33.1.3 Type Ratings. Applicants must have the required training, logbook, or training record endorsements, and pass the required practical test in accordance with the ATP/type rating ACS or PTS, as appropriate. Refer to 14 CFR § 61.63(d).
33.2 Tailwheel Endorsement. Title 14 CFR § 61.31(i) prescribes additional training required for operating tailwheel airplanes. Some tailwheel airplanes have different configurations, such as wheels, floats, or skis. If a pilot is going to act as a PIC of an aircraft configured (equipped) with main wheels and a tailwheel, the pilot must have the training and endorsement. If the aircraft has skis or floats in place of the wheeled landing gear, the training cannot be accomplished and thus the endorsement is not required. The training and endorsement required by the regulation must be done when the aircraft has a tailwheel in the wheeled landing gear configuration. Refer to 14 CFR § 61.31(i)(2) for an exception to the training and endorsement requirement.
34 ADDITIONAL CATEGORY/CLASS RATINGS AT THE ATP CERTIFICATION LEVEL.
34.1 Specific requirements for an additional category, class, or type rating (at the ATP certification level) are located in 14 CFR § 61.165.
34.2 An instructor recommendation is not required, unless the applicant has failed the practical test and this is a retest (per 14 CFR § 61.49). 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. If seeking to add an airplane category and multiengine class rating to an ATP Certificate, the applicant must complete an approved ATP CTP in accordance with 14 CFR § 61.156 prior to taking the required knowledge test.
35 OTHER INSTRUCTOR ENDORSEMENTS. Specific requirements for knowledge, aeronautical experience, and, as appropriate, testing for the complex airplane, high-performance airplane, tailwheel airplane, pressurized aircraft capable of operating at high altitudes, and type specific training are found in 14 CFR § 61.31.
36 GROUND INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION. The applicability, eligibility, privileges, and recency requirements for the ground instructor certificate are located in 14 CFR part 61 subpart I.
37 AUTHORIZED INSTRUCTORS. Title 14 CFR § 61.1 defines an “authorized instructor” as:
1. A person who holds a ground instructor certificate issued under 14 CFR part 61 and is in compliance with 14 CFR § 61.217 when conducting ground training in accordance with the privileges and limitations of their ground instructor certificate;
2. A person who holds a flight instructor certificate issued under 14 CFR part 61 and is in compliance with 14 CFR § 61.197 when conducting ground training or flight training in accordance with the privileges and limitations of their flight instructor certificate; or
3. A person authorized by the Administrator to provide ground training or flight training under 14 CFR part 61, 121, 135, or 142 when conducting ground training or flight training in accordance with that authority.
38 ADDITIONAL TRAINING FOR GLIDERS. Specific training and authorization requirements for ground-tow, aerotow, and self-launch procedures for gliders are located in 14 CFR § 61.31(j).
38.1 Ground-Tow Procedures. Pilots who desire to act as PIC of a glider using ground-tow procedures must have satisfactorily accomplished ground and flight training on ground-tow procedures and operations. The pilot must have received an endorsement from an authorized instructor who certifies in that pilot’s logbook that the pilot has been found proficient in ground-tow procedures and operations. Refer to 14 CFR § 61.31(j)(1)(i).
38.2 Aerotow Procedures. Pilots who desire to act as PIC of a glider using aerotow procedures must have satisfactorily accomplished ground and flight training on aerotow procedures and operations. The pilot must have received an endorsement from an authorized instructor who certifies in that pilot’s logbook that the pilot has been found proficient in aerotow procedures and operations. Refer to 14 CFR § 61.31(j)(1)(ii).
38.3 Self-Launch Procedures. Pilots who desire to act as PIC of a glider using self-launch procedures must have satisfactorily accomplished ground and flight training on self-launch procedures and operations. The pilot must have received an endorsement from an authorized instructor who certifies in that pilot’s logbook that the pilot has been found proficient in self-launch procedures and operations. Refer to 14 CFR § 61.31(j)(1)(iii).
