For operations involving a high-performance airplane, prior to acting as pilot in command, a pilot must have what?

To act as pilot in command of a high-performance airplane, a pilot must have a high-performance endorsement. This endorsement is crucial because it ensures that the pilot has received the necessary training to operate aircraft equipped with complex systems and higher power outputs. High-performance airplanes typically have engines with greater than 200 horsepower and may feature advanced avionics and systems that require specialized handling and knowledge.

The endorsement indicates that the pilot has demonstrated proficiency and understanding of the particular flying characteristics and operational demands of high-performance aircraft. This training helps to enhance safety and operational effectiveness, ensuring that pilots are well-prepared to handle the unique challenges presented by these types of airplanes.

In contrast to obtaining a high-performance endorsement, additional qualifications like special insurance coverage or a second-in-command rating, while potentially beneficial and relevant in certain contexts, do not specifically address the pilot's competency and readiness to operate high-performance aircraft. Specific flight experience is important, but without the endorsement, a pilot may not legally act as pilot in command of these aircraft, as the endorsement is a formal requirement defined by aviation regulations.