Appendix A A-16 Note: The endorsement for a practical test is required in addition to the 14 CFR § 61.39 endorsements provided in endorsements 1 and 2 (see paragraphs A.1 and A.2).
A.48 Flight instructor certificate with instrument–(category/class) rating/practical test:
14 CFR §§ 61.183(g) and 61.187(a) and (b)(7). The endorsement for a practical test is required in addition to the 14 CFR § 61.39 endorsements provided in endorsements 1 and 2 (see paragraphs A.1 and A.2).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required certificated flight instructor - instrument training of 14 CFR § 61.187(b)(7). I have determined they are prepared for the certificated flight instructor - instrument–[airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift] practical test.
A.49 Spin training: 14 CFR § 61.183(i)(1). The spin training endorsement is only required of flight instructor airplane and flight instructor glider applicants.
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of 14 CFR § 61.183(i) in [an airplane, a glider]. I have determined that they are competent and possess instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures.
A.50 Helicopter Touchdown Autorotation: FAA-S-8081-7, Flight Instructor Practical Test Standards for Rotorcraft Category Gyroplane Rating.
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received training in straight-in autorotations in a single engine helicopter and autorotation with turns in a single engine helicopter to include touchdown. I have determined that they are competent in instructional knowledge relating to the elements, common errors, performance, and correction of common errors related to straight-in autorotations in a single engine helicopter and autorotation with turns in a single engine helicopter.
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR WITH A SPORT PILOT RATING ENDORSEMENT A.51 Fundamentals of instructing knowledge test: 14 CFR § 61.405(a)(1).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training in accordance with 14 CFR § 61.405(a)(1). I have determined that they are prepared for the Fundamentals of Instructing knowledge test.
A.52 Sport pilot flight instructor aeronautical knowledge test: 14 CFR §§ 61.35(a)(1) and 61.405(a).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of 14 CFR § 61.405(a)(2). I have determined that they are prepared for the [name of the knowledge test].
Appendix A A-17 A.53 Flight instructor with a sport pilot rating flight proficiency check for additional category/class: 14 CFR §§ 61.409 and 61.419.
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training in accordance with 14 CFR §§ 61.409 and 61.419 and have determined that they are prepared for a proficiency check for the flight instructor with a sport pilot rating in a [aircraft category and class].
Note: Cannot be provided to applicants seeking an airplane or helicopter privilege. Must successfully accomplish a practical test per 14 CFR § 61.419(e).
A.54 Flight instructor with a sport pilot rating proficiency check completion endorsement for additional category or class privilege: 14 CFR §§ 61.409 and 61.419.
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has successfully completed a proficiency check in accordance with 14 CFR §§ 61.409 and 61.419. I have determined that they are proficient and authorized for the additional [aircraft category and class] flight instructor privilege.
Note: Not applicable to the airplane or helicopter privilege. Must successfully accomplish a practical test per 14 CFR § 61.419(e).
A.55 Flight instructor with a sport pilot rating practical test endorsement: 14 CFR §§ 61.409 and 61.411. An endorsement is required in addition to the 14 CFR § 61.39 endorsements provided in paragraphs A.1 and A.2.
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of 14 CFR § 61.409 and met the aeronautical experience requirements of 14 CFR § 61.411. I have determined that they are prepared for the flight instructor with a sport pilot rating practical test in a [aircraft category and class].
/s/ [date] S. P. [Instructor name] 987654321 RE 12-31-2026 A.56 Flight instructor with a sport pilot rating practical test completion endorsement:
14 CFR §§ 61.409 and 61.411. This endorsement is required by 14 CFR § 61.417 and is issued by an authorized evaluator.
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has met the requirements in accordance with 14 CFR §§ 61.409 and 61.411 and successfully completed the practical test. I have determined that they are proficient and authorized for the [aircraft category and class] flight instructor privilege.
/s/ [date] S. P. [Examiner name] 987654321 RE 12-31-2026 A.57 Flight instructor with a sport pilot rating to train sport pilots on flight by reference to instruments: 14 CFR § 61.412. This endorsement from an instructor certificated under 14 CFR part 61 subpart H to a flight instructor with a sport pilot rating (14 CFR
Appendix A A-18 part 61 subpart K) authorizes the 14 CFR part 61 subpart K instructor to train sport pilot candidates on control and maneuvering an airplane solely by reference to the instruments.
