U.S.
Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular Subject: Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors Date: 11/14/25 AC No: 61-65K Initiated by: AFS-800 Change:
This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance for pilot and instructor applicants, pilots, flight instructors, ground instructors, and examiners on the certification standards, knowledge test procedures, and other requirements in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61.
Hugh T homas for Lawrence Fields Executive Director, Flight Standards Service
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CONTENTS Paragraph Page
1 Purpose of This Advisory Circular (AC)1
2 Audience1
3 Safety Message1
4 Where You Can Find This AC1
5 What This AC Cancels1
6 Related Reading Material (current editions)1
7 Summary of Changes2
8 Pilot Training and Testing2
9 Knowledge Tests2
10 Completion of Ground Training or a Home-Study Curriculum3
11 Verification of Identity, Age, and English Language Standard4
12 Practical Tests6
13 Aircraft With a Single Seat (Sport Pilot Only)7
14 Prerequisites for Practical Tests7
15 Student Pilot Certification8
16 Acceptance of a Student Pilot Application9
17 Student Pilot Certificate Eligibility9
18 Student Pilot Application Process: IACRA10
19 Student Pilot Application Process: Paper FAA Form 8710-1 or 8710-1110
20 Pre-Solo Requirements and Privileges11
21 Sport Pilot Certification14
22 Recreational Pilot Certification15
23 Private Pilot Certification15
24 C
ommercial Pilot Certification16
25 ATP Certification17
26 Flight Instructors Other Than Flight Instructors With a Sport Pilot Rating18
27 Flight Instructors With a Sport Pilot Rating19
28 Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificates Other Than Flight Instructors With a
Sport Pilot Rating21
29 Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificates With a Sport Pilot Rating21
30 Flight Instructor Recent Experience22
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31 Reinstatement of Flight Instructor Privileges25
32 Instrument Rating26
33 Additional Aircraft Ratings (Other Than ATP)26
34 Additional Category/Class Ratings at the ATP Certification Level27
35 Other Instructor Endorsements27
36 Ground Instructor Certification27
37 Authorized Instructors27
38 Additional Training for Gliders28
39 Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS)29
40 Simplified Flight Controls Limitation29
41 AC Feedback Form30
Appendix A. Sample EndorsementsA-1
Appendix B. Summary of Changes in Revision KB-1
1 1 PURPOSE OF THIS ADVISORY CIRCULAR (AC). This AC provides guidance for pilot and instructor applicants, pilots, flight instructors, ground instructors, and examiners on certification standards, knowledge test procedures, and other requirements in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61. This is a guidance document. Its content is not legally binding in its own right and will not be relied upon by the Department as a separate basis for affirmative enforcement action or other administrative penalty. Conformity with the guidance document is voluntary only. Nonconformity will not affect rights and obligations under existing statutes and regulations.
2 AUDIENCE. The primary audience for this AC is all flight instructors, ground instructors, and Designated Pilot Examiners (DPE). It includes applicants for pilot certificates, flight instructor certificates, and ground instructor certificates. The audience also includes aviation safety inspectors (ASI) and aviation safety technicians (AST) who conduct certification functions for pilots and/or have oversight of a designee who performs pilot or instructor certification functions. The secondary audience includes Flight Standards Service offices. Title 14 CFR Part 107, Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, operators should refer to AC 107-2, Small Unmanned Aircraft System (Small UAS), for certificate requirements.
3 SAFETY MESSAGE. Safety is the number one goal of all airmen and instructors. This AC is an aviation safety resource that helps avoid risk. Endorsements represent training requirements completed and privileges granted. This AC helps airmen and instructors ensure that all training is completed and documented clearly and concisely. An endorsement marks and formalizes events such as an operating privilege or authorization granted or a limitation incurred. Applying the recommended endorsements reduces the risk that someone will act without a prerequisite or will misunderstand a limitation.
4 WHERE YOU CAN FIND THIS AC. You can find this AC on the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) website at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_cir culars and the Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS) at https://drs.faa.gov.
5 WHAT THIS AC CANCELS. AC 61-65J, Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors, dated October 30, 2024, is canceled upon the final publication of this AC.
