14 CFR Part 61 covers regulations that apply to the certification of pilots, as well as flight training and examinations.

The Flight Instructor knowledge test and oral exam cover various topics that are defined in Part 61.

Unfortunately, while Part 61 is the final authority on these matters, it's a difficult document to read, since it's fragmented in order to function as a legal standard. CFI candidates will need to know how to find specific information, particularly when using Part 61 as a reference during the oral exam.

The good news is that the FAA maintains Advisory Circular 61-65, which is far more legible than Part 61 and is meant to provide guidance to pilots, instructors, and examiners. CFI candidates can expect to rely on AC 61-65 as a key reference document during the oral exam.

Student Pilots must be at least 16 years of age (14 for glider or balloon). They also must read, speak, and understand English.

Student pilots can apply for a Student Pilot Certificate using IACRA Form 8710-1, using a paper form or online. This can be submitted to a FSDO, a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), a CFI, or a Part 141 Airman Certification Representative.

Student Pilots must pass a knowledge exam before they are permitted to solo that covers subjects required by regulation.

Student pilots must log minimum required training before solo, required by regulation. If a student is endorsed for night solo, additional requirements are stated in the regulations.

Student pilots operating solo are restricted by endorsements provided by their instructor(s).

Student pilots are prohibited from several activities, including taking passengers, flying for compensation/hire/in furtherance of a business, flight "over the top," Special VFR, LAHSO, etc.

There are several requirements regarding student pilots flying solo cross-country.

There are specific requirements for student pilots operating in Class B airspace.

The Recreational Pilot certificate isn't a popular training goal because of its restrictions. There are several differences between Recreational and Private privileges. Two of the biggest ones are that Recreational Pilots may only fly with one passenger, and they are not permitted to fly between sunset and sunrise. These restrictions cannot be altered by endorsements.

The distance and airspace restrictions can be altered by endorsements, but this requires a Recreational Pilot to receive specific training for most non-routine operations.

Recreational pilots may act as PIC within 50 NM from the departure airport, provided that they have received ground and flight training specific to that airport. They also must obtain a logbook endorsement for this training, and they must have the logbook in their possession while acting as PIC.

Recreational pilots who intend to act as PIC more than 50 NM from the departure airport must receive additional training and a logbook endorsement (again, in their possession as PIC).

Recreational pilots who intend to operate in Class A, B, C, or D airspace must receive additional training and a logbook endorsement (again, in their possession as PIC).

Recreational pilots may not operate:

• an aircraft that is certificated for more than four occupants;
• an aircraft that has more than one engine;
• for hire or in furtherance of a business;
• between sunset and sunrise;
• above 10,000 MSL (unless within 2,000 AGL);
• "over the top";
• outside the United States;
• for purposes of sales demonstration or charity;
• a towplane;
• as a required crew-member on any airplane that requires more than one crew.

Private pilots must be 17 years of age (16 for glider or balloon).

They are required to receive specific instruction in aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency. (61.105 and 61.107)

They also are required to gain specific aeronautical experience before taking a Private Pilot practical test. (61.109)

Only student pilots in Alaska may take the Private Pilot practical test without the required night flight training.

Private pilots may not operate for compensation or hire. They are permitted to fly in furtherance of a business, if the flight is incidental to the business.

Private pilots may:

• split operating expenses with passengers, provided they pay a minimum pro rata share.
• fly for charities and non-profits (per 91.146).
• be reimbursed for search-and-rescue operating expenses.
• offer demonstration flights for purposes of aircraft sales, provided they have 200 flight hours.
• fly towplanes (per 61.69).

Commercial pilots must be 18 years of age.

They are required to receive specific instruction in aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency. (61.125 and 61.127)

They also are required to gain specific aeronautical experience before taking a Commercial Pilot practical test. (61.129)

Commercial pilots may operate for compensation or hire.

Commercial Pilots who do not hold an Instrument Rating are not permitted to carry passengers:

• on cross-country flights of more than 50 NM;
• at night.

Flight instructors must be at least 18 years old.

A flight instructor must sign the logbook of each person to whom that instructor has given flight training or ground training.

A flight instructor must maintain a record in a logbook or a separate document the following. The records must be retained for three years:

• The name of each person whose logbook that instructor has endorsed for solo flight privileges, and the date of the endorsement;
• The name of each person that instructor has endorsed for a knowledge test or practical test, and the record shall also indicate the kind of test, the date, and the results.

A person who holds a flight instructor certificate is authorized to accept an application for a student pilot certificate.

In any 24-consecutive-hour period, a flight instructor may not conduct more than 8 hours of flight training.

A flight instructor may not endorse a student pilot's logbook for solo flight privileges, unless that flight instructor has given that student the flight training required for solo flight privileges required by this part and determined that the student is prepared to conduct the flight safely.

A flight instructor may not endorse a student pilot's logbook for a solo cross-country flight, unless that flight instructor has determined the student's flight preparation, planning, equipment, and proposed procedures are adequate for the proposed flight.

A flight instructor may not endorse a student pilot's logbook for solo flight in a Class B airspace area or at an airport within Class B airspace unless that flight instructor has Given that student ground and flight training in that Class B airspace or at that airport and determined that the student is proficient to operate the aircraft safely.

The ground training provided to an initial applicant for a flight instructor certificate must be given by an authorized instructor who:

• holds a ground or flight instructor certificate with the appropriate rating, has held that certificate for at least 24 calendar months, and has given at least 40 hours of ground training; or
• holds a ground or flight instructor certificate with the appropriate rating, and has given at least 100 hours of ground training in an FAA-approved course.

A flight instructor who provides flight training to an initial applicant for a flight instructor (airplane) certificate must:

• have held a flight instructor certificate for at least 24 calendar months; and
• have given at least 200 hours of flight training as a flight instructor.

Sport Pilots must be at least 17 years old (16 years old for glider or balloon). They are required to pass a knowledge test and a practical test.

Light Sport pilots are permitted to operate Light Sport aircraft.

Light Sport pilots are not permitted to:

• fly for compensation or hire;
• fly in furtherance of a business;
• carry more than one passenger;
• fly at night;
• operate in Class A airspace;
• fly in Class B, C, or D airspace without additional training;
• fly outside the United States;
• demonstrate aircraft for prospective buyers;
• fly higher than 10,000 MSL (unless within 2,000 AGL);
• fly "over the top";
• fly passenger airlift for charity;
• tow any object;
• act as a required crew-member on any airplane that requires more than one crew.

Sport Pilot certificates do not list aircraft category and class ratings. The FAA provides Sport Pilots with a logbook endorsement for the category and class of aircraft in which they are authorized to act as pilot in command.

To operate any additional category or class of light-sport aircraft, Sport Pilots must receive logbook endorsements on aeronautical knowledge and proficiency checks. (61.321)

Sport Pilots who seek privileges to operate a light-sport aircraft in Class B, C, or D airspace must receive and log ground and flight training.