I certify that I have given [First name, MI, Last name] 3 hours of flight training and 1 hour of ground instruction specific to providing flight training on control and maneuvering an airplane solely by reference to the instruments in accordance with 14 CFR § 61.412. I have determined that they are proficient and authorized to provide training on control and maneuvering an airplane solely by reference to the flight instruments to this instructor’s sport pilot candidate, who intends to operate an aircraft with a VH greater than 87 KCAS on a cross-country flight.
/s/ [date] Subpart H Instructor 987654321 RE 12-31-2026 A.58 Spin training: 14 CFR § 61.405(b)(1)(ii). This spin training endorsement is only required for flight instructor airplane and flight instructor glider applicants.
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of 14 CFR § 61.405(b)(1)(ii). I have determined that they are competent and possess instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures.
GROUND INSTRUCTOR ENDORSEMENT A.59 Ground instructor who does not meet the recent experience requirements: 14 CFR § 61.217(d). This endorsement is issued by an authorized instructor (ground or flight) as defined in 14 CFR § 61.1(b).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has demonstrated knowledge in the subject areas prescribed for a [basic, advanced, instrument] ground instructor under 14 CFR § 61.213(a)(3) and (a)(4), as appropriate.
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).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name, Pilot Certificate No. ] has received the ground training required by SFAR 73, section 2(a)(3)(i)–(v).
A.61 R-22 solo endorsement: SFAR 73, section 2(b)(3).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name, Pilot Certificate No. ] meets the experience requirements of SFAR 73, section 2(b)(3) and has been given training specified by SFAR 73, section 2(b)(3)(i)–(iv). They have been found proficient to solo the R-22 helicopter.
Appendix A A-19 A.62 R-22 PIC endorsement: SFAR 73, section 2(b)(1)(ii).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name, Pilot Certificate No. ] has been given training specified by SFAR 73, section 2(b)(1)(ii)(A)–(D) for Robinson R-22 helicopters and is proficient to act as pilot in command. An annual flight review must be completed by [date 12 calendar months after date of this endorsement] unless the requirements of SFAR 73, section 2(b)(1)(i) are met.
A.63 R-22 flight instructor endorsement: SFAR 73, section 2(b)(5)(iv). This endorsement may only be issued by an FAA aviation safety inspector (ASI) or authorized designated examiner per SFAR 73, section 2(b)(5)(iv).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], holder of CFI Certificate No. [ ], meets the experience requirements and has completed the flight training specified by SFAR 73, section 2(b)(5)(i)–(ii) and (iii)(A)–(D), and has demonstrated an ability to provide instruction on the general subject areas of SFAR 73, section 2(a)(3) and the flight training identified in SFAR 73, section 2(b)(5)(iii) in a Robinson R-22 helicopter.
/s/ [date] J. J. Jones DPE Designation Number, Exp. 12-31-2026; or /s/ [date] I. M. Inspector FAA Aviation Safety Inspector A.64 Flight review in an R-22 helicopter: SFAR 73, section 2(c)(1) and (3).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name, Pilot Certificate No. ] has satisfactorily completed the flight review in an R-22 required by 14 CFR § 61.56 and SFAR 73, section 2(c)(1) and (3), on [date of flight review].
A.65 R-44 solo endorsement: SFAR 73, section 2(b)(4).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name, Pilot Certificate No. ] meets the experience requirements of SFAR 73, section 2(b)(4) and has been given training specified by SFAR 73, section 2(b)(4)(i)–(iv). They have been found proficient to solo the R-44 helicopter.
A.66 R-44 PIC endorsement: SFAR 73, section 2(b)(2)(ii).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name, Pilot Certificate No. ] has been given training specified by SFAR 73, section 2(b)(2)(ii)(A)–(D) for Robinson R-44 helicopters and is proficient to act as pilot in command. An annual flight review must be completed by [date 12 calendar months after date of this endorsement] unless the requirements of SFAR 73, section 2(b)(2)(i) are met.
A.67 R-44 flight instructor endorsement: SFAR 73, section 2(b)(5)(iv). This endorsement may only be issued by an FAA ASI or authorized Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) per SFAR 73, section 2(b)(5)(iv).