6 RELATED READING MATERIAL (current editions):
• AC 60-28, FAA English Language Standard for an FAA Certificate Issued Under 14 CFR Parts 61, 63, 65, and 107.
• AC 61-98, Currency Requirements and Guidance for the Flight Review and Instrument Proficiency Check.
• AC 61-107, Aircraft Operations at Altitudes Above 25,000 Feet Mean Sea Level or Mach Numbers Greater Than .75.
• AC 61-146, Pilot Certification and Operations for Sport Pilots, Flight Instructors with a Sport Pilot Rating, and Simplified Flight Controls (14 CFR part 61 changes
2 in accordance with the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) final rule).
• AC 107-2, Small Unmanned Aircraft System (Small UAS).
• FAA Order 8080.6, Conduct of Airman Knowledge Tests.
• FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System.
• FAA Airman Testing Resources at https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing.
• Practical Test Standards (PTS) or Airman Certification Standards (ACS), as available, at https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing.
• FAA Airman Knowledge Test Guides at https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/training.
• FAA Airman Knowledge Testing (AKT) at https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing.
7 SUMMARY OF CHANGES. See Appendix B, Summary of Changes in Revision K, for changes from this AC’s previous edition.
8 PILOT TRAINING AND TESTING. Title 14 CFR part 61 contains eligibility, aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, and aeronautical experience requirements for each pilot certificate, instrument rating, flight instructor certificate, and ground instructor certificate. The Areas of Operation specified for each certificate by 14 CFR part 61 encompass the Areas of Operation and tasks contained in the ACS or PTS, as appropriate.
9 KNOWLEDGE TESTS. Airman knowledge tests cover the aeronautical knowledge areas prescribed in 14 CFR part 61.
9.1 Knowledge Test Administration. An applicant for a knowledge test must meet the requirements detailed in 14 CFR § 61.35(a). For the location of computerized testing centers, consult the list at https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing.
9.2 Evidence of Completion. Applicants are not required to show evidence of completed training to take flight instructor, ground instructor, military competency, or foreign pilot instrument knowledge tests unless they are applying to retake a test after failing that test, per 14 CFR § 61.49. A person who applies for the knowledge test for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with an airplane category and multiengine class rating must present a graduation certificate from an authorized training provider, as prescribed in 14 CFR § 61.156. Applicants for other ATP knowledge tests are not required to show evidence of completed training unless they are applying to retake a test after failing that test.
9.3 Relief for Certain U.S. Military and Civilian Personnel. Title 14 CFR § 61.40 provides relief to U.S. military and civilian personnel who are assigned outside the United States in support of U.S. Armed Forces operations. ASIs and ASTs are authorized to accept, from an eligible person, an expired flight instructor certificate for renewal of that certificate, to establish flight instructor recent experience, to reinstate flight instructor
3 privileges, or to obtain a new instructor privilege on that certificate. ASIs and ASTs are also authorized to accept an expired knowledge test report to show eligibility under 14 CFR part 61 to take a practical test. The eligible person must present the ASI or AST with the required documents along with FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application. Refer to 14 CFR §§ 61.40, 61.197(f), and 61.199(a)(3).
10 COMPLETION OF GROUND TRAINING OR A HOME-STUDY CURRICULUM.
10.1 General.
1. The FAA Airman Testing web page contains detailed information about all airman tests. Refer to https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing.
2. The AKT regulations are 14 CFR §§ 61.35 and 61.37. Refer to the FAA AKT web page at https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing.
10.2 Home-Study Curriculum. Except for applicants for an ATP Certificate with an airplane category and multiengine class rating, applicants may obtain ground training for the knowledge test from pilot schools, colleges, aviation organizations, and individual flight or ground instructors. Home-study curricula are available from representatives of the aviation industry. Students may develop an individual home-study curriculum compiled from material described in the applicable FAA airman knowledge test guide. The student, to show evidence of a ground-school or home-study curriculum completion, may use any one of the following methods:
1. A certificate of graduation from a pilot training course conducted by an FAA-certificated pilot school, appropriate to the certificate or rating sought, or a statement of accomplishment from the school certifying satisfactory completion of the ground school portion of the course.
