7. A recreational pilot certificate or higher, when exercising sport pilot privileges, is required to have an endorsement for only the category and/or class of aircraft for which they are not authorized to act as PIC. For example, if a pilot holds a private pilot with airplane single-engine land category and class rating and wants to operate a powered parachute at the sport pilot privilege level, they need an endorsement required by 14 CFR § 61.321.
8. Each sport pilot exercising privileges at night must comply with 14 CFR § 61.329 and receive the required endorsement from an authorized instructor in the specific category and class aircraft.
9. A sport pilot may operate an aircraft that has retractable gear if they meet the requirements of 14 CFR § 61.331(a), which includes an endorsement from an authorized instructor.
10. A sport pilot may operate an airplane with a manual controllable pitch propeller if they meet the requirements of 14 CFR § 61.331(b), which includes an endorsement from an authorized instructor.
22 RECREATIONAL PILOT CERTIFICATION. Specific aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, aeronautical experience, and endorsement requirements for the recreational pilot certificate are located in 14 CFR part 61 subpart D.
1. Title 14 CFR § 61.101 contains all limitations that pertain to the recreational pilot certificate and outlines procedures for obtaining additional certificates or ratings. An authorized flight instructor must supervise the training and experience required in furtherance of a higher level of certificate. Each flight conducted by the recreational pilot under those provisions must be authorized by the flight instructor’s endorsement in the recreational pilot’s logbook.
2. Recreational pilots may act as PIC on a flight that is in Class B, C, and D airspace; at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace; and to, from, through, or at an airport having an operational control tower after having received the required training and endorsement in accordance with 14 CFR § 61.101(d). Recreational pilots must have their logbook in their personal possession during flight in accordance with 14 CFR § 61.101(d)(3).
3. Recreational pilots who want to fly beyond 50 NM from the departure airport where they received training must receive additional ground and flight training on the private pilot cross-country training requirements of 14 CFR part 61 subpart E, must be found proficient in cross-country flying, and must receive an instructor endorsement in accordance with 14 CFR § 61.101(c). Recreational pilots must have their logbook in their personal possession when operating an aircraft in accordance with 14 CFR § 61.101(c)(3).
23 PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATION. Specific aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, aeronautical experience, and logbook endorsement requirements for the Private Pilot Certificate are located in 14 CFR part 61 subpart E.
1. An applicant for a Private Pilot Certificate must possess at least a valid student pilot certificate, sport pilot certificate, or a recreational pilot certificate.
2. The flight instructor is given discretion in developing a flight training program to meet the requirements of 14 CFR part 61 subpart E. The rule provides the specific minimum aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, and aeronautical experience requirements that the training program must meet.
3. Applicants must meet night experience requirements regardless of medical qualification considerations. Title 14 CFR § 61.110 lists the only exception.
4. Private pilot airplane and powered-lift applicants must also accomplish 3 hours of flight training on the control and maneuvering of the aircraft solely by reference to instruments in the category and class of aircraft. The 3 hours of flight training do not have to be conducted by a CFI - instrument (CFII).
5. Except in accordance with 14 CFR § 61.110, a person who does not meet the night flying requirements in a gyroplane, PPC, or weight-shift-control aircraft (14 CFR § 61.109(d)(2), (i)(2), or (j)(2)) may be issued a Private Pilot Certificate with the limitation “Night Flying Prohibited.” This limitation may only be removed by an authorized examiner or FAA ASI if the pilot complies with the requirements of 14 CFR § 61.109(d)(2), (i)(2), or (j)(2), as appropriate.
6. Private pilots and applicants seeking a Private Pilot Certificate must understand and comply with all private pilot privileges and limitations, including compensation or hire and expense sharing, in accordance with 14 CFR §§ 61.113–61.117.
24 COMMERCIAL PILOT CERTIFICATION. Specific aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, aeronautical experience, and endorsement requirements for the Commercial Pilot Certificate are located in 14 CFR part 61 subpart F.