38.4 Glider Ratings Issued Prior to August 4, 1997. In accordance with 14 CFR § 61.31(j)(2), the holder of a glider rating issued prior to August 4, 1997, is considered to be in compliance with the training and logbook endorsement requirements of 14 CFR § 61.31(j) for the specific operating privilege for which the holder is already qualified.
38.5 Weight-Shift-Control Aircraft Certification Prior to September 1, 2004. Prior to September 1, 2004, some weight-shift-control aircraft had been issued an experimental certificate in the glider category. In these cases only, initial pilot certification for the issuance of at least a Private Pilot Certificate with a glider rating limited to weight-shift-control or glider-trike privileges was authorized. After September 1, 2004, issuance of at least a Private Pilot Certificate with a glider rating limited to weight-shift-control or glider-trike privileges is no longer authorized, nor necessary, now that there are established training and certification requirements for weight-shift-control category aircraft under 14 CFR part 61.
38.6 Weight-Shift-Control Aircraft Certification After January 15, 2005. Effective January 15, 2005, airmen who conducted their initial pilot certification in a weight-shift-control aircraft that was certificated as an experimental aircraft in the glider category and received a Private Pilot Certificate or higher with a glider rating limited to
29 weight-shift-control or glider-trike privileges can apply using FAA Form 8710-11 at a FSDO for a weight-shift-control category and/or class rating to be added to their airman certificate with no further showing of competency.
39 ENHANCED FLIGHT VISION SYSTEM (EFVS). There are two types of EFVS operations: EFVS operations to 100 feet above the touchdown zone elevation (TDZE) and EFVS operations to touchdown and rollout. An EFVS is an installed aircraft system which uses an electronic means to provide a display of the forward external scene topography (the natural or manmade features of a place or region, especially in a way to show their relative positions and elevation) through the use of imaging sensors, including, but not limited to, forward-looking infrared, millimeter wave radiometry, millimeter wave radar, or low-light level image intensification. An EFVS includes the display element, sensors, computers and power supplies, indications, and controls. EFVS operations to 100 feet above the TDZE were enabled through 69 FR 1620, Enhanced Flight Vision Systems, published in 2004. In 2016, the FAA amended the EFVS regulations to also permit EFVS operations to touchdown and rollout. Additionally, 81 FR 90126, Revisions to Operational Requirements for the Use of Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS) and to Pilot Compartment View Requirements for Vision Systems, published in 2016, established minimum ground and flight training requirements for pilots conducting EFVS operations. The operating requirements for EFVS operations can be found in 14 CFR § 91.176, and the minimum ground and flight training requirements for EFVS operations can be found in 14 CFR § 61.66. Operational and training guidance for EFVS operations can be found in AC 90-106, Enhanced Flight Vision System Operations. Recommended endorsements for the training are contained in Appendix A, Sample Endorsements.
40 SIMPLIFIED FLIGHT CONTROLS LIMITATION. Title 14 CFR § 61.31(l) provides the required training and endorsement for pilots seeking to act as PIC of an aircraft with simplified flight controls designation. Training and endorsement are required for each make and model (M/M) of aircraft with a simplified flight controls designation prior to operating as PIC. The pilot must already hold the appropriate category and class rating or privilege prior to obtaining the M/M simplified flight controls endorsement. This training can be combined with an initial category and class rating or privilege for a pilot certificate, but a practical test is required.
40.1 Initial Cadre Training. The initial cadre of training in a simplified flight control aircraft may do so without satisfying the training and endorsement requirements under 14 CFR § 61.31(l); rather the training of the initial cadre requires specific endorsements for pilots to become qualified in the aircraft. Refer to 14 CFR § 61.195(n). Recommended endorsements for the initial set of pilots for a specific M/M aircraft with simplified flight controls are contained in Appendix A.
Note: Initial cadre of training are pilots employed by or used by the manufacturer who will gain experience in aircraft with simplified flight controls and be the best qualified persons to provide initial instruction to authorized instructors and designated pilot examiners.
40.2 Further Guidance. For further discussion and guidance regarding simplified flight control designation, limitations, and operational privileges specific to sport pilots and flight instructors with sport pilot rating, see AC 61-146.
