Which documents must be in the pilot's personal possession while acting as pilot in command of an aircraft?

• A. An appropriate pilot certificate and an appropriate current medical certificate
• B. A current medical certificate only
• C. A pilot certificate only
• D. A government issued photo ID

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is what you must physically carry to prove you’re allowed and fit to fly as the pilot in command. You need two items: the appropriate pilot certificate and a current medical certificate. The pilot certificate shows you’ve earned and are authorized to operate the aircraft’s category and class, while the medical certificate confirms you meet the required medical standards for flight. Both must be current to be valid for the flight.

A government-issued photo ID isn’t the document that regulatory requirements require you to have in possession for flight operation, though ID may be needed in other situations or verifications. The essential pair for PIC is the certificate and the medical certificate.