1. An applicant for a Commercial Pilot Certificate must hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate issued under 14 CFR part 61. This may be a Private Pilot certificate issued under 14 CFR part 61 subpart E, or issued based on the foreign pilot license requirements set forth in 14 CFR § 61.75. In addition, the person may be able to apply for a Commercial Pilot Certificate by being able to meet the requirements of 14 CFR § 61.73 (i.e., able to qualify for the Commercial Pilot Certificate under the special rules for military pilots or former military pilots). If a person is basing their application for a Commercial Pilot Certificate on a 14 CFR § 61.75 pilot certificate, the authenticity of the foreign pilot license must be verified through the person’s foreign Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
2. If an applicant for a Commercial Pilot Certificate with an airplane or powered-lift category rating does not hold or concurrently obtain the appropriate instrument rating, a limitation will be added to the applicant’s Commercial Pilot Certificate in accordance with 14 CFR § 61.133(b)(1). That limitation reads, “The carriage of passengers for hire in (airplanes) (powered-lifts) on cross-country flights in excess of 50 nautical miles or at night is prohibited.”
3. An applicant for an initial single-engine land or sea commercial certificate must have 10 hours of training in a complex airplane, a turbine-powered airplane, or a
17 technically advanced airplane (TAA) that meets the definition described in 14 CFR § 61.129(j), or any combination thereof (refer to 14 CFR § 61.129(a)(3)). The training must be provided in an airplane appropriate to land or sea for the rating sought.
Additionally, the Administrator can make a determination for airplanes that may qualify as a TAA that otherwise do not meet the criteria as currently described in the rule. Any requests concerning TAA qualification should be forwarded to the FAA General Aviation and Commercial Division.
25 ATP CERTIFICATION. Specific aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, aeronautical experience, and endorsement requirements for an ATP Certificate, including a restricted privileges ATP Certificate, are located in 14 CFR part 61 subpart G.
25.1 An Applicant for an ATP Certificate Must Possess One of the Following (14 CFR § 61.153):
1. A Commercial Pilot Certificate and an instrument (airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift) rating issued under 14 CFR part 61.
2. A foreign ATP license or a foreign commercial pilot license and an instrument (airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift) rating, without geographical limitations, issued by a contracting State to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. If applying for an ATP Certificate based on holding a foreign pilot license and ratings, the authenticity of that foreign pilot license must be verified through the foreign CAA.
3. Be a military pilot or former military pilot and have met the requirements of 14 CFR § 61.73 that qualify the applicant for a Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument (airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift) rating.
25.2 Instructor Recommendation. An instructor recommendation is not required unless the applicant has failed the practical test and is retesting. Applicants for retest must comply with the appropriate retest requirements of 14 CFR § 61.49. In addition, the instructor must sign the applicant’s FAA Form 8710-1 application for the retest. Refer to 14 CFR § 61.39.
25.3 ATP Certification Training Program (CTP) (14 CFR § 61.153(e)). The ATP CTP is required for applicants seeking an ATP Certificate with an airplane category multiengine class rating, or an ATP Certificate issued concurrently with an airplane type rating, and is intended to prepare the applicant to operate safely in those operations which require an ATP Certificate by rule. All persons seeking an ATP Certificate with airplane category multiengine class rating are required to present a graduation certificate certifying the completion of an ATP CTP when applying for the ATP airplane multiengine class rating knowledge test.
Note: A restricted privileges ATP Certificate allows the holder to act as second in command (SIC) in 14 CFR part 121 operations (except flag or supplemental operations that require three or more pilots). All applicants for a restricted privileges ATP Certificate must meet the requirements of 14 CFR § 61.160 and,
18 when applying for the ATP multiengine airplane knowledge test, they must present a graduation certificate certifying completion of an ATP CTP.
26 FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS OTHER THAN FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS WITH A SPORT PILOT RATING. Specific aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, aeronautical experience, and endorsement requirements for the flight instructor certificate, other than flight instructors with a sport pilot rating, are located in 14 CFR part 61 subpart H. To be eligible for a flight instructor certificate, an applicant must meet the requirements of 14 CFR § 61.183, which include:
1. Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate or an ATP Certificate with an aircraft category and class rating that is appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought.
2. Hold an instrument rating/instrument privileges (e.g., instrument privileges, as on an ATP Certificate the instrument privileges are conferred) on the applicant’s pilot certificate, if the applicant is seeking a flight instructor certificate with an airplane category, powered-lift category, or instrument rating.
3. Have a logbook endorsement certifying that the applicant has received the required ground and flight training and has been found competent to pass the practical test. An instructor who meets the requirements of 14 CFR § 61.195(h) must make the endorsement for first-time flight instructor applicants.
