(ii) would continue to
  apply for persons not utilizing the relief under proposed Sec.
  194.235(b). Thus, each cross-country flight with the reduced 100-
  nautical mile distance must be performed under IFR when a flight plan
  has been filed with an ATC facility and must involve (1) an instrument
  approach at each airport and (2) three different kinds of approaches
  with the use of navigation systems.

  Table 7--Alternate Provisions for an Instrument-Powered-Lift Rating:
    Persons Receiving Training Under a Part 135, 141 or 142 Approved
                            Training Program
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Alternate provisions for
                                            persons receiving training
 Current flight time requirements (Sec.   under a part 135,  141 or 142
                61.65(f))                  approved training program *
                                              (herein referred to as
                                                   applicants)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Cross-Country Time as PIC
------------------------------------------------------------------------
50 hours of cross-country time as PIC,   An applicant may credit up to 4
 of which 10 hours must have been in a    hours obtained in a level C or
 powered-lift.                            higher FFS toward the
                                          requirement to obtain 10 hours
                                          of cross-country time as PIC
                                          in a powered-lift if (1) the
                                          FFS represents the powered-
                                          lift category, (2) the
                                          applicant was performing the
                                          duties of PIC, (3) the flight
                                          simulates a cross-country
                                          flight and includes the
                                          performance of instrument
                                          procedures under simulated
                                          instrument conditions and (3)
                                          the flights are conducted in
                                          accordance with an approved
                                          training program under part
                                          135, 141 or 142.
                                         See proposed Sec.   194.231(c).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Instrument Time on the Areas of Operation listed in Sec.   61.65(c)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
40 hours of actual or simulated          No alternative.
 instrument time in the areas of
 operation listed in Sec.   61.65(c),
 of which 15 hours must have been
 received from an authorized instructor
 who holds an instrument-powered-lift
 rating, and the instrument time
 includes:
at least--.............................
(1) 3 hours of instrument flight         No alternative.
 training from an authorized instructor
 in a powered-lift that is appropriate
 to the instrument-powered-lift rating
 within 2 calendar months before the
 date of the practical test; and

(2) Instrument flight training on cross- Instead of completing one cross-
 country flight procedures, including     country flight of 250 nautical
 one cross-country flight in a powered-   miles, an applicant may
 lift with an authorized instructor       complete two cross-country
 that is performed under IFR, when a      flights, each of which must
 flight plan has been filed with an ATC   involve a flight of 100
 control facility, that involves--        nautical miles along airways
 A flight of 250 nautical miles   or by directed routing from an
 along airways or by directed routing     ATC facility.\1\
 from an ATC facility;.                  See proposed Sec.  Sec.
 An instrument approach at each   194.231(b) and 194.235(a).
 airport; and.
 Three different kinds of
 approaches with the use of navigation
 systems.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* To use the alternate provisions below, the applicant must receive
  training at an approved training program under part 135, 141, or 142
  for the purpose of obtaining a powered-lift category rating.
\1\ The other requirements in Sec.   61.65(f)(2)(ii) would continue to
  apply for persons not utilizing the relief under proposed Sec.
  194.235(b). Thus, each cross-country flight with the reduced 100-
  nautical mile distance must be performed under IFR when a flight plan
  has been filed with an ATC facility and must involve (1) an instrument
  approach at each airport and (2) three different kinds of approaches
  with the use of navigation systems.