Appendix A A-20 I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], holder of CFI Certificate No. [ ], meets the experience requirements and has completed the flight training specified by SFAR 73, section 2(b)(5)(i)–(ii) and (iii)(A)–(D), and has demonstrated an ability to provide instruction on the general subject areas of SFAR 73, section 2(a)(3) and the flight training identified in SFAR 73, section 2(b)(5)(iii) in a Robinson R-44 helicopter.
/s/ [date] J. J. Jones DPE Designation Number, Exp. 12-31-2026; or /s/ [date] I. M. Inspector FAA Aviation Safety Inspector A.68 Flight review in an R-44 helicopter: SFAR 73, section 2(c)(2) and (3).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name, Pilot Certificate No. ] has satisfactorily completed the flight review in an R-44 required by 14 CFR § 61.56 and SFAR 73, section 2(c)(2) and (3), on [date of flight review].
ADDITIONAL ENDORSEMENTS A.69 Completion of a flight review: 14 CFR § 61.56(a) and (c). No logbook entry reflecting unsatisfactory performance on a flight review is required.
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [grade of pilot certificate], [certificate number], has satisfactorily completed a flight review of 14 CFR § 61.56(a) on [date].
A.70 Completion of any phase of an FAA-sponsored Pilot Proficiency Program (WINGS): 14 CFR § 61.56(e).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [grade of pilot certificate], [certificate number], has satisfactorily completed Level: [Basic/Advanced/Master, as appropriate], PHASE NO. [..] OF A WINGS PROGRAM ON [DATE].
A.71 Completion of an instrument proficiency check (IPC): 14 CFR § 61.57(d). No logbook entry reflecting unsatisfactory performance on an IPC is required.
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [grade of pilot certificate], [certificate number], has satisfactorily completed the instrument proficiency check of 14 CFR § 61.57(d) in a [M/M] aircraft on [date].
A.72 To act as PIC in a complex airplane: 14 CFR § 61.31(e).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [grade of pilot certificate], [certificate number], has received the required training of 14 CFR § 61.31(e) in a [M/M] complex airplane. I have determined that they are proficient in the operation and systems of a complex airplane.
Appendix A A-21 A.73 To act as PIC in a high-performance airplane: 14 CFR § 61.31(f).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [grade of pilot certificate], [certificate number], has received the required training of 14 CFR § 61.31(f) in a [M/M] high-performance airplane. I have determined that they are proficient in the operation and systems of a high-performance airplane.
A.74 To act as PIC in a pressurized aircraft capable of high-altitude operations: 14 CFR § 61.31(g).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [grade of pilot certificate], [certificate number], has received the required training of 14 CFR § 61.31(g) in a [M/M] pressurized aircraft. I have determined that they are proficient in the operation and systems of a pressurized aircraft.
A.75 To act as PIC in a tailwheel airplane: 14 CFR § 61.31(i). This endorsement may be given in a sport pilot aircraft by a sport pilot instructor or in an airplane by a flight instructor with a rating other than a sport pilot rating.
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [grade of pilot certificate], [certificate number], has received the required training of 14 CFR § 61.31(i) in a [M/M] of tailwheel airplane.
I have determined that they are proficient in the operation of a tailwheel airplane.
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).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the training as required by 14 CFR § 61.31(d)(2) to serve as a pilot in command in a [specific category and class] of aircraft.
I have determined that they are prepared to solo that [M/M] aircraft. Limitations:
[optional].
A.77 Retesting after failure of a knowledge or practical test: 14 CFR § 61.49. In the case of a failed knowledge test, the instructor may complete the endorsement in the space provided at the bottom of the applicant’s Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR). The instructor must sign the block provided for the instructor’s recommendation on the reverse side of FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application, for each retake of a practical test.
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the additional [flight and/or ground, as appropriate] training as required by 14 CFR § 61.49. I have determined that they are proficient to pass the [name of] knowledge/practical test.
A.78 Additional aircraft category or class rating (other than ATP): 14 CFR § 61.63(b) or (c).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [grade of pilot certificate], [certificate number], has received the required training for an additional [aircraft category/class rating]. I have
Appendix A A-22 determined that they are prepared for the [name of] practical test for the addition of a [name of specific aircraft category/class/type] type rating.
A.79 Type rating only, already holds the appropriate category or class rating (other than ATP): 14 CFR § 61.63(d)(2).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of 14 CFR § 61.63(d)(2) for an addition of a [name of] type rating.
