AC 61-65D

Subject: CERTIFICATION: PILOTS AND

FLIGHT AND GROUND INSTRUCTORS Date: 9/20/99 Initiated By: AFS-800 AC No: 61-65D Change:

1. PURPOSE. This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance for pilots, flight instructors, ground instructors, and examiners on the certification standards, knowledge test procedures, and other requirements contained in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61.

CONTENTS Par. Title Page

2. Cancellation2

3. Related Reading Material2

4. Pilot Training and Testing2

5. Knowledge Tests2

6. Completion of Ground Training or a Home Study Curriculum3

7. Evidence of Identity and Age3

8. Practical Tests4

9. Prerequisites for Practical Tests4

10. Student Pilot Certification5

11. Presolo Requirements5

12. Additional Solo Privileges6

13. Recreational Pilot Certification6

14. Private Pilot Certification7

15. Commercial Pilot Certification7

16. Airline Transport Pilot Certification8

17. Flight Instructor Certification8

18. Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificates8

19. Renewal of a Flight Instructor Certificate9

20. Expired Flight Instructor Certificate10

21. Instrument Rating11

22. Additional Aircraft Ratings (Other than ATP)11

23. Additional Category/Class Rating at the ATP Level11

24. Other Instructor Endorsements12

25. Ground Instructor Certification12

26. Authorized Instructors12

27. Additional Training for Gliders12

28. How to Obtain Electronically12

APPENDIX 1. INSTRUCTOR ENDORSEMENTS (8 pages)

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2. CANCELLATION. AC 61-65C, Certification: Pilots and Flight Instructors, dated February 11, 1991, is canceled.

3. RELATED READING MATERIAL.

a. AC 61-98, Currency and Additional Qualification Requirements for Certificated Pilots (current edition).

b. AC 61-101, Presolo Written Test.

c. AC 61-107, Operations of Aircraft at Altitudes Above 25,000 Feet MSL and/or MACH Numbers (Mmo) Greater Than .75.

d. FAA-G-8082-1, Airline Transport Pilot, Aircraft Dispatcher, and Flight Navigator Knowledge Test Guide.

e. FAA-G-8082-5, Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test Guide.

f. FAA-G-8082-7, Flight and Ground Instructor Knowledge Test Guide.

g. FAA-G-8082-13, Instrument Rating Knowledge Test Guide.

h. FAA-G-8082-17, Recreational Pilot and Private Pilot Knowledge Test Guide.

i. “Parts 61/141 Frequently Asked Questions” are located on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Standards Regulatory Support Division (AFS-600) home page on the Internet at:

www.mmac.jccbi.gov/afs/afs600/pefaq.html#faq.

4. PILOT TRAINING AND TESTING. Part 61 contains aeronautical experience, certification requirements, responsibilities, privileges, and limitations for each grade of certificate: student pilot, pilot, flight instructor, and ground instructor. Under the “total training concept,” the areas of operation specified for each grade of certificate by part 61 encompasses the areas of operation and tasks contained in the practical test standards (PTS). Instructors are responsible for training applicants “. . . . to acceptable standards in all subject matter areas, procedures, and maneuvers included in the tasks within the appropriate practical test standard.” For example:

a. An applicant for a Private Pilot Certificate must have logged the flight time required by part 61 and have had his/her logbook endorsed by their certificated flight instructor (CFI) who determines that the applicant is proficient in the appropriate areas of operation listed in 14 CFR part 61, § 61.107(b).

b. The flight maneuvers associated with each of the areas of operation listed in § 61.107 are found under similar titles in FAA-S-8081-14 (Airplane) - Private Pilot Practical Test Standards and FAA-S-8081-15 (Rotorcraft) - Private Pilot Practical Test Standards. The standards for successful completion of each maneuver and procedure are noted in the elements of each task in the PTS. Each of the maneuvers and procedures listed in FAA-S-8081-14 (Airplane) are discussed and explained in FAA-H-8083-3, Airplane Flying Handbook.

5. KNOWLEDGE TESTS. The knowledge tests for the recreational pilot certificate, private pilot certificate, commercial pilot certificate, airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate, flight instructor certificate, ground instructor certificate, and ratings cover the subject areas in which aeronautical knowledge is required by part 61.

a. If required by § 61.35(a)(1), an appropriate knowledge test will only be administered to an applicant who presents acceptable evidence of completion of the required training.