6. Alternate Endorsement Requirements for Certain Persons Seeking
Powered-Lift Ratings
    Part 61 requires an applicant for a certificate or rating to
receive certain endorsements from an authorized instructor. For
example, an applicant must receive an endorsement from an authorized
instructor certifying that the person has received training on the
areas of operation applicable to the certificate or rating sought. An
applicant is also required to receive a solo flight endorsement from an
authorized instructor pursuant to Sec.  61.31(d)(2). Additionally, to
be eligible to take a practical test for a certificate or rating, an
applicant must have an endorsement from an authorized instructor
certifying that the applicant has received and logged training time
within 2 calendar months preceding the month of the practical test and
is prepared to take the required practical test.
    Under Sec.  61.51(h), a person may log training time when that
person receives training from an authorized instructor in an aircraft,
full flight simulator, flight training device, or aviation training
device. The training time must be endorsed in a legible manner by the
authorized instructor and include a description of the training given,
the length of the training lesson, and the authorized instructor's
signature, certificate number, and certificate expiration date. Section
61.1(b) defines ``authorized instructor,'' in pertinent part, as a
person who holds a flight instructor certificate issued under part 61
and is in compliance with Sec.  61.197, when conducting ground training
or flight training in accordance with the privileges and limitations of
his or her flight instructor certificate. Section 61.195(b), which
prescribes flight instructor limitations, restricts a flight instructor
from conducting training in an aircraft unless the flight instructor
holds the appropriate ratings on their flight instructor certificate.
    As previously discussed, the SFAR would permit test pilots and the
initial cadre of instructors who will provide training under the
approved training program to receive training from an instructor pilot
at the manufacturer for the purpose of adding powered-lift ratings to a
commercial pilot certificate even though the instructor pilot does not
meet the current definition of ``authorized instructor'' in FAA
regulations. Because the initial cadre of instructors would also add
powered-lift rating to their flight instructor certificate, these
persons would also be required to receive the training and endorsements
required under subpart H of part 61 from the instructor pilot. In
addition to the training and endorsements for test pilots and the
initial cadre of instructors by instructor pilots, the SFAR would
permit the instructor pilots to credit the training they provide under
the manufacturer's curriculum toward the training requirements for the
instructor pilots' own powered-lift ratings.
    An instructor pilot at a powered-lift manufacturer may not hold a
flight instructor certificate with powered-lift ratings when providing
training under the alternate requirements in part 194. Thus, without
relief in the SFAR, certain instructor pilots would be prohibited under
part 61 from providing logbook or training record endorsements
certifying that they have provided the required training in accordance
with the manufacturer's training curriculum and the pilot is prepared
for the practical test. The FAA is, therefore, proposing in Sec.
194.213 to permit instructor pilots to provide the required logbook or
training record endorsements contained in part 61 for a commercial
pilot certificate with a powered-lift category rating, an instrument-
powered-lift rating, a powered-lift type rating, or a flight instructor
certificate with powered-lift ratings. This privilege to provide
endorsements, however, extends only to applicants who are (1) test
pilots or instructor pilots, or (2) persons authorized by the
Administrator to serve as an initial check pilot, chief instructor,
assistant chief instructor, or TCE for the purpose of initiating
training in a powered-lift under an approved training program under
part 135, 141, or 142.
    With respect to applicants for a practical test who are instructor
pilots, the FAA is proposing an alternate experience requirement that
would require an instructor pilot to receive training in preparation
for the practical test from another instructor pilot at the
manufacturer. Therefore, when an instructor pilot provides an
endorsement to another instructor pilot, that endorsement would certify
that the applicant is prepared for the practical test. Consistent with
the current prohibition in Sec.  61.195(i), which prohibits a flight
instructor from making any self-endorsements for a certificate, rating
or practical test, the FAA finds it would be inappropriate to permit
the instructor pilot to make a self-endorsement. Therefore, the FAA is
proposing to require the instructor pilot to receive an endorsement
from a management official within the manufacturer's organization
certifying that the instructor pilot has provided the manufacturer's
training curriculum to a test pilot in accordance with the proposed
alternate experience requirements in the SFAR. To certify that the
instructor pilot has provided the training, the management official

must hold a position within the organization that enables the
management official to have knowledge of the training content provided.

