What is required to serve as pilot in command of an airplane certified for more than one pilot?

To serve as pilot in command of an airplane certified for more than one pilot, completing a pilot-in-command proficiency check within the preceding 12 months is essential. This proficiency check ensures that the pilot is up-to-date with the specific flight operations, systems, and emergency procedures of the aircraft type being flown. It verifies that the pilot possesses the necessary skills and knowledge required not only for safety but also for compliance with regulatory standards set by aviation authorities.

This requirement is part of the broader framework of aviation regulations that emphasize safety and currency in piloting multi-crew aircraft. Maintaining proficiency is crucial in ensuring that pilots are prepared to handle the complexities associated with flying more advanced and larger aircraft, where teamwork and coordination between crew members are vital.

While obtaining the necessary airman certificate ratings, receiving ground training from an authorized instructor, and completing a flight review are important aspects of pilot training and qualifications, they do not specifically address the unique demands of being pilot in command in multi-pilot situations. Each of these requirements serves its own purpose in the broader context of pilot certification but does not replace the need for the specific proficiency check in the last 12 months for the aircraft type being operated.