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b. Applicants are not required to show such evidence to take the ATP, CFI, certificated ground instructor (CGI), military competency, or foreign pilot instrument knowledge tests unless they are applying to retake a test after failing that test (per § 61.49).

c. The FAA computerized knowledge test program has been implemented to provide expeditious testing services for applicants at locations and times convenient to the public. For location of computerized testing centers, contact the nearest Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or use the listing of computerized testing centers on the Internet at: http://www.mmac.jccbi.gov/afs/afs600.

6. COMPLETION OF GROUND TRAINING OR A HOME STUDY CURRICULUM. Ground training courses to prepare for the aeronautical knowledge test may be offered by pilot schools, colleges, aviation organizations, and individual flight or ground instructors. Home study curriculums are available from representatives of the aviation industry. Home study curriculums individually developed by students should be compiled from material described in the applicable FAA knowledge test guide. Any one of the following methods may be used by the student to show evidence of ground school or home study curriculum completion.

a. 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;

b. An endorsement from an appropriately rated FAA-certificated ground or flight instructor who has certified the applicant has satisfactorily completed the ground training required for the certificate or rating sought and is prepared for the test;

c. 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, or a Reserve Officer's Training Corps flight training program; or

d. A certificate of graduation from an industry-provided aviation home study course. The certificate must be developed by the aeronautical enterprise providing the study material. 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 supply a comprehensive knowledge test which can be scored 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 CFI of the course provider will be provided to the student.

e. Applicants are encouraged to obtain ground training from the sources described above. An applicant who is unable to provide any of the above documents when applying for a knowledge test may present an individually developed home study course to an appropriately rated flight or ground instructor. The instructor will review the course materials and may 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. See Appendix 1, endorsement No. 43.

7. EVIDENCE OF IDENTITY AND AGE. Applicants for knowledge tests and airman certificates must provide positive proof of identification, address, and age at the time of application.

a. Identification. The identification presented must include a photograph of the applicant, the applicant's signature, and the applicant's actual residential address (if different from the mailing address). This information may be presented in more than one form of identification. Acceptable methods of identification include, but are not limited to, drivers' licenses, government identification cards, passports, and military identification cards. Some applicants may not possess the identification documentation described. In the case of an applicant under age 21, the applicant's parent or guardian may accompany the applicant and present information attesting to the applicant's identity. If this is done, a statement to that affect will be submitted for enclosure in the airman’s permanent record.

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b. Address. A temporary mailing address for delivery of the certificate may be indicated on a separate statement attached to the application. However, the address required for official record purposes as shown on an airman application for a certificate must represent the airman’s actual permanent residential street address, including apartment number, etc., when appropriate. An alternate mail delivery service address (commercial mail box provider), flight school, airport office, etc., is not acceptable. A post office box or rural route number is not acceptable as permanent residence on an application unless there are unavoidable circumstances that require such an address. An applicant, residing on a rural route, in a boat or mobile (recreational) vehicle, or in some other manner that requires the use of a post office box or rural route number for an address, must attest to the circumstances by signing a statement on a separate sheet of paper. The information provided must include sufficient details to ensure identification of the geographical location of the airman's residence. If necessary to positively identify the place of residence, the applicant may be required to provide a hand-drawn map that clearly shows the location of the residence. When the residence is a boat or other mobile vehicle, the registration number, tag number, etc., and dock or park location must be provided. When applying for the practical test for an airman certificate, a post office address may be specified for use on the certificate issued.

A signed request must be submitted with the application for this purpose. The permanent residence address must be shown in the manner specified above.

c. Age. Applicants applying to take a practical test must show they meet the minimum age requirement for the certificate sought. 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.

8. PRACTICAL TESTS.

a. A practical test is conducted to evaluate the applicant's knowledge and skill for the pilot certificate and rating sought. During a practical test, the examiner will quiz the applicant orally on knowledge elements and ask the applicant to perform the skill elements of the test. However, oral testing may be used at any time during the practical test. An examiner is responsible for determining that the applicant meets the standards outlined in the objectives of each required task in the appropriate PTS.

b. Elements of a maneuver or procedure on the practical test where the applicants are required to be tested orally or by written questions, the PTS uses the words “. . . the applicant exhibits knowledge of . . .” or “. . .

the applicant exhibits instructional knowledge of . . .” in the area of each task noted as “Objective.”

c. Elements of a maneuver or procedure on the practical test where the applicants are required to demonstrate their piloting skills, the PTS uses words like considers situations, maintains, utilizes, initiates, transitions to, arrives at, establishes and maintains, remains aware, avoids situations, selects, properly, makes a, recognizes, stops, completes, etc., and similar such words in the area of each task noted as “Objective.”

d. In accordance with § 61.45(a), a flight simulator or flight training device may be permitted to be utilized for some increments of the practical test. Authorization and the extent of use of a flight simulator or flight training device during the practical test is addressed in the appropriate appendix section of the applicable PTS for the pilot certificate and rating sought.

