When Do I Need A Pilot?

Reminder If a pilot is required, ask for a pilot. If told to go without one, do not be insubordinate. Document the time and details of who instructed you, what was said, and when, then report the violation using this form.

Conductor Territory Qualification Requirements

CFR reference: 49 CFR 242.301

Time Since Last OperatedPilot / Assistant RequirementEligible Employees to be Pilot/Assistant
Never operatedRequiredCertified conductor who is not an assigned crew member (unless designated as conductor pilot)
Less than 1 yearNot requiredN/A
1 to 2 years*RequiredAny qualified crew member including the operating engineer
Over 2 yearsRequiredAny qualified crew member except the operating engineer
*Applies provided you regularly traversed the territory before the qualification expired.

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Engineer Territory Qualification Requirements

CFR reference: 49 CFR 240.231

Territory Experience / StatusPilot RequirementEligible Employees to Be a Pilot
Never traversed territoryRequiredCertified locomotive engineer who is not an assigned crew member (unless assigned solely as pilot)
Traversed within the last yearNot requiredN/A
Over 1 year since last traversedRequiredAny person qualified on the physical characteristics who is not an assigned crew member (unless assigned solely as pilot)

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Exceptions

A pilot is not required if the movement is on a section of main track with an average grade of less than 1% over 3 continuous miles, and:

  • The maximum distance the locomotive or train will be operated does not exceed one mile; or
  • The maximum authorized speed for any operation on the track does not exceed 20 miles per hour; or
  • Operations are conducted under operating rules that require every locomotive and train to proceed at a speed that permits stopping within one half the range of vision of the locomotive engineer
    Important Being told to operate your train at restricted speed over the segment of track does not satisfy this exception!
Movement is on a section of main track with average grade < 1% over 3 continuous miles? NO YES AND AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING MUST BE TRUE: Distance Movement does not exceed one mile Speed Max authorized speed does not exceed 20 mph Restricted-Speed Rules * Operations are conducted where all trains and locomotives are required to proceed at restricted speed OR OR YES NO Pilot NOT Required Pilot Required * Being told to operate your train restricted speed does not satisfy this exception —

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