2. An endorsement from an authorized instructor who has certified that the applicant has satisfactorily completed the ground training required for the certificate or rating sought and is prepared for the test.
3. A certificate of graduation or statement of accomplishment from a ground school course, appropriate to the certificate and rating sought, that was conducted by an agency such as a high school, college, adult education program, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), or a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) flight training program.
4. A certificate of graduation from an industry-provided aviation home-study course.
The aeronautical enterprise providing the study material must develop the certificate.
The certificate of graduation must correspond to the FAA knowledge test for the certificate or rating sought. The aeronautical enterprise providing the course of study must also furnish a comprehensive knowledge test, which the course provider can score as evidence that the student has completed the course of study. The knowledge test must be sent to the course provider for scoring. Upon satisfactory completion of the examination, a graduation certificate signed by an authorized certificated flight instructor (CFI) of the course provider will be provided to the student.
5. Applicants are encouraged to obtain ground training using one of the methods described in items 1 through 4 above. An applicant who is unable to provide any of the above documents may present an individually developed home-study course to an appropriately certificated flight or ground instructor. The instructor will review the course materials and question the applicant to determine that the course was completed and that the applicant does possess the knowledge required for the certificate or rating sought. The instructor will then complete an endorsement certifying that the applicant is prepared for the knowledge test.
11 VERIFICATION OF IDENTITY, AGE, AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE STANDARD. Applicants for knowledge tests and airman certificates must provide positive proof of identification, address, age, and meet English language standards at the time of application (refer to 14 CFR § 61.35(a) and eligibility requirements for each certificate).
11.1 Identification. Applicants must present unexpired, official government-issued identification that contains the applicant’s photograph and the applicant’s signature. The applicant may present this information in more than one form of identification. Refer to the AKT web page at https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing for more information on acceptable identification.
11.2 Address. A mailing address for delivery of the applicant’s certificate may be indicated on FAA Form 8710-1 or FAA Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application – Sport Pilot, as appropriate. However, the residential address required for official record purposes for a certificate must be provided to specify the airman’s actual permanent residential street number, city, state, and ZIP code, including apartment number, where appropriate. The airman can specify an address to be printed on the permanent airman certificate, if different than the applicant’s current address. If the applicant has a foreign address, the country must be stated. Applicants with a foreign address for official record purposes must comply with the U.S. agent for service requirements in 14 CFR part 3 subpart C, which require any individual who has a foreign address and no U.S. physical address of record on file with the FAA to designate a U.S. agent for service if they apply for a certificate, rating, or authorization issued under 14 CFR part 47, 61, 63, 65, 67, or 107, or hold a certificate, rating, or authorization issued under any of these parts. To designate a U.S. agent for service, applicants should refer to AC 3-1, U.S. Agents for Service on Individuals with Foreign Addresses Who Hold or Apply for Certain Certificates, Ratings, or Authorizations. If a residential address does not exist, the applicant must provide and attach to the application the geographic location of their residence on a separate piece of paper and attest by signature. This can be in the form of a map or written directions to the applicant’s physical residential address. An applicant who resides on a boat must provide the boat dock number or vessel registration number. If the applicant resides in a recreational vehicle (RV), the state in which the RV is registered, the registration number, and the vehicle identification number (VIN) should be included. The supporting paperwork is submitted as part of the applicant’s application.
11.3 Age. Applicants applying for a student pilot certificate, knowledge test, and practical test must show that they meet the minimum age requirement for the certificate sought. In the case of an applicant under the age of 18 years, the applicant’s parent or guardian may have to accompany the applicant and identify themselves in accordance with regular application procedures. If the parent or guardian attests to the applicant’s identity, the parent or guardian’s photograph identification information should be placed on the “Airman’s Identification (ID)” block of the “Attachments” section of FAA Form 8710-1 or 8710-11, and a remark added indicating that the parent’s identification was used if the applicant is applying for a student pilot certificate. When applying to take a knowledge test, applicants must show that they will meet the minimum age requirement for the certificate sought within 24 calendar months of the date of application for the knowledge test, with the exception of those pilots applying for the ATP multiengine airplane knowledge test. However, in accordance with 14 CFR § 61.35(a)(3), an applicant for the ATP multiengine airplane knowledge test must be at least 18 years of age.