9. PREREQUISITES FOR PRACTICAL TESTS. Except as provided by § 61.39(c), each applicant must have received an endorsement from an authorized instructor who certifies the applicant has received and logged the required flight time/training in preparation for the practical test within 60 days preceding the date of the test and has been found proficient to pass the practical test. See Appendix 1, endorsements 12, 18, 20, 22, 24, 37, and 39.

NOTE: The endorsement must also state that the applicant has satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which he/she was shown to be deficient by the FAA airman knowledge test report, if required. See Appendix 1, endorsements 11, 17, 19, 21, and 23.

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a. All applicants must have the required endorsements specified in part 61 for the aircraft category, class, or rating of certification sought.

b. All applicants who reapply for a retest for a practical test must present another endorsement from their instructor that states the applicant has been given the necessary training and is prepared for the practical test.

See Appendix 1, endorsement 36.

c. A practical test, whether or not satisfactorily completed, “uses up” the instructor's endorsement for that test. An instructor’s recommendation on FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application, is required for each retest conducted for a certificate or rating.

d. Except for a practical test for a glider category rating or a balloon class rating, applicants must hold at least a current third-class medical certificate.

e. The ability to read, speak, write, and understand the English language is an eligibility requirement that applies to all pilot certificates and ratings. If the applicant cannot meet this requirement except when such inability to read, speak, write, and understand the English language is due to medical reasons [per § 61.13(b) and as allowed by other sections], no certificate or rating will be issued.

10. STUDENT PILOT CERTIFICATION. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for the student pilot certificate are located in part 61, subpart C. See Appendix 1, endorsements 1 through 10. A student pilot certificate can be issued by a designated aviation medical examiner as part of a medical certificate. However, an aviation safety inspector (ASI) and designated pilot examiner (DPE) can also issue student pilot certificates. Whenever a student pilot certificate is issued by an ASI or DPE, the applicant must hold a current medical certificate for performing solo privileges in an airplane, rotorcraft, powered-lift, or airship. Glider pilots and balloon pilots are not required to hold a medical certificate. Additional information on the eligibility requirements for student pilots can be found in § 61.83 and the general limitations for student pilots can be found in § 61.89.

11. PRESOLO REQUIREMENTS.

NOTE: Several questions have been asked about § 61.87(l)(1) to clarify that the solo endorsement on the student pilot certificate is a “one-time” endorsement. However, the “90-day” solo endorsement that goes in the student pilot’s logbook is required every 90 days for the student to be afforded continuing solo privileges [per § 61.87(l)(2)].

NOTE: Several questions have been asked for clarification on the status of solo endorsements when a person’s student pilot certificate has expired. Although § 61.19(b) establishes, in pertinent part, that a student pilot certificate expires 24 calendar months from the month it was issued, the endorsements on that student pilot certificate are a matter of record forever. Granted these endorsements are required to be updated from “time-totime” in the student pilot’s logbook to retain solo privileges, but the endorsements on the student pilot certificate are a matter of record indefinitely.

The following presolo requirements must be met:

a. Before being authorized to conduct a solo flight, a student pilot must have received and logged the flight training required by § 61.87(c) and (d) through (k), as appropriate. Satisfactory aeronautical knowledge and an acceptable performance level must have been demonstrated to an authorized instructor [per § 61.87(b)]. Advisory Circular 61-101 provides information on the required content of the presolo aeronautical knowledge test. See Appendix 1, endorsement 1.

b. Prior to solo flight, a student pilot is required to have his/her student pilot certificate and logbook endorsed for the specific make and model aircraft to be flown. Thereafter, the student pilot's logbook must be endorsed every 90 days to retain solo flight privileges. These endorsements must be given by an authorized flight instructor who has flown with the student [per § 61.87(l)]. See Appendix 1, endorsements 2 and 4.

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12. ADDITIONAL SOLO PRIVILEGES.