F. Training in an Approved Program Under Parts 135, 141, and 142

    In section E of this preamble, the FAA proposes alternate logging
requirements for a person to obtain a powered-lift category rating and
an instrument-powered-lift rating on their commercial certificate. To
be eligible for the some of the alternate requirements, the proposal
requires that a pilot must satisfactorily complete the applicable
curricula for those ratings in an approved training program under part
135, 141, or 142. After completion of the approved curricula, a person
must satisfactorily complete the applicable practical test to obtain
powered-lift ratings.\172\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \172\ As discussed later in this section, the FAA is proposing
to allow pilots to complete part 135 testing and checking activity
in lieu of the practical test for powered-lift ratings at the
commercial pilot certificate level.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As discussed in more detail later in this section, part 141 pilot
schools and part 142 training centers are structured to provide
alternate methods to obtain training and testing for part 61
certification. These parts contain specific requirements governing
curriculum approval, facilities, and personnel. The part 61 training
and certification activity at a part 141 pilot school or a part 142
training center is not limited to a particular certificate level,
meaning they are able to conduct training and administer practical
tests that result in the issuance of a commercial pilot certificate
with category and class ratings, instrument ratings, and type ratings
if they have approved courses for the certificate and ratings, the
appropriate facilities, and instructors who meet the qualification
requirements of the respective parts. Further, existing provisions in
parts 141 and 142 also permit certain employees of the part 141 pilot
school or part 142 training center to be designated to conduct
practical tests on behalf of the FAA. This training and certification
activity at part 141 pilot schools and part 142 training centers is
appropriate as these air agencies were established as an alternate
means to conduct part 61 training and testing.
    By contrast, there is currently no provision to allow a part 135
operator to conduct training and testing for a commercial pilot
certificate or to add category and class ratings or instrument ratings
to a commercial pilot certificate. This limitation on training and
testing for part 61 certification is appropriate because part 135
training and checking requirements are not structured to achieve airman
certification but rather are structured to qualify pilots to serve in a
particular aircraft in the operational environment of part 135.\173\
Historically, airplane and helicopter pilots would have no need to
receive commercial pilot certification training at a part 135 operator
because these pilots hold the appropriate certificates and ratings
before employment at the operator, since these certificates and ratings
are the minimum regulatory requirements to serve as a pilot at a part
135 operator. As such, these pilots would have obtained these minimum
certificates and ratings through the traditional building block
approach to airman certification discussed earlier.
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    \173\ Since 2014, part 135 operators have had the option to
obtain approval to provide the Airline Transport Pilot Certification
Training Program (ATP CTP), which is a prerequisite for the ATP
knowledge test. 14 CFR 135.336.
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    While a part 135 operator may not conduct part 61 training and
testing, the FAA has acknowledged in regulation that certain training,
testing, and checking activity in part 135 may be accepted in lieu of
meeting part 61 requirements. For example, Sec.  61.157(c) permits an
employee of a part 135 operator to forgo the part 61 training and
endorsements required under part 61 for an aircraft type rating to be
added to an ATP certificate or an aircraft type rating to be obtained
concurrently with an ATP certificate provided the applicant presents a
training record that shows completion of that certificate holder's
approved training program for the aircraft type rating. The part 135
operator is not obligated to change any aspect of its part 135 training
program to align with the part 61 requirements. Rather, part 61 accepts
the part 135 training activity in lieu of meeting the part 61 training
requirement for a type rating. In addition to accepting part 135
training for part 61 purposes, Sec.  61.157(f) allows the completion of
part 135 competency and instrument proficiency checks to meet the
flight proficiency requirements of a practical test but only for the
issuance of an ATP certificate with appropriate aircraft ratings. To
result in certification, the checks must be conducted by an FAA
Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI), an Aircrew Program Designee (APD), or
a TCE.
    Even at the commercial pilot certificate level, Sec.
61.63(d)(6)(ii) allows an employee of a part 135 operator to credit
training in the operator's approved training program toward training
and endorsements required by part 61 to obtain a type rating on a
commercial pilot certificate. Unlike the ATP certificate, however,
Sec.  61.63(d)(6) does not allow the part 135 competency and instrument
proficiency checks to count for the type rating practical test. Rather,
the applicant must complete the practical test with a designated pilot
examiner (DPE) or ASI under part 61, and the test must be consistent
with the applicable type rating testing standard.\174\
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    \174\ For example, for an airplane type rating, the practical
test must be consistent with the Airline Transport and Type Rating
for Airplane ACS or the Airline Transport Pilot and Aircraft Type
Rating PTS for Helicopter.
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    The following sections discuss the FAA's proposals for training
pilots for powered-lift ratings under approved programs at parts 135,
141, and 142 and how a part 135 operator may opt to conduct this
training to ensure that its pilots obtain the proper powered-lift
ratings on their commercial pilot certificates to serve in part 135
powered-lift operations.
1. Part 135
    As noted, part 135 training and checking is designed to qualify a
pilot to serve in a particular aircraft in the specific operation the
part 135 operator is authorized to conduct. For airplanes and
helicopters, a part 135 pilot generally holds the minimum certificate
and ratings for the type of operations being conducted by the operator
when they are hired. The minimum certificates and ratings ensure the
pilot has the foundational aeronautical knowledge and skills required
of a pilot serving in commercial operations, and the part 135 training
and checking, which is specific to the aircraft and the authorized
operations, ensures that the pilot is qualified for the operational
environment of part 135. The part 135 training and checking includes
the operational policies and procedures specific to the operator, such
as crew resource management, flight planning procedures, authorized
approach procedures, and operations in weather conditions like icing
conditions.
i. Airman Certification Training Curricula
    The FAA is proposing a temporary provision in Sec.  194.243(a)(1)
to allow a part 135 operator who obtains authorization to conduct
powered-lift operations to seek approval to establish and implement a
training curriculum to satisfy the following: (1) ground training,
flight training, and aeronautical experience requirements in Sec.
61.65 for the addition of an instrument-powered-lift rating to a
commercial pilot certificate; \175\ (2)

