FAA Regulations Quick Reference 2026 — Every Pilot Rule Summarized
The most comprehensive FAA regulation reference on the internet. Every key FAR organized by certificate type — currency requirements, medical standards, flight time minimums, and weather minimums in clean, searchable tables.
Updated March 2026 · Sources: 14 CFR Parts 61, 91, 107, 117, 119, 121, 135
150+
Part 61 Sections
200+
Part 91 Sections
6
License Types Covered
Mar 2026
Last Updated
Student Pilot
5 key regulations
Currency Requirements
- Valid student pilot certificate (no expiration)
- Current solo endorsement from CFI (90-day validity)
- Pre-solo knowledge test completed and logged
- Pre-solo flight training in make/model within 90 days
Medical Requirements
- 3rd Class Medical or BasicMed required for solo
- Under 40: valid 60 months
- 40 or older: valid 24 months
- BasicMed: valid 48 months with online course every 24 months
Flight Time Requirements
- No minimum hours for certificate issuance
- Solo cross-country: min 150 nm total distance, 3 full-stop landings
- Solo requirements: 61.87 — proficiency in all maneuvers for the aircraft category
- Night solo: specific endorsement required per 61.87(o)
Weather Minimums
- Day VFR only unless night endorsement given
- Class B solo: specific CFI endorsement per 61.95
- Class C/D solo: ATC communication + endorsement
- Cross-country solo: CFI endorsement for each flight per 61.93
| FAR | Title |
|---|---|
| 14 CFR 61.83 | Eligibility 16 years old (17 for glider/balloon), read/speak English, hold medical or BasicMed |
| 14 CFR 61.87 | Solo Requirements Pre-solo knowledge test + flight training + CFI endorsement in make/model |
| 14 CFR 61.89 | Solo Limitations No passengers, no compensation, visibility/ceiling per CFI endorsement |
| 14 CFR 61.93 | Solo Cross-Country CFI endorsement per flight, min 150 nm with 3 full-stop landings |
| 14 CFR 61.95 | Class B Airspace Solo Specific ground + flight training, CFI endorsement for each Class B airport |
14 CFR 61.83Eligibility — 16 years old (17 for glider/balloon), read/speak English, hold medical or BasicMed
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age for powered aircraft (14 for glider or balloon). Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. Must hold at least a 3rd class medical certificate or comply with BasicMed requirements.
14 CFR 61.87Solo Requirements — Pre-solo knowledge test + flight training + CFI endorsement in make/model
Before solo, a student must receive and log flight training in the make/model aircraft, pass a pre-solo written test administered by the CFI, and receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor for solo flight within the preceding 90 days.
14 CFR 61.89Solo Limitations — No passengers, no compensation, visibility/ceiling per CFI endorsement
A student pilot may not act as PIC of an aircraft carrying passengers or property for compensation. May not act as PIC unless the student has a current solo endorsement and meets all limitations set by the instructor.
14 CFR 61.93Solo Cross-Country — CFI endorsement per flight, min 150 nm with 3 full-stop landings
Solo cross-country flights require an endorsement for each flight or repeated flights over a reviewed route. The student must have received training in cross-country flight planning, navigation, and emergency procedures.
14 CFR 61.95Class B Airspace Solo — Specific ground + flight training, CFI endorsement for each Class B airport
Operating in Class B airspace or at a Class B primary airport requires specific ground and flight training plus a logbook endorsement from the instructor for the specific Class B airspace or airport.
VFR Weather Minimums — Complete Reference
Per 14 CFR 91.155 — Memorize this table for your checkride and written exams
| Airspace | Visibility | Cloud Clearance |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | N/A (IFR only) | N/A |
| Class B | 3 SM | Clear of clouds |
| Class C | 3 SM | 500 below, 1,000 above, 2,000 horizontal |
| Class D | 3 SM | 500 below, 1,000 above, 2,000 horizontal |
| Class E (<10,000 MSL) | 3 SM | 500 below, 1,000 above, 2,000 horizontal |
| Class E (at/above 10,000 MSL) | 5 SM | 1,000 below, 1,000 above, 1 SM horizontal |
| Class G (Day, <1,200 AGL) | 1 SM | Clear of clouds |
| Class G (Night, <1,200 AGL) | 3 SM | 500 below, 1,000 above, 2,000 horizontal |
| Class G (Day, 1,200-10,000 AGL) | 1 SM | 500 below, 1,000 above, 2,000 horizontal |
| Class G (Night, 1,200-10,000 AGL) | 3 SM | 500 below, 1,000 above, 2,000 horizontal |
| Class G (above 10,000 MSL) | 5 SM | 1,000 below, 1,000 above, 1 SM horizontal |
All cloud clearances in feet unless noted. SM = statute miles. Source: 14 CFR 91.155
Medical Certificate Comparison
Duration and privileges by class — know exactly what you need
| Class | Under 40 | 40 or Older | Privileges |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Class | 12 months | 6 months | ATP / Part 121 PIC |
| 2nd Class | 12 months | 12 months | Commercial operations |
| 3rd Class | 60 months | 24 months | Private pilot, student pilot |
| BasicMed | 48 months* | 48 months* | Private + limited (6 seat, 6,000 lbs, <18,000 ft, <250 kts, US) |
*BasicMed requires online medical course every 24 months. Physical exam every 48 months. Must have held a valid medical at some point after July 14, 2006.
Don't just read the regs — master them
Practice 2,200+ FAA Exam Questions
Every regulation on this page is tested on the FAA knowledge exams. Study with realistic practice questions, AI-powered explanations, and mock exams. Starting at $7.49/mo with code PILOT50.
Related Resources
FAA Written Exam Prep
Pass your written exam on the first try
Free Practice Test
Test your knowledge with 10 free questions
Private Pilot Guide
Step-by-step PPL roadmap
Instrument Rating Guide
Everything about the IFR rating
Part 107 Study Guide
Pass the drone pilot exam
Checkride Guide
Prepare for your practical test
Important Disclaimer
This quick reference is for educational and study purposes only. It is not a substitute for reading the actual Federal Aviation Regulations. Always consult the current edition of 14 CFR (available at ecfr.gov) for the legally binding text. Regulations may change — verify currency with the FAA. Rotate is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Know a student pilot who needs this? Share it!