NOTE: For the purpose of ensuring clarification, it has been noted that the student pilot certificate only provides for listing the aircraft’s category for the solo cross-country privileges endorsement. Per § 61.93(c)(1), the solo cross-country endorsement on the student pilot certificate must be “. . . for the specific category of aircraft to be flown.” However, per § 61.93(c)(2)(i), the solo cross-country endorsement in the student pilot’s logbook must be “.

. . for the specific make and model of aircraft to be flown.”

The following additional student solo privileges may be authorized:

a. A student pilot may operate an aircraft in solo flight at night provided that student has received the required flight training at night and the appropriate endorsements as required by § 61.87(m). See Appendix 1, endorsement 3.

b. A student pilot may operate an aircraft on a solo cross-country flight provided that student has received the training required by § 61.93(e) through (k) (as appropriate) and has demonstrated acceptable skills, abilities, and competency to his/her instructor who then would endorse the person’s student pilot certificate and logbook. Additionally, before each solo cross-country flight, the student's logbook must be endorsed by an instructor [emphasis added “by an instructor” as opposed to the student’s instructor, meaning the endorsement does not necessarily need to be the instructor who normally provides training to the student]. However, the instructor who makes the endorsement to authorize this solo cross-country flight will personally review the student's preflight planning and preparation and attest to the correctness and preparedness of the student’s cross-country planning under the known circumstances. The instructor may add limitations to the endorsement to ensure an accurate written understanding between the student and the instructor to better ensure the safety of the flight.

c. In the interest of emphasizing the requirements of § 61.93(a)(1), when an instructor permits his/her student to make a solo cross-country flight, any solo flight greater than 25 nautical miles (NM) from the airport from where the flight originated, or make any solo flight and landing at any location other than the airport of origination, that student must have received the solo cross-country training and endorsements requirements of §

61.93. Additionally, unless there is an emergency, no student may make a solo flight landing at any point other than the airport where the student pilot normally receives training to another location unless that student has received the required solo cross-country training and endorsements of § 61.93.

d. A flight instructor may authorize a student to practice solo takeoffs and landings at an airport within 25 NM from the airport at which the student pilot is normally receiving training after meeting the requirements of § 61.93(b)(1). See Appendix 1, endorsement 5.

e. A student pilot may be authorized to make repeated, specific solo cross-country flights that are not greater than 50 NM from the point of departure if the student meets the requirements of § 61.93(b)(2). The authorized instructor should specify in the student's logbook endorsement, the conditions under which the flights may be made. See Appendix 1, endorsement 8.

f. A student pilot may operate an aircraft in solo flight in Class B airspace or on a solo flight to, from, or at an airport located in Class B airspace provided that student has received the ground and flight training and instructor endorsements required by § 61.95(a) and (b). See Appendix 1, endorsements 9 and 10.

13. RECREATIONAL PILOT CERTIFICATION. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for the recreational pilot certificate are located in part 61, subpart D. See Appendix 1, endorsements 11 through 16.

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a. Section 61.101 contains all limitations that pertain to the recreational pilot certificate and also outlines procedures for obtaining additional certificates or ratings. The training and experience required in furtherance of a higher level of certificate must be supervised by an appropriately authorized flight instructor, and 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. See Appendix 1, endorsement 16.

b. Recreational pilots may act as pilot in command (PIC) on a flight that is within 50 NM of the departure airport where training was received after having received the required training and endorsement [per § 61.101(b)]. Recreational pilots must have their logbook in their personal possession [per § 61.101(b)(4)]. See Appendix 1, endorsement 13.

c. Recreational pilots who want to fly beyond 50 NM from the departure airport where training was received must receive additional ground and flight training on the private pilot cross-country training requirements of part 61, subpart E , and must receive an instructor endorsement [per § 61.101(c)].

Recreational pilots must have their logbook in their personal possession [per § 61.101(c)(3)]. See Appendix 1, endorsement 14.

14. PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATION. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for the private pilot certificate are located in part 61, subpart E. See Appendix 1, endorsements 17 and 18.

a. An applicant for a private pilot certificate must possess at least a student pilot certificate or a recreational pilot certificate that is current and valid.

b. The flight instructor is given discretion in developing a flight training program to meet the requirements of part 61. The regulation spells out the specific minimum aeronautical experience requirements that must be met.

c. Applicants must meet night experience requirements regardless of medical qualification considerations.

