What must a recreational or private pilot have in their possession when acting as PIC?

• A. Medical Certificate If Required And Pilot Certificate
• B. Only Pilot Certificate
• C. Only Medical Certificate
• D. Flight Plan

Answer: (A)

When you’re acting as PIC, you must be able to prove you’re legally allowed to fly and medically fit to do so. That means carrying your valid pilot certificate and a medical certificate if one is required for the flight. The two together confirm you’re authorized to operate the aircraft and meet the medical standards to do so. A flight plan isn’t a blanket requirement just to act as PIC for recreational or private flights, and carrying only one of the certificates doesn’t meet the requirement. (If you qualify for BasicMed, you can substitute that for the traditional medical certificate, but you still must have the appropriate documentation showing your medical qualification.)