41 AC FEEDBACK FORM. For your convenience, the AC Feedback Form is the last page of this AC. Note any deficiencies found, clarifications needed, or suggested improvements regarding the contents of this AC on the Feedback Form.
Appendix A A-1 APPENDIX A. SAMPLE ENDORSEMENTS
CONTENTS
No. Endorsement DescriptionPage
Prerequisites for the Practical Test Endorsement
A.1 Prerequisites for practical test: 14 CFR § 61.39(a)(6)(i) and (ii)A-7
A.2 Review of deficiencies identified on airman knowledge test:
14 CFR § 61.39(a)(6)(iii), as requiredA-7
Student Pilot Endorsements
A.3 Pre-solo aeronautical knowledge: 14 CFR § 61.87(b)A-7
A.4 Pre-solo flight training: 14 CFR § 61.87(c)(1) and (2)A-8
A.5 Pre-solo flight training at night: 14 CFR § 61.87(o)A-8
A.6 Solo flight (first 90-calendar-day period): 14 CFR § 61.87(n)A-8
A.7 Solo flight (each additional 90-calendar-day period): 14 CFR § 61.87(p)A-8
A.8 Solo takeoffs and landings at another airport within 25 nautical miles (NM):
14 CFR § 61.93(b)(1)A-8
A.9 Solo cross-country flight: 14 CFR § 61.93(c)(1) and (2)A-8
A.10 Solo cross-country flight: 14 CFR § 61.93(c)(3)A-8
A.11 Repeated solo cross-country flights not more than 50 NM from the point of
departure: 14 CFR § 61.93(b)(2)A-9
A.12 Solo flight in Class B airspace: 14 CFR § 61.95(a)A-9
A.13 Solo flight to, from, or at an airport located in Class B airspace:
14 CFR §§ 61.95(b) and 91.131(b)(1)A-9
A.14 Endorsement of U.S. citizenship recommended by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR)
§ 1552.15(c)A-9
Additional Student Pilot Endorsements for Students Seeking Sport or Recreational Pilot Certificates
A.15 Solo flight in Class B, C, and D airspace: 14 CFR § 61.94(a)A-9
Appendix A A-2 A.16 Solo flight to, from, or at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace or at an airport
having an operational control tower: 14 CFR §§ 61.94(a) and 91.131(b)(1)A-10
Sport Pilot Endorsements
A.17 Aeronautical knowledge test: 14 CFR §§ 61.35(a)(1) and 61.309A-10
A.18 Taking flight proficiency check for different category or class of aircraft:
14 CFR §§ 61.309 and 61.311A-10
A.19 Passing flight proficiency check for different category or class of aircraft:
14 CFR §§ 61.309 and 61.311A-10
A.20 Taking sport pilot practical test: 14 CFR §§ 61.309, 61.311, and 61.313A-10
A.21 Passing a sport pilot practical test: 14 CFR §§ 61.309, 61.311, and 61.313A-11
A.22 Passing a sport pilot practical test with a simplified flight controls limitation:
14 CFR § 61.45(g)(4)(ii)A-11
A.23 Class B, C, or D airspace; at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace; or to, from,
through, or at an airport having an operational control tower: 14 CFR § 61.325A-11
A.24 Aircraft that has a maximum speed in level flight with maximum continuous power (VH)
less than or equal to 87 Knots Calibrated Airspeed (KCAS): 14 CFR § 61.327A-11
A.25 Aircraft that has a VH greater than 87 KCAS: 14 CFR § 61.327A-11
A.26 Flight training at night: 14 CFR § 61.329A-12
A.27 To act as pilot in command (PIC) in an aircraft with retractable landing gear:
14 CFR § 61.331(a)A-12
A.28 To act as PIC in an airplane with a manual controllable pitch propeller:
14 CFR § 61.331(b)A-12
Recreational Pilot Endorsements
A.29 Aeronautical knowledge test: 14 CFR §§ 61.35(a)(1), 61.96(b)(3), and 61.97(b)A-12
A.30 Flight proficiency/practical test: 14 CFR §§ 61.96(b)(5), 61.98(a) and (b),
and 61.99A-12
A.31 Recreational pilot to operate within 50 NM of the airport where training was
received: 14 CFR § 61.101(b)A-12
A.32 Recreational pilot to act as PIC on a flight that exceeds 50 NM of the
departure airport: 14 CFR § 61.101(c)A-13
Appendix A A-3 A.33 Recreational pilot with less than 400 flight hours and no logged PIC time within