A.80 Type rating concurrently with an additional category or class rating (other than ATP): 14 CFR § 61.63(d)(2).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of 14 CFR § 61.63(d)(2) for an addition of a [name of specific category/class/type] type rating. I have determined that they are prepared for the [name of] practical test for the addition of a [name of specific aircraft category/class/type] type rating.
A.81 Type rating only, already holds the appropriate category or class rating (at the ATP level): 14 CFR § 61.157(b)(2).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of 14 CFR § 61.157(b)(2) for an addition of a [name of] type rating.
A.82 Type rating concurrently with an additional category or class rating (at the ATP level): 14 CFR § 61.157(b)(2).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of 14 CFR § 61.157(b)(2) for an addition of a [name of the specific category/class/type] type rating.
A.83 Launch procedures for operating a glider: 14 CFR § 61.31(j).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [grade of pilot certificate], [certificate number], has received the required training in a glider [M/M] for [ground-tow, aerotow, self-launch] procedure. I have determined that they are proficient in [ground-tow, aerotow, self-launch] procedure.
A.84 Glider and unpowered ultralight vehicle towing experience: 14 CFR § 61.69(a)(5).
This endorsement is made by the pilot who is qualified per 14 CFR § 61.69(c) and (d) and who conducted the flights. This endorsement does not have to be made by a flight instructor.
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [grade of pilot certificate], [certificate number], has accomplished at least three flights in an aircraft while towing [a glider or unpowered ultralight vehicle, or while simulating towing flight procedures, as applicable].
/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321
Appendix A A-23 A.85 Glider and unpowered ultralight vehicle towing ground and flight: 14 CFR § 61.69(a)(3).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [grade of pilot certificate], [certificate number], has received the required ground and flight training in [a glider or unpowered ultralight vehicle, as applicable]. I have determined that they are proficient in the techniques and procedures essential to the safe towing of [gliders or unpowered vehicles, as applicable], including airspeed limitations, emergency procedures, signals used, and maximum angles of bank.
A.86 Review of a home-study curriculum: 14 CFR § 61.35(a)(1).
I certify I have reviewed the home-study curriculum of [First name, MI, Last name]. I have determined that they are prepared for the [name of] knowledge test.
Note: This endorsement cannot be used for the ATP Airplane Multiengine Knowledge Test.
A.87 Aeronautical experience credit—ultralight vehicles: 14 CFR § 61.52.
I certify that I have reviewed the records of [First name, MI, Last name], as required by 14 CFR § 61.52(c). I have determined that they may use [number of hours] aeronautical experience obtained in an ultralight vehicle to meet the requirements for [certificate/rating/privilege].
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). This training and endorsement must be given by an authorized instructor, which is one who meets the requirements of 14 CFR § 61.195(k)(1)–(7). Refer to 14 CFR § 61.31(k)(3) for exceptions to this required ground training.
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [grade of pilot certificate], [certificate number], has received the ground training required by 14 CFR § 61.31(k)(1), (i) through (v) to conduct night vision goggle operations.
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). This training and endorsement must be given by an authorized instructor, which is one who meets the requirements of 14 CFR § 61.195(k)(1)–(7). Refer to 14 CFR § 61.31(k)(3) for exceptions to this required flight training.
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [grade of pilot certificate], [certificate number], has received the flight training on night vision goggle operations required by 14 CFR § 61.31(k)(2), (i) through (iv). I find them proficient in the use of night vision goggles.
Appendix A A-24 A.90 Endorsement required to provide training for NVGOs: 14 CFR § 61.195(k)(7).
“Position,” as mentioned in the signature block of the endorsement, is a person who is authorized by the FAA to provide that logbook endorsement. Refer to FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System.
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], holder of CFI Certificate No. [ ], meets the night vision goggle instructor requirements of 14 CFR § 61.195(k) and is authorized to perform the night vision goggle pilot-in-command qualification and recent flight experience requirements under 14 CFR §§ 61.31(k) and 61.57(f) and (g). This endorsement does not provide the authority to endorse another flight instructor as a night vision goggle instructor.
/s/ [date] I. M. Inspector 987654321CFI RE Date 12-31-24 Position
ENHANCED FLIGHT VISION SYSTEM (EFVS) A.91 Endorsement for EFVS ground training: 14 CFR § 61.66(a).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [pilot certificate], [certificate number], has satisfactorily completed the ground training required by 14 CFR § 61.66(a) appropriate to the [appropriate aircraft category] category of aircraft.