The only exception is in accordance with § 61.110.

d. Per § 61.109(a)(3) and (b)(3), “. . . 3 hours of flight training in a (single-engine airplane) (multiengine airplane) on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments, including . . .”; and § 61.109(e)(3), “. . . 3 hours of flight training in a powered-lift on the control and maneuvering of a poweredlift solely by reference to instruments, including . . .”do not have to be conducted by a certificated flight instructor -- instrument (CFII), but the training must be in an aircraft and not in a flight simulator or a flight training device unless it was performed in accordance with a 14 CFR part 142 approved training program.

e. Private pilots (and applicants for the certificate) must understand and comply with all private pilot privileges and limitations, including compensation or hire and expense sharing, in accordance with §§ 61.113 through 61.117. See Appendix 1, endorsements 17 and 18.

15. COMMERCIAL PILOT CERTIFICATION. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for the commercial pilot certificate is located in part 61, subpart F.

See Appendix 1, endorsements 19 and 20.

a. An applicant for a commercial pilot certificate must hold a private pilot certificate issued under part 61.

b. An applicant for a commercial pilot certificate with an airplane or powered-lift category rating must hold or concurrently obtain the appropriate instrument rating.

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16. AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT CERTIFICATION. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for an ATP certificate is located in part 61, subpart G. See Appendix 1, endorsements 40 and 41.

a. An applicant for an ATP certificate must possess one of the following:

(1) A commercial pilot certificate and an instrument - (airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift) rating issued under part 61;

(2) A foreign ATP or a foreign commercial pilot license and an instrument - (airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift) rating, without limitations, issued by a contracting state to the convention on international civil aviation; or

(3) Be a military pilot or former military pilot and have met the requirements of § 61.73 that qualifies the applicant for a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument - (airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift) rating.

b. An instructor recommendation is not required, unless the applicant has failed the practical test and this is a retest (per § 61.49). Applicants for retest must comply with the appropriate retest requirements of § 61.49. In addition, § 61.49 requires that the instructor sign the applicant’s FAA Form 8710-1 for the retest.

17. FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for the flight instructor certificate is located in part 61, subpart H. See Appendix 1, endorsements 23 through 26. To be eligible for a flight instructor certificate an applicant must:

a. Hold a commercial pilot certificate or an ATP certificate with an aircraft rating appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought and was issued under part 61;

b. Hold instrument rating/instrument privileges on the pilot certificate, if the applicant is seeking a flight instructor certificate with an airplane or powered-lift category rating and was issued under part 61;

c. Have a logbook endorsement certifying that the applicant has been given the required ground and flight training and has been found competent to pass the practical test. The endorsement must be made by an instructor who meets the requirements of § 61.195(h). See Appendix 1, endorsements 24 and 25;

d. Have logged at least 15 hours as PIC in the category and class of aircraft that is appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought; and

e. For applicants applying for a flight instructor certificate with airplane and glider category ratings, the applicant must have received a logbook endorsement that attests to satisfactory demonstration of instructional proficiency of stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures in airplanes or gliders, as appropriate. A logbook endorsement that attests to satisfactory demonstration of instructional proficiency of stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures is required for the initial flight instructor certificate (for a rating in airplanes or gliders). 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 of stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures. However, the training would be required to be performed in an airplane (most likely a single-engine land airplane) that does not contain any restrictions from spins. See Appendix 1, endorsement 26.

18. GOLD SEAL FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATES. The specific requirements for the gold seal flight instructor certificate are contained in FAA Orders 8700.1, General Aviation Operations Inspector’s Handbook, and 8710.3C, Pilot Examiner’s Handbook. 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

Par 18 Page 9 special criteria. Once issued, a gold seal flight instructor certificate will be reissued each time the instructor's certificate is renewed. Applicants for gold seal flight instructor certificates must meet the following requirements:

a. The flight instructor must hold a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating (glider flight instructors need not hold an instrument rating) or an ATP certificate;

b. The flight instructor must hold a ground instructor certificate with an advanced or instrument ground instructor rating; and

c. The flight instructor must have accomplished the following within the previous 24 months:

(1) Trained and recommended at least 10 applicants for a practical test, at least 8 of whom passed their tests on the first attempt;

(2) Conducted at least 20 practical tests as a designated pilot examiner, or graduation tests as chief instructor of a 14 CFR part 141 approved pilot school course; or

(3) A combination of the above requirements. (Two practical tests conducted equal the credit given for one applicant trained and recommended for a practical test.)