4. Have logged at least 15 hours as PIC in the category and class of aircraft that is appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought.
26.1 Flight Instructor Certificate With Airplane or Glider Category Ratings. In accordance with 14 CFR § 61.183(i), for applicants applying for a flight instructor certificate with airplane or glider category ratings, the applicant must have received a logbook endorsement that attests to satisfactory demonstration of instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures in an airplane or glider, as appropriate. This means, even if the applicant were to initially seek a flight instructor certificate with an airplane multiengine rating, the applicant would still be required to receive a logbook endorsement that attests to satisfactory demonstration of instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures.
26.2 Flight Instructor Certificate With Rotorcraft Category and Helicopter Class Rating.
For applicants applying for a flight instructor certificate with rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating, the applicant will be required to demonstrate touchdown autorotations (practical tests are conducted in accordance with the applicable ACS or PTS, pursuant to 14 CFR § 61.43). As set forth in the applicable ACS, an examiner may accept, at their discretion, a logbook endorsement in lieu of demonstrating the touchdown portion of these tasks during the practical test. This logbook endorsement must be given by a current flight instructor who meets the requirements of 14 CFR § 61.195(h)(2) with a rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating on their flight instructor certificate that provided the training and can attest to the applicant’s competence in these tasks. The following areas must be trained and documented in the endorsement, as evidence of instructional knowledge relating to the elements, common errors, performance, and
19 correction of common errors related to straight-in autorotation in a single-engine helicopter and autorotation with turns in a single-engine helicopter. The examiner may accept this logbook endorsement at the examiner’s discretion, provided the practical test is not a retest as a result of the applicant failing the previous practical test for deficiencies in instructional knowledge pertaining to the elements, common errors, performance, or correction of common errors related to straight-in autorotation in a single-engine helicopter or autorotation with turns in a single-engine helicopter . In this scenario, the examiner is not authorized to accept the endorsement outlined above. The applicant must provide a single-engine helicopter appropriate for performing autorotations if demonstration of this task is required during the retest.
27 FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS WITH A SPORT PILOT RATING. Specific aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, aeronautical experience, and endorsement requirements for the flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating are located in 14 CFR part 61 subpart K. To be eligible for a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating, an applicant must meet the requirements of 14 CFR § 61.405, which include:
1. Hold at least a sport pilot certificate with a category and class ratings or privileges, as applicable, that are appropriate to the flight instructor privileges sought (14 CFR § 61.403).
2. Have a logbook endorsement certifying that the applicant has met the aeronautical experience required by 14 CFR § 61.411 for the category and class privileges, as applicable, that are appropriate to the flight instructor privileges sought.
3. Have a logbook endorsement certifying that the applicant has received ground and flight training required by 14 CFR § 61.409 and has been found competent to pass the practical test. An instructor who meets the requirements of 14 CFR § 61.415 or § 61.429 must make the endorsement.
27.1 Requirements and Endorsements for Additional Privileges. To obtain additional sport flight instructor privileges, a flight instructor must receive additional training requirements and endorsements per 14 CFR § 61.419. This applies to both 14 CFR part 61 subpart H and K flight instructors, when providing flight instruction under subpart K. The following describes these training and endorsements:
1. To provide training in an additional category or class of aircraft, an applicant must meet the training requirements and endorsements required in 14 CFR § 61.419. The applicant must successfully complete a proficiency check (except for airplane or helicopter, which requires a practical test) from an authorized instructor other than the instructor who trained them and provide a completed FAA Form 8710-11 to the authorized instructor.
2. To provide training in an aircraft meeting the performance limits and design requirements of 14 CFR § 61.316 with a VH less than or equal to 87 KCAS, an applicant must have the endorsement specified in 14 CFR § 61.327(a) or be otherwise authorized to operate an aircraft with a VH less than or equal to 87 KCAS. The training and endorsements are not required if you have logged flight time as PIC of an airplane with a VH less than or equal to 87 KCAS prior to April 2, 2010.
3. To provide training to operate an aircraft meeting the performance limits and design requirements of 14 CFR § 61.316 in Class B, C, and D airspace; at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace; and to, from, through, or at an airport having an operational control tower, an applicant must have the endorsement specified in 14 CFR § 61.325 or be otherwise authorized to conduct operations in this airspace.
