(a) No pilot may act as pilot in command of an aircraft (or as second in command of an aircraft in a flag or supplemental operation that requires three or more pilots) unless he holds an airline transport pilot certificate and an appropriate type rating for that aircraft.

(b) No certificate holder may use nor may any pilot act as a pilot in a capacity other than those specified in paragraph (a) of this section unless the pilot holds at least a commercial pilot certificate with appropriate category and class ratings for the aircraft concerned, and an instrument rating. Notwithstanding the requirements of §61.63 (b) and (c) of this chapter, a pilot who is currently employed by a certificate holder and meets applicable training requirements of subpart N of this part, and the proficiency check requirements of §121.441, may be issued the appropriate category and class ratings by presenting proof of compliance with those requirements to a Flight Standards District Office.

[Doc. No. 6258, 29 FR 19215, Dec. 31, 1964, as amended by Amdt. 121-148, 43 FR 46235, Oct. 5, 1978; 44 FR 25202, Apr. 30, 1979; Amdt. 121-207, 54 FR 39293, Sept. 25, 1989; Amdt. 121-253, 61 FR 2612, Jan. 26, 1996; Amdt. 121-262, 62 FR 13257, Mar. 19, 1997]