19. RENEWAL OF A FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE. The renewal requirements for a flight instructor certificate is located in § 61.197. Renewal of a flight instructor certificate may be accomplished at anytime.

a. A flight instructor certificate shall be renewed in accordance with § 61.197(a) by accomplishing one of the following methods:

(1) Passing a practical test, that was administered by an examiner, for one of the ratings listed on the person’s current flight instructor certificate or passing a practical test for an additional flight instructor rating;

(2) Presenting to an ASI, appropriate records that verify the requirements of § 61.197(a)(2)(i) or (ii) were accomplished; or

(3) Presenting to an ASI, evidence of having graduated from an FAA-approved Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic (FIRC) within the preceding 3 calendar months. The instructor's FIRC graduation certificate should be presented to an ASI at the time of application for renewal.

b. In order to comply with § 61.197(a)(2)(ii), the FAA offers the following examples of “a position involving the regular evaluation of pilots”:

(1) Persons who regularly give aircraft checkouts at a fixed-base operator and the inspector is acquainted with the applicant’s duties, responsibilities, and quality of instruction.

(2) 14 CFR parts 121 or 135 airline captains who are “. . . in a position involving the regular evaluation of pilots . . .” and have satisfactory knowledge of part 61 pilot training, certification, and standards.

The authorized FAA Flight Standards inspector must be acquainted with the duties and responsibilities of those pilot positions.

(3) Company check pilots for 14 CFR part 133 operations who are “. . . in a position involving the regular evaluation of pilots . . .” and have satisfactory knowledge of part 61 pilot training, certification, and standards. The authorized FAA Flight Standards inspector must be acquainted with the duties and responsibilities of those pilot positions.

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c. Provided one of the renewal actions of § 61.197 takes place within 3 calendar months prior to the expiration month of a current flight instructor certificate, the renewed flight instructor certificate will be valid for an additional 24 calendar months beyond the expiration date shown on the certificate. For example:

(1) If a flight instructor renewal applicant has the month of August showing on his/her current flight instructor certificate as the expiration month, then that applicant must accomplish one of the flight instructor renewal actions in the months of August, July, June, or May to retain the month of August as the expiration month [per § 61.197(b)(2)(i)].

(2) Another example would be a flight instructor renewal applicant has August 31, 1999, showing on his/her current flight instructor certificate. The applicant completes an FIRC on June 1, 1999, and presents his/her current flight instructor certificate and his/her FIRC graduation certificate to a FSDO on June 1, 1999.

The flight instructor certificate is renewed with a new expiration date of August 31, 2001 [per § 61.197(b)(2)(ii)].

d. If the renewal action occurs outside the 3 calendar-month period, the renewed flight instructor certificate will be valid for an additional 24 calendar months from the month the renewal requirements of §

61.197(a) were accomplished or in the case of completion of an FIRC when the FIRC graduation certificate is presented to a FSDO. However, the FIRC graduation certificate must be presented to a FSDO within 90 days of completion of an FIRC. For example:

(1) A flight instructor renewal applicant has August 31, 1999, showing on his/her current flight instructor certificate. The applicant completes an FIRC on March 16, 1999, and presents his/her FIRC graduation certificate to a FSDO on March 16, 1999. The flight instructor certificate is renewed with a new expiration date of March 31, 2001 [per § 61.197(b)(1)]. However, the applicant could have taken into consideration the 90-day duration period of the FIRC graduation certificate and held onto it. Taking into consideration the 90-day duration period of the FIRC graduation certificate, the applicant could have presented his/her current flight instructor certificate and his/her FIRC graduation certificate to the FSDO on June 13, 1999 (i.e., the 90th day), and the applicant's flight instructor certificate would have been renewed with a new expiration date of June 30, 2001.

(2) In either of the previous examples, the renewal action of § 61.197(a) must be accomplished prior to the expiration date shown on the applicant’s flight instructor certificate.

e. During the renewal process, when an FIRC graduation certificate is used for renewal and the applicant’s flight instructor certificate is being processed for renewal, a copy of the FIRC graduation certificate is considered acceptable documentation by the Administrator until the applicant receives his/her permanent flight instructor certificate. Another example of “. . . or other documentation acceptable to the Administrator . . .”

[per § 61.3(d)], is a copy of an applicant’s completed and signed FAA Form 8710-1 that was submitted when making application for renewal.

f. Notwithstanding the above provisions, any applicant may be required to complete part or all of the applicable flight instructor practical test. A practical test may be required if there is reason to believe that it will serve to correct some deficiency in the applicant’s instructing abilities or it has been determined to be necessary to introduce new training procedures or certification requirements.

