What does it take to become a Learjet 60 pilot? Nathalia Gadelha identified as co-pilot in fatal Florida crash; here's what US aviation rules say

A Learjet 60 business jet crashed in Palm Beach County on November 1, 2026, killing all nine people aboard. The aircraft was travelling from Austin, Texas to the Bahamas. The aircraft's crew had reported turbulence, icing and precipitation before it entered a rapid descent. The cause of the crash has not been established, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating. Nathalia Gadelha, 20, was identified by her mother and stepfather as the co-pilot in the crash, according to the New York Post. The FAA and NTSB had not publicly released the identities of those aboard in their initial statements.

Why has the incident brought pilot qualifications into focus?

Nathalia Gadelha had attracted attention in 2023 after earning her private pilot's licence at the age of 17, while she was a student at West Boca Raton High School in Florida.

She reportedly began aviation lessons in 2020 and had logged 88 flight hours by the time she received her private pilot's licence in September 2023.


A second-in-command generally needs at least a private pilot certificate with the appropriate aircraft category and class rating, under FAA regulation 14 CFR 61.55.

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The Learjet 60 is a multi-engine jet, so the relevant aircraft privileges include the multi-engine/category qualification. These are the general requirements. The rules governing a particular commercial flight can impose additional qualifications.

A type rating is an aircraft-specific qualification. It shows that a pilot has met the requirement to operate a particular type. Under FAA rules, a pilot-in-command of a turbojet aircraft must generally hold the appropriate type rating.

For a second-in-command, 14 CFR 61.55 generally requires a type rating too.

What training must an SIC complete?

The FAA requires second-in-command familiarisation with the specific aircraft's powerplant, equipment, systems, performance specifications, limitations, normal and emergency procedures, and flight manual.

The pilot must also complete and log relevant practical training within the previous 12 calendar months. This includes three takeoffs and three full-stop landings as the sole manipulator of the flight controls, engine-out procedures and crew resource management training.

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What is known about Nathalia Gadelha's flying experience?

Nathalia Gadelha reportedly began aviation lessons in 2020 and received her private pilot's licence in September 2023, at age 17. She had logged 88 flight hours by the time she received that licence, according to reports. The Palm Beach County School District's Aviation Academy reportedly funded her private pilot training. She later graduated from American Flyers flight school. A social media post cited by the New York Post reportedly listed commercial, multi-engine, instrument and flight-instructor qualifications.