When must a current pilot certificate be in the pilot's personal possession or readily accessible in the aircraft?

• A. Anytime When Acting As PIC Or As A Required Crewmember
• B. Only During Flight Tests
• C. Only When Carrying Passengers
• D. Only If Requested By Air Traffic Control

Answer: (A)

You must have your current pilot certificate with you or readily accessible in the aircraft whenever you are acting as PIC or as a required crewmember. This requirement exists so authorities can quickly verify you’re properly certificated for the flight, at any time during operations. It isn’t limited to flight tests, or to flights with passengers, and it isn’t contingent on ATC requests—the certificate must be available for inspection during normal operations. Keep the certificate on your person or in the cockpit in a place where it can be produced quickly if asked.