the preceding 180 calendar days: 14 CFR § 61.101(g)A-13
A.34 Recreational pilot to conduct solo flights for the purpose of obtaining an additional certificate or rating while under the supervision of an authorized flight instructor:
14 CFR § 61.101(j)A-13
A.35 Class B, C, or D airspace; at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace; or to, from,
through, or at an airport having an operational control tower: 14 CFR § 61.101(d)A-13
Private Pilot Endorsements
A.36 Aeronautical knowledge test: 14 CFR §§ 61.35(a)(1), 61.103(d), and 61.105A-13
A.37 Flight proficiency/practical test: 14 CFR §§ 61.103(f), 61.107(b), and 61.109A-14
Commercial Pilot Endorsements
A.38 Aeronautical knowledge test: 14 CFR §§ 61.35(a)(1), 61.123(c), and 61.125A-14
A.39 Flight proficiency/practical test: 14 CFR §§ 61.123(e), 61.127, and 61.129A-14
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Endorsements A.40 Restricted privileges ATP Certificate, Airplane Multiengine Land (AMEL) rating:
14 CFR § 61.160A-14
A.41 ATP Certification Training Program (CTP): 14 CFR § 61.153(e)A-14
Instrument Rating Endorsements
A.42 Aeronautical knowledge test: 14 CFR §§ 61.35(a)(1) and 61.65(a) and (b)A-15
A.43 Flight proficiency/practical test: 14 CFR § 61.65(a)(6)A-15
A.44 Prerequisites for instrument practical tests: 14 CFR § 61.39(a)A-15
Flight Instructor (Other Than Flight Instructors With a Sport Pilot Rating) Endorsements
A.45 Fundamentals of instructing knowledge test: 14 CFR § 61.183(d)A-15
A.46 Flight instructor aeronautical knowledge test: 14 CFR § 61.183(f)A-15
A.47 Flight instructor ground and flight proficiency/practical test: 14 CFR § 61.183(g)A-15
A.48 Flight instructor certificate with instrument–(category/class) rating/practical test:
14 CFR §§ 61.183(g) and 61.187(a) and (b)(7)A-16
Appendix A A-4
A.49 Spin training: 14 CFR § 61.183(i)(1)A-16
A.50 Helicopter Touchdown Autorotation: FAA-S-8081-7, Flight Instructor Practical Test
Standards for Rotorcraft Category Gyroplane RatingA-16
Flight Instructor With a Sport Pilot Rating Endorsement
A.51 Fundamentals of instructing knowledge test: 14 CFR § 61.405(a)(1)A-16
A.52 Sport pilot flight instructor aeronautical knowledge test: 14 CFR §§ 61.35(a)(1)
and 61.405(a)A-16
A.53 Flight instructor with a sport pilot rating flight proficiency check for additional
category/class: 14 CFR §§ 61.409 and 61.419A-17
A.54 Flight instructor with a sport pilot rating proficiency check completion endorsement
for additional category or class privilege: 14 CFR §§ 61.409 and 61.419A-17
A.55 Flight instructor with a sport pilot rating practical test endorsement:
14 CFR §§ 61.409 and 61.411A-17
A.56 Flight instructor with a sport pilot rating practical test completion endorsement:
14 CFR §§ 61.409 and 61.411A-17
A.57 Flight instructor with a sport pilot rating to train sport pilots on flight by reference to
instruments: 14 CFR § 61.412A-17
A.58 Spin training: 14 CFR § 61.405(b)(1)(ii)A-18
Ground Instructor Endorsement A.59 Ground instructor who does not meet the recent experience requirements:
14 CFR § 61.217(d)A-18
Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 73, Robinson Helicopter Company, Robinson R-22/R-44 Special Training and Experience Requirements, Endorsements
A.60 R-22/R-44 ground training: SFAR 73, section 2(a)(1) or (2)A-18
A.61 R-22 solo endorsement: SFAR 73, section 2(b)(3)A-18
A.62 R-22 PIC endorsement: SFAR 73, section 2(b)(1)(ii)A-19
A.63 R-22 flight instructor endorsement: SFAR 73, section 2(b)(5)(iv)A-19
A.64 Flight review in an R-22 helicopter: SFAR 73, section 2(c)(1) and (3)A-19
A.65 R-44 solo endorsement: SFAR 73, section 2(b)(4)A-19
Appendix A A-5
A.66 R-44 PIC endorsement: SFAR 73, section 2(b)(2)(ii)A-19
A.67 R-44 flight instructor endorsement: SFAR 73, section 2(b)(5)(iv)A-19