ground training, flight training, and aeronautical experience
requirements in Sec.  61.63(b) for the addition of an aircraft category
rating to a commercial pilot certificate; and (3) ground and flight
training requirements in Sec.  61.63(d) to add a type rating to a
commercial pilot certificate.
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    \175\ Some part 135 operators will conduct only VFR operations.
As described in section V.J of this preamble, the FAA is proposing
that powered-lift pilots conducting VFR operations must nevertheless
hold an instrument-powered-lift rating similar to the instrument-
airplane rating that is required for pilots conducting part 135 VFR
airplane operations. Because powered-lift pilots will be required to
hold an instrument rating even when performing under VFR, the FAA is
proposing to allow part 135 operators to provide training for
instrument ratings under an approved airman certification
curriculum.
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    The FAA understands that, unlike airplanes and helicopters, a part
135 operator conducting powered-lift operations may not be able to hire
pilots who hold the necessary powered-lift category ratings on their
commercial pilot certificates. Therefore, the FAA proposes to allow a
part 135 operator to provide ground and flight training to meet the
requirements of Sec. Sec.  61.125(b), 61.127(b)(5), and 61.129(e) for a
powered-lift category rating; \176\ Sec.  61.65(b), (c), and (f) for an
instrument-powered-lift rating; and Sec.  61.63(d) for an aircraft type
rating. A part 135 operator would not be required to offer this part 61
training. Nevertheless, this proposal allows part 135 operators the
flexibility to determine whether providing such training is necessary
to develop a sufficient number of qualified pilots for its operations.
The FAA envisions that the pilots would complete the certification
training before transitioning to the operator's part 135 training;
however, the FAA would approve one curriculum if it meets all of the
part 61 aeronautical experience requirements and the part 135 training
requirements.
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    \176\ Other than the relief proposed in the SFAR, there is no
regulatory relief to obtaining an additional category rating on an
existing pilot certificate. Section 61.63(b) requires a person
applying for a new category rating to complete all of the training
and have the applicable aeronautical experience for the certificate
and ratings. As such, Sec.  61.63(b) requires an applicant to meet
the requirements in Sec. Sec.  61.125, 61.127, and 61.129 to add a
powered-lift category rating to an existing commercial pilot
certificate. By contrast, a person adding a class rating must only
obtain a logbook or training record endorsement from an authorized
instructor attesting that the person was found competent in the
appropriate aeronautical knowledge areas and proficient in the
appropriate areas of operation, without meeting the applicable
aeronautical experience requirements for the class rating.
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    A part 135 operator who wants to provide this type of training to
its pilots would submit their curricula to the responsible Flight
Standards Office for approval in accordance with Sec.  135.325. The FAA
has determined that additional and updated inspector guidance will be
needed for Flight Standards Offices to ensure consistency with all
powered-lift operators' certification curricula.
ii. Curriculum Content
    As previously discussed, an applicant for powered-lift ratings at
the commercial pilot level would be required to meet the part 61
requirements or the alternate requirements proposed in new part 194.
These requirements involve foundational ground and flight training and
aeronautical experience that normally would not be included in a part
135 training curriculum. For example, a part 135 operator would not
require its pilots to obtain solo flight time or cross-country flight
time as is required for powered-lift commercial pilot certification.
Moreover, the operator's training curriculum may not involve certain
tasks and maneuvers in the ACS for a category rating or instrument
rating. For example, the Commercial Pilot--Airplane ACS requires pilots
to complete chandelles and lazy eights to add an airplane category with
a single-engine land or single-engine sea class rating to a commercial
pilot certificate. The purpose of testing these performance maneuvers
is to conduct a basic evaluation of a pilot's proficiency in flight
control application, maneuver planning, situational awareness, and
division of attention.\177\ However, these performance maneuvers serve
no operational purpose in part 135 operations and would not be
conducted during routine part 135 operations. Therefore, a part 135
operator would not generally include these maneuvers in their part 135
training curriculum.
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    \177\ Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3), Chapter 10.
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    Nevertheless, under proposed Sec.  194.243(a), an operator would be
able to seek approval to offer this type of training in conjunction
with its part 135 operator training to qualify its pilots for part 135
operations. The airman certification curriculum would be required to
satisfy the aeronautical experience requirements (including the 20
hours of training) in Sec.  61.129(e) (as required by Sec.  61.63(b))
or the applicable alternate requirements set forth by proposed part