Definition
A specific citation within the Federal Aviation Regulations that lists one of the prerequisites an applicant must meet before taking an FAA practical test. The citation breaks down as Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (the aviation title), Part 61 (which covers certification of pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors), Section 61.39 (which lists the prerequisites for practical tests), paragraph (a)(1) (the specific prerequisite that the applicant must have passed any required knowledge test within the preceding 24 calendar months).
Plain English
This is the rule that says before you can take your checkride, you must have passed your written knowledge test, and that pass must be no more than 24 calendar months old.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA training materials, instructor endorsements, and practical test eligibility discussions.
Derivation
The numbering follows the standard structure of U.S. federal regulations. '14 CFR' identifies the volume of regulations dealing with aeronautics and space. 'Part 61' groups all rules about pilot certification. 'Section 61.39' is the specific rule on practical test prerequisites. The '(a)(1)' points to one paragraph within that section. Knowing the structure lets a pilot or instructor find any rule quickly once they understand the citation pattern.
Why Pilots Care
Failing to meet this time limit means retaking the knowledge test before the practical test can be attempted.
Analogy
Think of the citation like an address for a rule: Title 14 is the neighborhood, Part 61 is the building, section 61.39 is the room, and paragraph (a)(1) is the exact item inside that room.
Intuition Check
Do not read “part” and “section” as casual words here. In this citation, they are exact locations inside the federal aviation rules.
Example Sentence 1
Before scheduling the checkride, the instructor checked the student's knowledge test date to confirm compliance with 14 CFR part 61 section 61.39(a)(1).
Example Sentence 2
Because more than two years had passed since the knowledge test, 14 CFR part 61 section 61.39(a)(1) required the student to retake the written exam.