A.68 Flight review in an R-44 helicopter: SFAR 73, section 2(c)(2) and (3)A-20
Additional Endorsements
A.69 Completion of a flight review: 14 CFR § 61.56(a) and (c)A-20
A.70 Completion of any phase of an FAA-sponsored Pilot Proficiency Program
(WINGS): 14 CFR § 61.56(e)A-20
A.71 Completion of an instrument proficiency check (IPC): 14 CFR § 61.57(d)A-20
A.72 To act as PIC in a complex airplane: 14 CFR § 61.31(e)A-20
A.73 To act as PIC in a high-performance airplane: 14 CFR § 61.31(f)A-21
A.74 To act as PIC in a pressurized aircraft capable of high-altitude operations:
14 CFR § 61.31(g)A-21
A.75 To act as PIC in a tailwheel airplane: 14 CFR § 61.31(i)A-21
A.76 To act as PIC of an aircraft in solo operations when the pilot does not hold an
appropriate category/class rating: 14 CFR § 61.31(d)(2)A-21
A.77 Retesting after failure of a knowledge or practical test: 14 CFR § 61.49A-21
A.78 Additional aircraft category or class rating (other than ATP):
14 CFR § 61.63(b) or (c)A-21
A.79 Type rating only, already holds the appropriate category or class rating (other
than ATP): 14 CFR § 61.63(d)(2)A-22
A.80 Type rating concurrently with an additional category or class rating (other than
ATP): 14 CFR § 61.63(d)(2)A-22
A.81 Type rating only, already holds the appropriate category or class rating (at the
ATP level): 14 CFR § 61.157(b)(2)A-22
A.82 Type rating concurrently with an additional category or class rating (at the ATP
level): 14 CFR § 61.157(b)(2)A-22
A.83 Launch procedures for operating a glider: 14 CFR § 61.31(j)A-22
A.84 Glider and unpowered ultralight vehicle towing experience: 14 CFR § 61.69(a)(5) ... A-22
Appendix A A-6 A.85 Glider and unpowered ultralight vehicle towing ground and flight:
14 CFR § 61.69(a)(3)A-23
A.86 Review of a home-study curriculum: 14 CFR § 61.35(a)(1)A-23
A.87 Aeronautical experience credit—ultralight vehicles: 14 CFR § 61.52A-23
Night Vision Goggles Operations (NVGO) A.88 Endorsement required for ground training to act as PIC of an aircraft using
night vision goggles (NVG): 14 CFR § 61.31(k)(1)A-23
A.89 Endorsement required for flight training and statement of proficiency to act as
PIC of an aircraft using NVG: 14 CFR § 61.31(k)(2)A-23
A.90 Endorsement required to provide training for NVGOs: 14 CFR § 61.195(k)(7)A-24
Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS)
A.91 Endorsement for EFVS ground training: 14 CFR § 61.66(a)A-24
A.92 Endorsement for EFVS flight training: 14 CFR § 61.66(b)A-24
A.93 Endorsement for EFVS ground and flight training: 14 CFR § 61.66(a) and (b)A-24
A.94 Endorsement for EFVS supplementary training: 14 CFR § 61.66(c)A-24
Simplified Flight Controls A.95 To act as PIC in an aircraft with a simplified flight controls designation:
14 CFR §§ 61.31(l) and 61.45(h)(1)A-25
A.96 Initial cadre training in an aircraft with simplified flight controls:
14 CFR § 61.195(n)A-25
Appendix A A-7
SAMPLE ENDORSEMENTS The following examples are recommended sample endorsements for use by authorized instructors when endorsing logbooks, or other means found acceptable to the Administrator for airmen applying for a knowledge or practical test, or when certifying accomplishment of requirements for pilot operating privileges. Each endorsement must be legible and include the instructor’s signature, date of signature, certificated flight instructor (CFI) or certificated ground instructor certificate number, and flight instructor recent experience (RE) end date or certificate expiration date, as applicable. The endorsing flight instructor may optionally include their printed name. Signature lines are no longer shown for a sample endorsement except for endorsements that someone other than a flight instructor or a ground instructor would make.