A.92 Endorsement for EFVS flight training: 14 CFR § 61.66(b).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [pilot certificate], [certificate number], has received the flight training required by 14 CFR § 61.66(b) and is proficient in the use of EFVS in the [appropriate aircraft category in which the flight training was conducted] category of aircraft for EFVS operations conducted under [14 CFR § 91.176(a), (b), or both 14 CFR § 91.176(a) and (b)].
A.93 Endorsement for EFVS ground and flight training: 14 CFR § 61.66(a) and (b).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [pilot certificate], [certificate number], has satisfactorily completed the ground training required by 14 CFR § 61.66(a) and has received the flight training required by 14 CFR § 61.66(b) for EFVS operations and is proficient in the use of EFVS in the [appropriate aircraft category in which the ground and flight training was conducted] category of aircraft for EFVS operations conducted under [14 CFR § 91.176(a), (b), or both 14 CFR § 91.176(a) and (b)].
A.94 Endorsement for EFVS supplementary training: 14 CFR § 61.66(c).
I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [pilot certificate], [certificate number], has satisfactorily completed the required ground and flight training required by 14 CFR § 61.66(c) for EFVS operations and is proficient in the use of EFVS in the [appropriate aircraft category in which the supplementary ground and flight training was conducted] category of aircraft for EFVS operations conducted under [14 CFR § 91.176(a), (b), or both 14 CFR § 91.176(a) and (b)].
Appendix A A-25
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).
I certify that [First Name, MI, Last Name], [grade of pilot certificate], [certificate number], has received the required training of 14 CFR § 61.31(l)(1) in a [M/M] aircraft with simplified flight controls designation. I have determined that [pilot name] is proficient in the operation of an [category and class, M/M] aircraft with simplified flight controls.
A.96 Initial cadre training in an aircraft with simplified flight controls: 14 CFR § 61.195(n).
I certify that [First Name, MI, Last Name], [grade of pilot certificate], [certificate number], has received the required training of 14 CFR § 61.195(n)(2)(ii) in a [M/M] aircraft with simplified flight controls designation. I have determined that [pilot name] is proficient in the operation of an [category and class, M/M] aircraft with simplified flight controls.
Signature of Instructor Pilot _________ Print Name _____________ Cert No. _________ Date ______
Appendix B B-1 APPENDIX B. SUMMARY OF CHANGES IN REVISION K
1. Replaced the term “light-sport aircraft” and “LSA” with “aircraft” throughout the AC to align with the removal of the definition of “light-sport aircraft” from 14 CFR § 1.1, effective October 22, 2025. The aircraft requirements for sport pilots are now located in 14 CFR § 61.316.
2. Added FAA Form 8710-11 throughout document for consistency.
3. Updated sport pilot section to discuss expanded sport pilot privileges to conform with amendments to sport pilot regulations adopted in Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) final rule (90 FR 35034), published on July 24, 2025. Added a paragraph explaining that an additional category or class for airplane or helicopter on a pilot certificate requires a practical test.
4. Added sample endorsements for night, controllable pitch propeller, and retractable landing gear under the sport pilot section in Appendix A to conform with MOSAIC final rule.
5. Added simplified flight controls explanation and sample endorsements to conform with MOSAIC final rule.
6. Updated single seat section as applicable to sport pilot practical tests to align with amended regulatory requirements in 14 CFR § 61.45(f).
7. Removed established list of LSA aircraft from the AC.
8. Removed experimental category and class and letter of authorization paragraphs to align with regulatory changes in 2024 (refer to 89 FR 92296) and is no longer applicable.
Advisory Circular Feedback Form If you find an error in this AC, have recommendations for improving it, or have suggestions for new items/subjects to be added, you may let us know by contacting the General Aviation and Commercial Division at 9-AFS-800-Correspondence@faa.gov or the Flight Standards Directives Management Officer at 9-AWA-AFB-120-Directives@faa.gov.
Subject: AC 61-65K, Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors Date: _____________________ Please check all appropriate line items:
An err or (pro ce dural or typographical) has been noted in paragraph ____________ on page _______.
Recommend paragraph _____________ on page __________ be changed as follows:
______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ In a future change to this AC, please cover the following subject:
(Briefly describe what you want added.)
______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ Other comments:
______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ I would like to discuss the above. Please contact me.
Submitted by: Date: ______________________