4. To provide training in an aircraft meeting the performance limits and design requirements of 14 CFR § 61.316 with a VH greater than 87 KCAS, an applicant must have the endorsement specified in 14 CFR § 61.327(b) or be otherwise authorized to operate an aircraft with a VH greater than 87 KCAS.
5. For those flight instructors with a sport pilot rating and single-engine airplane privilege who wish to provide training on control and maneuvering an airplane solely by reference to the instruments to their students pursuing a sport pilot certificate, they must receive the 3 hours of training described in 14 CFR § 61.412 and receive an endorsement from a 14 CFR part 61 subpart H instructor, qualifying them to provide that instruction.
27.2 Requirements for a Flight Instructor with a Sport Pilot Rating With Airplane or Glider Category Privileges. For applicants applying for a flight instructor certificate with sport pilot rating with airplane or glider category privileges, the applicant must have received a logbook endorsement that attests they are competent and possesses instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures after receiving flight training in those training areas in an airplane or glider, as appropriate, that is certificated for spins. Refer to 14 CFR § 61.405.
1. An applicant who seeks additional category and class privileges to be added to their flight instructor certificate with sport pilot rating in an airplane or glider would be required to receive the same training and logbook endorsement.
2. The applicant would be required to perform this spin training in a single-engine airplane or glider that does not contain any restrictions from conducting spins.
27.3 Pre-Solo Flight Training for Single-Place Aircraft. For single-place aircraft, pre-solo flight training must be provided in an aircraft that has two pilot stations and is of the same category and class applicable to the certificate, rating, or privilege sought. Refer to 14 CFR § 61.415(j).
27.4 Requirements for a Private Pilot Certificate With a PPC or Weight-Shift-Control Aircraft Rating. To provide ground or flight training for a Private Pilot Certificate with a PPC or weight-shift-control aircraft rating, an applicant must hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate with the applicable category and class rating, a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating or privileges, and the applicable flight instructor category and class privileges. Refer to 14 CFR § 61.415.
27.5 Evidence of Endorsement. All flight instructors with a sport pilot rating or privileges must carry their logbook or other evidence of the required authorized instructor endorsements on all flights. Other evidence of the required authorized instructor
21 endorsements may be a preprinted card or record that includes the endorsements. Refer to 14 CFR § 61.51(i)(5).
28 GOLD SEAL FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATES OTHER THAN FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS WITH A SPORT PILOT RATING. Order 8900.1, Volume 5, Chapter 2, Section 13, Issue a Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificate, contains the specific requirements for the Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificate other than flight instructors with a sport pilot rating. Flight instructor certificates bearing distinctive gold seals are issued to flight instructors who have maintained a high level of flight training activity and who meet special criteria. Once issued, a Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificate will be reissued each time the instructor’s certificate is reissued. Applicants for Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificates meet the following requirements:
1. The flight instructor holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating (glider flight instructors need not hold an instrument rating) or an ATP Certificate;
2. The flight instructor holds a ground instructor certificate with an advanced or instrument ground instructor rating; and
3. The flight instructor has accomplished the following within the previous 24 calendar months:
• Trained and recommended at least 10 applicants for a practical test, and at least 80 percent of the applicants passed their tests on the first attempt;
• Conducted at least 20 practical tests as a DPE or graduation tests as chief instructor of a 14 CFR part 141 approved pilot school course; or
• A combination of the above requirements. Two practical tests conducted equal the credit given for one applicant trained and recommended for a practical test.
29 GOLD SEAL FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATES WITH A SPORT PILOT RATING. Order 8900.1, Volume 5, Chapter 2, Section 12, Conduct a Title 14 CFR Part 61 Flight Instructor with a Sport Pilot Rating Initial Certification, Additional Category/Class Privilege, Recent Experience Validation, or Reinstatement of Privileges, contains specific requirements for the Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificate with a sport pilot rating. Flight instructor certificates bearing distinctive gold seals are issued to flight instructors who have maintained a high level of flight training activity and who meet special criteria. Once issued, a Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificate will be reissued each time the instructor’s certificate is reissued. Applicants for Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificates with a sport pilot rating meet the following requirements:
1. The flight instructor holds at least a sport pilot certificate;
2. The flight instructor holds a ground instructor certificate with a basic or advanced ground instructor rating; and
3. The flight instructor has accomplished one of the following within the previous 24 calendar months:
• Trained and recommended at least 10 applicants for an original certificate with at least 80 percent of those applicants recommended passing the practical test on the first attempt;
• Conducted at least 20 certification practical tests as an examiner or conducted 20 certification graduation tests as a chief flight instructor for an approved pilot school course; or
• A combination of the above requirements. Two certification practical tests/certification graduation tests equate to one trained and recommended applicant.