11.4 English Language Standards.
11.4.1 General. To be eligible for an FAA pilot certificate, flight instructor certificate, or ground instructor certificate or additional rating, an applicant must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language, as stated in 14 CFR part 61 for the certificate sought. Training facilities and individuals authorized to conduct evaluations, training, testing, checking, or certification activities all share the responsibility to ensure that all applicants for an FAA certificate or individuals who hold FAA certificates continually demonstrate that they meet the FAA regulatory English language eligibility requirements.
If there is a question that the applicant or certificated individual may not meet the FAA regulatory English language eligibility requirements to obtain or hold an FAA certificate, refer to AC 60-28 and Order 8900.1, Volume 5, Chapter 14, FAA English Language Standard for Certification Under 14 CFR Parts 61, 63, 65, and 107, for guidance.
11.4.2 Flight Review or Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC). If the pilot does not meet the FAA Aviation English Language Standard (AELS) during a flight review or IPC, do not endorse the pilot’s logbook or training record as complete. Provide a logbook entry for the training received, advise the pilot, and contact the responsible Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).
11.4.3 Student Pilot. Before accepting an application for certification, to include processing an application for a student pilot certificate or issuing an endorsement for solo operations or a practical test, the applicant must be evaluated in accordance with the guidelines contained in AC 60-28, Appendix A, FAA English Language Standard Evaluation.
11.4.4 Evaluators. AELS evaluators should develop multiple plans of action, as described in AC 60-28, to conduct an FAA AELS evaluation. This will ensure that their evaluation does not become predictable.
6 12 PRACTICAL TESTS.
12.1 General. A practical test is conducted to evaluate the applicant’s knowledge, skill, and management of risk for the pilot certificate and rating sought. During a practical test, the examiner will evaluate the applicant based on oral examination and observation of performance-based skills in accordance with the appropriate ACS or PTS. However, the examiner may use oral testing at any time during the practical test. An examiner is responsible for determining whether the applicant meets the standards outlined in the objective of each required task evaluated in accordance with the appropriate ACS or PTS.
Refer to the appropriate ACS or PTS for more information.
12.2 PTS Requirements. The PTS requires testing through oral or written questions and by demonstrating piloting skills. Until these standards are replaced by the ACS, the PTS will continue to be the standards document for certain certificates (refer to 14 CFR part 61 appendix A).
12.3 ACS Requirements. For elements associated with tasks in the ACS, similar language is used in the objective as stated above for the PTS; however, the ACS evaluates knowledge, risk management, and skill elements for each task. Each element uses language to clarify whether the evaluation will be accomplished through oral or performance evaluation.
12.4 Use of Full Flight Simulators (FFS) and Flight Training Devices (FTD). In accordance with 14 CFR §§ 61.45(a) and 61.64, an FFS or FTD may be used for some or all of the practical test as authorized through an FAA-approved testing or checking program or curriculum. Use of an Aviation Training Device (ATD) is not authorized on a practical test for a certificate or rating or for an aircraft type rating. Additional information on the use of an FFS, FTD, or ATD can be found in the appropriate ACS or PTS.
12.5 Two Calendar Months or 60 Calendar Days. An applicant has two time limits that apply to the certification practical test, as set forth in 14 CFR §§ 61.43(f) and 61.39, as subsequently discussed. What appears to be a conflict in the regulations with reference to these time limits is not a conflict. Apply the time limits as written in the regulations.
12.5.1 Time Limit 60 Calendar Days. Title 14 CFR § 61.43(f) states that if a practical test is discontinued, as defined in 14 CFR § 61.43(e), the applicant is entitled to credit for those Areas of Operation that were passed, but only if the applicant complies with 14 CFR § 61.43(f)(1)–(4). The examiner or applicant may discontinue a practical test at any time when the applicant fails one or more of the Areas of Operation or due to inclement weather conditions, aircraft airworthiness, or any other safety-of-flight concern.
