Definition
A section of the Federal Aviation Regulations that sets out the knowledge test requirements an applicant must meet to be eligible to take an FAA airman knowledge test, including identification requirements, the conditions under which the test is administered, and the rule that an applicant cannot retake a failed knowledge test until after the time period specified by the FAA.
Plain English
This is the rule that says who is allowed to take an FAA written test, what ID they need to show, and what happens if they fail and want to try again.
Context Anchor
Seen when studying FAA knowledge test requirements for pilots, flight instructors, or ground instructors.
Derivation
‘CFR’ stands for Code of Federal Regulations — the official collection of U.S. federal rules. ‘Title 14’ is the volume covering Aeronautics and Space, ‘Part 61’ covers certification of pilots and instructors, and ‘Section 61.35’ is the specific rule within that part. So the citation is just an address: Title 14, Part 61, Section 35.
Why Pilots Care
It defines exactly what documentation and preparation are needed before an applicant may sit for the knowledge test.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as a handbook page number or a chapter title. It is a legal citation that points to one specific FAA rule.
Example Sentence 1
Before signing the endorsement, the instructor confirmed the student met the requirements of 14 CFR part 61 section 61.35 to take the private pilot knowledge test.
Example Sentence 2
According to 14 CFR part 61 section 61.35, a minimum passing score of 70 percent is required on most knowledge tests.