FAA Ground School Practice Test

What is the minimum certificate required for a pilot to flight test an aircraft that has undergone significant alterations?

1. Commercial Pilot certificate

2. Private Pilot certificate

3. Flight Instructor certificate

4. Airline Transport Pilot certificate

The correct answer is: Private Pilot certificate

To conduct a flight test on an aircraft that has undergone significant alterations, the pilot must hold a Private Pilot certificate at a minimum. This is because a Private Pilot is authorized to act as pilot-in-command of an aircraft, provided they have received proper training and endorsement for that specific aircraft. Flight testing is crucial for evaluating how modifications affect the aircraft's performance, handling qualities, and safety. While higher-level certificates like the Commercial Pilot certificate or Airline Transport Pilot certificate provide additional privileges and endorsements, they are not a minimum requirement in this specific context. Moreover, a Flight Instructor certificate pertains more to training and instructing other pilots rather than directly involving flight testing newly altered aircraft. Thus, holding a valid Private Pilot certificate ensures that the pilot has met the necessary standards of training and knowledge to safely operate the aircraft post-alteration.