Far 61.56

[SkykingC310]

Specifically, (d)...operating privilege...

My question is this: What is the proper definition of the term "operating privilege"?

Actually, the question that stemmed this entire discussion was this: Does my complex endorsement or my high performance endorsement reset the clock as far as the BFR is concerned?

I understand what a pilot certificate is - Private, Commercial
I understand what a rating is - Instrument, Multi

I do not understand what an operating privilege is.

It seems logical to classify an endorsement as an operating privilege.

I dunno...I'm stumped.

[Denny of Oakland]

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
14 CFR, PART 61
61.56 Flight review


QUESTION: Does it make any difference whether the pilot passed a pilot competency check vs. a “pilot proficiency check.”

ANSWER: Ref. §61.56(d); Per §61.56(d), in order to be relieved from accomplishing a flight review, it requires the pilot to have “passed a pilot proficiency check conducted by .approved check airmen for a pilot certificate, rating, or operating privilege.” Regardless whether the check is called a “pilot competency check” or a “pilot proficiency check,” the check must involve piloting skills which means the check must involve an evaluation of the pilot as the sole manipulator of the controls [hands-on the controls] at the pilot certification level appropriate to the pilot certificate and ratings held. A pilot proficiency check is not copying clearances and changing radios. The phrase “pilot competency check” and the phrase “pilot proficiency check” are normally used interchangeably to mean the same thing. The definitions in 14 CFR Parts 1 and 61 do not differentiate between the phrase “pilot competency check” and the phrase “pilot proficiency check.” The only definition is for the term “practical test” [see §61.1(b)(13)]. But again, whatever the check is called (i.e., a “pilot competency check” or a “pilot proficiency check”), the check must involve piloting skills which means the check must involve an evaluation of the pilot as the sole manipulator of the controls [hands-on the controls] at the pilot certification level appropriate to the pilot certificate and rating held.
{Q&A-534}

I did some reading and about “operating privilege” and from what I have read it is related to a sport pilot, glider pilots, foreign pilots and tour operators. Additional information can be following AC’s and FAA Orders.

AC 61-98 CURRENCY AND ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFIED PILOTS.

AC 61-65 Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground
Para. 31 (d). As per section 61.31(j)(2), the holder of a glider rating issued prior to August 4, 1997, is considered to be in compliance with the training and logbook endorsement requirements of this paragraph for the specific operating privilege for which the holder is already qualified.

AC 136-1 COMMERCIAL AIR TOUR OPERATIONS CONDUCTED OVER NATIONAL PARKS AND TRIBAL LANDS.
e. The Letter of Agreement. After coordination with the Park Superintendent, the FSDO may issue an LOA to the operator.
(1) Contents. The LOA contains the following provisions, as applicable:
(h) Notice that the LOA is not a property interest but rather an operating privilege that can be modified or revoked by the FAA.

FAA Order 8700 /Vol. 2, chapter 29 ISSUE A PILOT CERTIFICATE ON THE BASIS OF A FOREIGN LICENSE
The instrument rating is not issued at a certain pilot certification level because the instrument rating is merely a rating/operating privilege.

I would suggest you contact your local FSDO and request to speak to an Operations Inspector who can answer your questions.

Denny of Oakland