Title 14 CFR § 61.43(f)(1) states that the applicant must pass “the remainder of the practical test within the 60-day period after the date the practical test was discontinued” to use that credit. After the 60-calendar-day period, credit no longer applies, and all Areas of Operation must be tested. A test may be discontinued for failure of an Area of Operation or for safety of flight.
12.5.2 Time Limit 2 Calendar Months. Title 14 CFR § 61.39(g) states that all increments, ground/oral and flight, of practical tests must be completed within 2 calendar months.
The increment may be because the test was discontinued for reasons stated in 14 CFR § 61.43(e) or was planned to be conducted in increments. This is a separate time limit from the 60-calendar-day limit prescribed above that applies to credit for tasks passed.
13 AIRCRAFT WITH A SINGLE SEAT (SPORT PILOT ONLY).
13.1 General. In accordance with 14 CFR § 61.45(f), a sport pilot practical test may be conducted in an aircraft that has a single seat. This provision does not allow a practical test for a flight instructor certificate (both 14 CFR part 61 subpart H and K) or recreational pilot certificate or higher to be conducted in an aircraft that has a single seat.
13.2 Testing From the Ground. With certain limitations, a DPE or an ASI may conduct the practical test for a sport pilot certificate in an aircraft having a single seat. The examiner must agree to conduct the test (14 CFR § 61.45(f)(1)) and must conduct the practical test in accordance with the sport pilot PTS or ACS, as appropriate. Knowledge of all tasks applicable to their category/class of aircraft will be evaluated orally. The examiner must be in a position to observe the operation of the aircraft while evaluating the proficiency of the applicant (14 CFR § 61.45(f)(2)).
13.3 Single-Seat Limitation. The limitation, “No passenger carriage and flight in a single-seat aircraft only,” will be placed on the person’s pilot certificate per 14 CFR § 61.45(f)(3).
This “single-seat” limitation can be removed once the pilot satisfactorily completes a subsequent practical test. Only a DPE or an ASI is authorized to remove this limitation when the sport pilot takes a practical test in an aircraft with more than one seat and conducts the additional tasks identified in the ACS or PTS, as appropriate. Upon successful completion of the practical test, the DPE or ASI will remove the limitation and the sport pilot is authorized to act as pilot in command (PIC) in all categories and classes of aircraft for which the sport pilot has an endorsement. The DPE or ASI can also remove the limitation if the sport pilot completes the certification requirements in an aircraft with a minimum of two seats for a higher grade of pilot certificate or rating.
14 PREREQUISITES FOR PRACTICAL TESTS. Pursuant to 14 CFR § 61.39, each applicant must have received an endorsement from an authorized instructor who certified that the applicant received and logged the required flight time/training in preparation for the practical test within 2 calendar months preceding the month of the application and has been found proficient to pass the practical test (unless an exception within 14 CFR § 61.39 applies). If an endorsement is required, it must also state that the applicant has satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which they were shown to be deficient by the FAA Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR).
14.1 Endorsements. All applicants must have the required endorsements specified in 14 CFR part 61 for the aircraft category, class, and/or type rating or privilege. A graduate of a 14 CFR part 141 pilot school who takes the certification practical test with an examiner must have the endorsements required by 14 CFR § 61.39(a) to take the practical test.
14.2 Testing Following a Notice of Disapproval. All applicants who apply for a retest of a practical test after being issued a Notice of Disapproval must present another endorsement from their instructor in accordance with 14 CFR §§ 61.43(f) and 61.49(a)(2). The endorsement must state that the applicant has received the necessary training and is prepared for the practical test. An instructor’s recommendation on FAA Form 8710-1 or 8710-11 is required for each retest following a Notice of Disapproval conducted for a certificate or rating. The applicant may receive credit for those Areas of Operation that the applicant passed, but only if the applicant passes the remainder of the practical test within the 60-calendar-day period after the date the practical test was discontinued.
14.3 Testing Following a Letter of Discontinuance. No additional endorsements are required for an applicant to continue the practical test after being issued a Letter of Discontinuance. The applicant is entitled to credit for those Areas of Operation that were passed, but only if the applicant passes the remainder of the test within the 60-calendar-day period after the date the practical test was discontinued. If more than 60 calendar days have passed, the applicant must accomplish the entire practical test.