30 FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR RECENT EXPERIENCE. The recent experience requirements for a flight instructor certificate are located in 14 CFR § 61.197.
Establishing recent experience for a flight instructor certificate may be accomplished at any time as long as it is within the preceding 24 calendar months that a person wishes to exercise the privileges of the certificate.
Note: In accordance with 14 CFR § 61.425, a flight instructor with a sport pilot rating must establish recent experience in accordance with 14 CFR § 61.197.
30.1 Methods for Establishing Recent Experience. Flight instructor recent experience that has not lapsed may be reestablished in accordance with 14 CFR § 61.197(b) by one of the following options:
1. Passing a practical test for one of the ratings listed on the person’s current flight instructor certificate (14 CFR § 61.197(b)(1)(i)) or passing a practical test for an additional flight instructor rating (14 CFR § 61.197(b)(1)(ii)).
2. Presenting to an ASI, AST, or authorized designee records showing that, during the preceding 24 calendar months, the flight instructor has endorsed at least 5 applicants for a practical test for a certificate or rating and at least 80 percent of all applicants passed that test on the first attempt (14 CFR § 61.197(b)(2)(i)).
3. Presenting to an ASI, AST, or authorized designee evidence of having graduated from an FAA-approved flight instructor refresher course (FIRC) within the preceding 3 calendar months (14 CFR § 61.197(b)(2)(iii)). The instructor should present their FIRC graduation certificate to an ASI or AST at the time of application.
4. Presenting to an ASI, AST, or authorized designee a record showing that, within the preceding 24 calendar months from the month of application, the flight instructor passed an official U.S. Armed Forces military instructor pilot or pilot examiner proficiency check for which the military instructor already holds a rating or in an aircraft for an additional rating (14 CFR § 61.197(b)(2)(iv)).
5. Presenting to an ASI, AST, or authorized designee a record showing that, within the preceding 24 calendar months, the flight instructor served as a company check pilot, chief flight instructor, or flight instructor in a 14 CFR part 121 or 135 operation, or in a position involving the regular evaluation of pilots (14 CFR § 61.197(b)(2)(ii)). The normal duties of a flight instructor are not considered pilot evaluations under 14 CFR
23 § 61.197(b)(2)(ii). Order 8900.1, Volume 5, Chapter 2, Section 11, Conduct a Title 14 CFR Part 61 Flight Instructor Initial Certification, Additional Category/Class Ratings, Recent Experience Validation, and Reinstatement of Privileges, Subparagraph 5-504C, Section 61.197(b)(2)(ii) Recent Experience Requirements, provides the following examples of “a position involving the regular evaluation of pilots:”
• A PIC of a multiple-pilot flightcrew aircraft under 14 CFR part 121 or 135,
• Corporate PICs of a multiple-pilot flightcrew aircraft under 14 CFR part 91 subpart K (part 91K) or part 125,
• U.S. military pilots who are PICs of a multiple-pilot flightcrew aircraft,
• U.S. military instructor pilots and examiners who regularly evaluate pilots, and
• FAA DPEs or Pilot Proficiency Examiners (PPE).
Note: FAA ASIs should review evidence of the instructor’s employment, which should clearly show that the applicant is in a position involving the regular evaluation of pilots. ASIs also should have personal knowledge of the applicant’s flight instructing capabilities and qualities before validating that person’s recent experience.
6. Presenting to an ASI, AST, or authorized designee a record showing that, within the preceding 24 calendar months, the flight instructor served as a flight instructor in an FAA-sponsored Pilot Proficiency Program (WINGS) (14 CFR § 61.197(b)(2)(v)).
