What document(s) must you have with you while operating as pilot in command of an aircraft?

Operating as pilot in command requires specific documentation to ensure legal authority and fitness to fly. The correct answer includes an appropriate pilot certificate, which verifies that you have the necessary qualifications for the type of flight you are conducting, and a current medical certificate, confirming that you meet the health requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

In aviation, the pilot certificate indicates the level of skill and training you have attained, such as whether you are a student, private, commercial, or airline transport pilot. The medical certificate is essential because it assesses your physical and mental fitness, ensuring you do not pose a risk to yourself, your passengers, or others during flight operations.

While the other choices presented indicate important aspects of flying, they do not meet the fundamental legal requirements for operating as pilot in command. For instance, a checkout certificate and flight review demonstrate proficiency but are not mandatory documents to carry during flight. A pilot logbook is mainly for tracking personal flight experiences and endorsements; it is not required to be on hand while piloting an aircraft. An airworthiness certificate pertains to the aircraft itself and does not affect the pilot’s ability to operate the aircraft.

Thus, from a regulatory standpoint, holding the appropriate pilot and medical certificates is paramount for a pilot in command