{{short description|Aircraft term}} {{Use American English|date=May 2021}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2021}} thumb|A Mooney M20J, an example of a complex airplane.
A '''complex airplane''' is defined by the United States Federal Aviation Administration as an aircraft that has all of the following:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Multi Engine Rating - Definition, Privileges, & Requirements / ATP Flight School |url=https://atpflightschool.com/become-a-pilot/flight-training/multi-engine-rating.html |access-date=2023-12-04 |website=atpflightschool.com}}</ref>
*Retractable landing gear (land aircraft only; a seaplane is not required to have this). *A controllable-pitch propeller (which includes airplanes with constant-speed propellers and airplanes with FADEC which controls both the engine and propeller; turbojet and turbofan airplanes, except very rare mixed-propulsion airplanes, are not considered complex). *Movable or adjustable flaps.
The current FAA definitions of "complex airplane" are found in the Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C Chapter 12 and in FAA Order 8900.2C.
In the US, students generally train for their first pilot certificate in an aircraft with fixed landing gear and a fixed-pitch propeller. It may or may not be equipped with flaps.
Before or after earning the private pilot certificate (PPL) (usually after), a pilot can be trained in complex aircraft operation by a flight instructor. When the pilot has demonstrated proficiency in complex aircraft, the flight instructor endorses the pilot's logbook and the pilot is said to have a "complex endorsement".
As of April 24, 2018 the FAA requires a commercial pilot applicant and CFI applicant to have experience in a complex aircraft; however, the practical test may be taken in a non-complex aircraft for the commercial pilot certificate (CPL) and the flight instructor certificate (CFI).
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *[https://web.archive.org/web/20051225201114/http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=e73657dc11add4ab6acade20f29e539c&rgn=div5&view=text&node=14:2.0.1.1.2&idno=14#14:2.0.1.1.2.1.1.20 14 C.F.R., Sec. 61.31(e)] *[http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/8900_2_CHG_2.pdf 8900.2 – General Aviation Airman Designee Handbook] *[https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Notice/N_8900.463.pdf N_8900.463 – Use of a Complex Airplane During a Commercial Pilot or Flight Instructor Practical Test]
Category:Aircraft by type
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