30.2 Validating Recent Experience by Mail. The procedure is described in Order 8900.1, Volume 5, Chapter 2, Section 11, Subparagraph 5-504E, Procedures for Validating Flight Instructor Recent Experience Via U.S. Mail. Information on the notary service required when applying by mail may be found at the U.S. Department of State (DOS) website at https://travel.state.gov. The instructor validating recent experience by mail should coordinate with the processing FSDO prior to mailing their documentation.
30.3 Recent Experience Period. For the purposes of meeting recent experience requirements, the FAA defines “24 calendar months” as starting from one of the following:
• The month the flight instructor certificate was issued (14 CFR § 61.197(a)(1)).
• The month the recent experience requirements were last accomplished (14 CFR § 61.197(a)(2)).
• The last month of the flight instructor’s current recent experience period provided the recent experience requirements are accomplished within the 3 calendar months preceding the last month of the certificate holder’s (CH) current recent experience period (14 CFR § 61.197(a)(3)).
30.3.1 Recent Experience Accomplished Prior to 3 Calendar Months From the Last Month of the Current Period. If the flight instructor satisfies the recent experience requirements more than 3 calendar months prior to the last month of their current recent experience
24 period, the new recent experience period will be valid for 24 calendar months from the month the recent experience requirements of 14 CFR § 61.197 were accomplished.
Additionally, if establishing recent experience by completing a FIRC, the flight instructor must present a FIRC graduation certificate to a FSDO within 3 calendar months of completion of the FIRC. The new recent experience period under 14 CFR § 61.197(a) must be established before the end of the flight instructor’s current recent experience period. If the flight instructor completes a FIRC more than 3 calendar months prior to the last month of the current recent experience period, the new recent experience period will start 24 calendar months after the month in which the FAA Form 8710-1 is submitted to the FAA, provided the form is submitted within 3 calendar months of completion of the FIRC.
30.3.2 Determining the End of the Recent Experience Period. The following examples help explain how to determine the ending date of the flight instructor’s 24-calendar-month recent experience period.
Example 1: If the last month of a flight instructor’s current recent experience period is August, then that instructor must accomplish one of the flight instructor recent experience actions in the months of May, June, July, or August to retain the month of August as the last month of recent experience per 14 CFR § 61.197(a)(3).
Example 2: Assume a flight instructor last established recent experience requirements in August 20xx. The instructor completes a FIRC on June 1, 20xx, and presents their FIRC graduation certificate and completed FAA Form 8710-1 to a FSDO on June 1, 20xx. The flight instructor recent experience is reestablished and is valid through August 31, 20xx+2 (per 14 CFR § 61.197(a)(3)). The month in which the flight instructor recent experience period ends is unchanged if the instructor completes the recent experience requirement(s) within the 3 calendar months prior to the last month of the recent experience period.
Example 3: The flight instructor has a recent experience period ending on August 31, 20xx. The flight instructor completes a FIRC on January 5, 20xx, 7 calendar months before the last month of the recent experience period. The flight instructor submits FAA Form 8710-1 to validate their recent experience on April 13, 20xx, within 3 calendar months of the date of the FIRC graduation. The flight instructor’s new recent experience period would end 24 calendar months from April 30, 20xx, or in other words, April 30, 20xx+2.
Example 4: The flight instructor has a recent experience period ending on August 31, 20xx. The flight instructor completes the FIRC on March 7, 20xx, and submits FAA Form 8710-1 on June 2, 20xx. This is within 3 calendar months of the date of the FIRC graduation and within 3 calendar months of the last month of the current recent experience period. In this case, the flight instructor’s new recent experience period would end 24 calendar months from the date of submission, or in other words, June 30, 20xx+2. This is because the FIRC was not completed
25 within the 3 calendar months preceding the last month of the current recent experience period, as required by 14 CFR § 61.197(a)(3).
Note: If you wish to retain the same month for your recent experience period each 24-calendar-month cycle, the FAA recommends that you complete the recent experience requirements and submit your FAA Form 8710-1 or 8710-11 within the 3 calendar months prior to the month your current recent experience period ends.
30.4 Flight Instructor Certificates With an Expiration Date. A person who holds an unexpired flight instructor certificate issued before December 1, 2024, may renew that certificate by establishing recent experience prior to the month of expiration on that person’s flight instructor certificate. After establishing recent experience, the instructor must submit FAA Form 8710-1 or 8710-11 to an ASI, AST, or authorized designee for validation. The instructor will be issued a new flight instructor certificate without an expiration date.
