Complex Airplanes
A complex airplane is one with all of the following:
- Retractable landing gear
- Flaps
- A controllable pitch propeller (including airplanes with a FADEC)
To act as PIC of a complex airplane, a pilot must:
- Receive ground and flight training in a complex airplane or simulator
- Been found proficient in its systems and operation
- Receive a one-time endorsement in his or her logbook
High Performance Airplanes
A high performance airplane is one with an engine of more than 200 horsepower.
To act as PIC of a high performance airplane, a pilot must:
- Receive ground and flight training in a high-performance airplane or simulator
- Been found proficient in its systems and operation
- Receive a one-time endorsement in his or her logbook
Pressurized Airplanes
To act as PIC of a pressurized airplane (one that has a service ceiling or maximum operating altitude above 25,000'), a pilot must:
- Receive ground training
- Receive flight training in a pressurized aircraft or simulator
- Been found proficient in its systems and operation, including:
- Normal cruise above 25,000'
- Emergency procedure for rapid decompression
- Emergency descent procedures
- Receive a one-time endorsement in his or her logbook
Tailwheel Airplanes
To act as PIC of a tailwheel airplane a pilot must:
- Receive flight training in a tailwheel airplane
- Been found proficient in its operation, including:
- Normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings
- Wheel landings
- Go-around procedures
- Receive a one-time endorsement in his or her logbook