For a flight instructor certificate without an expiration date:
/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI RE 12-31-2026 For a flight instructor certificate with an expiration date:
/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 01-31-2025 For a ground instructor:
/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321
PREREQUISITES FOR THE PRACTICAL TEST ENDORSEMENT A.1 Prerequisites for practical test: 14 CFR § 61.39(a)(6)(i) and (ii).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received and logged training time within 2 calendar months preceding the month of application in preparation for the practical test and they are prepared for the required practical test for the issuance of [applicable] certificate.
A.2 Review of deficiencies identified on airman knowledge test: 14 CFR § 61.39(a)(6)(iii), as required.
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which they were deficient on the [applicable] airman knowledge test.
STUDENT PILOT ENDORSEMENTS A.3 Pre-solo aeronautical knowledge: 14 CFR § 61.87(b).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has satisfactorily completed the pre-solo knowledge test of 14 CFR § 61.87(b) for the [make and model (M/M)] aircraft.
Appendix A A-8 A.4 Pre-solo flight training: 14 CFR § 61.87(c)(1) and (2).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received and logged pre-solo flight training for the maneuvers and procedures that are appropriate to the [M/M] aircraft. I have determined they have demonstrated satisfactory proficiency and safety on the maneuvers and procedures required by 14 CFR § 61.87 in this or similar make and model of aircraft to be flown.
A.5 Pre-solo flight training at night: 14 CFR § 61.87(o). Flight training must be received within the 90-calendar-day period preceding the date of the flight.
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received flight training at night on night flying procedures that include takeoffs, approaches, landings, and go-arounds at night at the [airport name] airport where the solo flight will be conducted; navigation training at night in the vicinity of the [airport name] airport where the solo flight will be conducted.
This endorsement expires 90 calendar days from the date the flight training at night was received.
A.6 Solo flight (first 90-calendar-day period): 14 CFR § 61.87(n).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training to qualify for solo flying. I have determined they meet the applicable requirements of 14 CFR § 61.87(n) and are proficient to make solo flights in [M/M].
A.7 Solo flight (each additional 90-calendar-day period): 14 CFR § 61.87(p).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training to qualify for solo flying. I have determined that they meet the applicable requirements of 14 CFR § 61.87(p) and are proficient to make solo flights in [M/M].
A.8 Solo takeoffs and landings at another airport within 25 nautical miles (NM):
14 CFR § 61.93(b)(1).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of 14 CFR § 61.93(b)(1). I have determined that they are proficient to practice solo takeoffs and landings at [airport name]. The takeoffs and landings at [airport name] are subject to the following conditions: [List any applicable conditions or limitations.] A.9 Solo cross-country flight: 14 CFR § 61.93(c)(1) and (2).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required solo cross-country training. I find they have met the applicable requirements of 14 CFR § 61.93 and are proficient to make solo cross-country flights in a [M/M] aircraft, [aircraft category].
A.10 Solo cross-country flight: 14 CFR § 61.93(c)(3).
I have reviewed the cross-country planning of [First name, MI, Last name]. I find the planning and preparation to be correct to make the solo flight from [origination airport] to