30.4.1 Acceptable Documentation. The FAA received regular inquiries asking about the intent of the phrase, “or other documentation acceptable to the Administrator,” in 14 CFR § 61.3(d). If a FIRC graduation certificate is used to establish recent experience, when exchanging a flight instructor certificate with an expiration date for a new flight instructor certificate without an expiration date, a copy of the FIRC graduation certificate is considered “documentation acceptable to the Administrator” until the applicant receives their permanent flight instructor certificate. Another example of other “documentation acceptable to the Administrator” is a copy of the signed and completed FAA Form 8710-1 or 8710-11.
30.5 Relief for U.S. Military Personnel Assigned Outside of the United States. Relief is available for persons supporting U.S. Armed Forces operations (refer to 14 CFR § 61.40).
FSDOs are authorized to validate the 14 CFR § 61.197 recent experience of an eligible flight instructor who meets the requirements of 14 CFR § 61.40. The eligible person must present the FSDO with the required documents along with FAA Form 8710-1 or 8710-11, as applicable.
31 REINSTATEMENT OF FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR PRIVILEGES. A person who fails to establish recent experience during the 24-calendar-month period may not exercise flight instructor privileges until those privileges are reinstated in accordance with 14 CFR § 61.199 or § 61.427, as applicable. If 3 calendar months or less have passed since the last month of the flight instructor’s recent experience period, the flight instructor may successfully complete an approved FIRC consisting of ground training or flight training, or a combination of both, to reinstate flight instructor privileges following validation by an ASI, AST, or authorized designee or, alternatively, by satisfactorily completing one of the methods listed below. If more than 3 calendar months have passed since the last month of the flight instructor’s recent experience period, the flight instructor must satisfactorily complete one of the methods listed below:
1. Passing a practical test, per 14 CFR § 61.183(h) or § 61.405(b), for one of the aircraft ratings held on that person’s flight instructor certificate or by passing a flight instructor practical test for an additional rating. If the practical test is for a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating, the examiner may only issue that rating and provide endorsements for the category and class privileges tested.
2. Military instructor pilots and pilot examiners can reinstate flight instructor privileges if they can provide a record showing that, within the preceding 6 calendar months from the date of submission of FAA Form 8710-1, the person has passed a U.S. Armed Forces instructor pilot or pilot examiner proficiency check or completed a U.S. Armed Forces instructor pilot or pilot examiner training course and received an additional aircraft rating qualification as a military instructor pilot or pilot examiner that is appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought (14 CFR § 61.199(a)(3)).
Note: Flight instructor ratings or limited flight instructor ratings on a pilot certificate are no longer valid. To reinstate flight instructor privileges, the applicant must meet all requirements for initial issuance of a flight instructor certificate, including satisfactorily completing the required knowledge and practical tests (14 CFR § 61.199(b)).
32 INSTRUMENT RATING. Title 14 CFR § 61.65 contains specific aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, aeronautical experience, and endorsement requirements for the instrument rating.
33 ADDITIONAL AIRCRAFT RATINGS (OTHER THAN ATP). Specific aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, and endorsement requirements for an additional category, class, or type rating (for ratings other than at the ATP level) are located in 14 CFR § 61.63.
33.1 Category and Class Ratings. Applicants adding a category and/or class rating to a recreational pilot certificate or higher, other than ATP, must have instructor recommendations and appropriate endorsements. An applicant for other than an ATP Certificate with airplane category multiengine class rating need not take an additional knowledge test, provided the person holds an airplane, powered-lift, rotorcraft, PPC, weight-shift-control aircraft, or airship rating at or above the pilot certificate level sought.
An applicant must pass the required practical test appropriate to the pilot certificate for the aircraft category and, if applicable, class rating sought. Additionally, applicants must comply with the requirements of 14 CFR § 61.63, as noted below:
33.1.1 Category Ratings. Applicants must receive the training and have the aeronautical experience required by 14 CFR part 61 that applies to the pilot certificate level for the category and, if applicable, class rating sought.
33.1.2 Class Ratings. Applicants must be found competent in the knowledge areas and proficient in the Areas of Operation for the class rating sought.