Refer to 14 CFR § 61.43(f).
14.4 Medical Certificate. For detail on medical requirements, refer to 14 CFR parts 61, 67, and 68, and AC 68-1, BasicMed.
15 STUDENT PILOT CERTIFICATION. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for the student pilot certificate are located in 14 CFR part 61 subpart C.
15.1 Student Pilot Certification Application and Issuance. A person may apply for a student pilot certificate with one of the following authorized individuals: a CFI, a DPE, an FAA ASI or AST, or an Airman Certification Representative (ACR) associated with a 14 CFR part 141 pilot school. The FAA Civil Aviation Registry issues all permanent student pilot certificates on high-quality plastic card stock containing tamper- and counterfeit-resistant features.
15.2 Medical Requirements. Once a student pilot certificate has been issued, the pilot must comply with the applicable medical requirements in 14 CFR § 61.23 when exercising student pilot privileges. A person is not required to hold a medical certificate when exercising the privileges of a student pilot certificate while seeking a sport pilot certificate with glider or balloon privileges or while seeking a pilot certificate with a glider rating or balloon class rating. A person exercising the privileges of a student pilot certificate while seeking a sport pilot certificate in an aircraft other than a glider or balloon must have either a medical certificate or U.S. driver’s license. Refer to 14 CFR § 61.23(c)(2) for associated driver’s license considerations. Refer to 14 CFR § 61.23(c)(3) for student pilot requirements when using “BasicMed” in lieu of a medical certificate, which are applicable when operating under the conditions and limitations set forth in 14 CFR § 61.113(i). For medical certificate requirements and duration, refer to 14 CFR § 61.23.
15.3 Temporary Student Pilot Certificate. An applicant may obtain a temporary student pilot certificate after being vetted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
This is done through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) if the original application was made through IACRA or directly from the FAA Airmen Certification Branch if a paper application was submitted. An applicant may obtain a temporary student pilot certificate from an ASI or AST as an emergency field reissuance only.
15.4 Eligibility Requirements. Additional information on the eligibility requirements for student pilots is in 14 CFR § 61.83, and the general limitations for student pilots are in 14 CFR § 61.89. If an applicant has a known medical issue that would require a limitation on the applicant’s student pilot certificate, the applicant should contact the responsible FSDO to ensure the application is processed with the correct limitations.
16 ACCEPTANCE OF A STUDENT PILOT APPLICATION. Authorized individuals may accept a person’s application for an FAA student pilot certificate by utilizing the FAA’s IACRA or the paper FAA Form 8710-1 or 8710-11, as applicable.
16.1 IACRA. Authorized individuals are encouraged to utilize IACRA for the purpose of accepting a student pilot application. IACRA is an internet-based certification/rating application system that guides the user through the FAA’s application process. Access IACRA on the internet at https://iacra.faa.gov. The website also contains an instruction manual for additional assistance. Using IACRA is a quicker and more efficient process to obtain an airman certificate than using the paper FAA Form 8710-1 or 8710-11.
16.2 Registration Process. In order for a CFI, a DPE, an ACR, an ASI, or an AST to accept a student pilot application in IACRA, that person should first be registered in IACRA in the appropriate role. On the IACRA website, click on the “Register” link within the “Login” window. On the next screen, select the appropriate role under the “Instructors” heading. Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the registration. Even though the instructor is a certifying officer, their signature will be reflected in the “Instructor Action” section.
17 STUDENT PILOT CERTIFICATE ELIGIBILITY. In accordance with 14 CFR § 61.193(b), before processing an application for a student pilot certificate, the authorized individual must ensure the applicant meets the eligibility requirements of 14 CFR § 61.83 and verify the applicant’s identity. The authorized individual should use AC 60-28 and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) website to prepare for the assessment. AC 60-28 outlines the required procedures to ensure the applicant meets the FAA AELS. If it is determined that the applicant does not meet the FAA standard, process the application as follows:
1. When using IACRA, answer the questions concerning the FAA AELS. The system will recognize if the applicant has or has not met the FAA AELS and process the application as necessary. The applicant will not be required to mail additional paperwork to the responsible FSDO.