20. EXPIRED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE. The expired flight instructor certificate requirements are located in § 61.199. A practical test is required in the exchange of an expired flight instructor certificate. A designated pilot examiner or an ASI shall not reinstate expired flight instructor certificates without a practical test.

a. The holder of an expired flight instructor certificate [a flight instructor certificate that conforms to § 61.5(c)] may exchange that certificate for a new certificate by passing just one practical test [per § 61.183(h)] for one of the aircraft ratings held on that person’s expired flight instructor certificate. At the discretion of the examiner, one or all of the ratings held on that person’s expired flight instructor certificate may be reinstated.

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b. Flight instructor ratings or limited flight instructor ratings on a pilot certificate are no longer valid. To reinstate instructor privileges, all requirements for initial issuance of a flight instructor certificate must be met.

21. INSTRUMENT RATING. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for the instrument rating are located in § 61.65. See Appendix 1, endorsements 21 and 22.

22. ADDITIONAL AIRCRAFT RATINGS (OTHER THAN ATP).

a. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for additional category, class, or type rating (for other than at the ATP level) are located in § 61.63 of subpart B, part 61.

See Appendix 1, endorsements 37 through 39.

b. Category and Class Ratings. Applicants adding a category and/or class rating to a pilot certificate must have an instructor's recommendations and appropriate endorsements. An applicant need not take an additional knowledge test, provided the person holds an airplane, powered-lift, rotorcraft, 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 § 61.63, as noted below:

(1) Category Ratings. Must receive the training and have the aeronautical experience required by part 61 that applies to the pilot certificate level for the category, and if applicable, class rating sought.

(2) Class Ratings. Must be found competent in the knowledge areas and proficient in the areas of operation for the class rating sought.

(3) Type Ratings. Must have the required training time, logbook, or training record endorsements, and pass the required practical test in accordance with the ATP/Type Rating PTS.

(a) The applicant must perform the appropriate areas of operation in actual or simulated instrument conditions unless the aircraft is incapable of such operations. If the aircraft for a type rating is incapable of operating under instrument flight rules, the person may obtain a type rating limited to “VFR only” [per § 61.63(d)(5) or (h)]. However, the applicant must still comply with § 61.63(d)(1), “. . . Must hold or concurrently obtain an instrument rating that is appropriate to the aircraft category, class, or type rating sought.”

(b) An applicant for a type rating to be added to his/her pilot certificate must hold, or concurrently obtain, an instrument rating appropriate to the aircraft category, class, or type rating sought. No instructor recommendation or knowledge test is required for just a type rating when the applicant already holds the aircraft category, class, and instrument rating (appropriate to the rating sought) on his/her pilot certificate. As an example: if a person is applying for a CE-500 type rating at the pilot certificate level held and holds an airplane multiengine land and an instrument-airplane rating, then the person is not required to obtain an instructor recommendation or accomplish a knowledge test. However, the person must comply with § 61.63(d)(2) and (3).

(c) If an applicant is concurrently seeking an instrument rating, all the training time, knowledge test, endorsements, and instructor recommendation requirements in accordance with § 61.65 are required.

23. ADDITIONAL CATEGORY/CLASS RATINGS AT THE ATP LEVEL.

a. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, fight experience, and endorsement requirements for additional category, class, or type rating (at the ATP level) are located in § 61.165. See Appendix 1, endorsements 40 and 41.

b. An instructor recommendation is not required, unless the applicant has failed the practical test and this is a retest (per § 61.49). Applicants for retest must comply with the appropriate retest requirements of

Par 23Page 12 § 61.49. In addition, § 61.49 requires that the instructor sign the applicant’s FAA Form 8710-1 for the retest.

24. OTHER INSTRUCTOR ENDORSEMENTS. Specific requirements for knowledge, aeronautical experience and, as appropriate, testing for the complex airplane, high performance airplane, tailwheel airplane, high altitude/pressurized airplane, and type specific training are found in § 61.31. See Appendix 1, endorsements 31 through 34.

25. GROUND INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for the ground instructor certificate is located in part 61, subpart I.

See Appendix 1, endorsement 27.

26. AUTHORIZED INSTRUCTORS. Section 61.1 defines an “authorized instructor” as any instructor who holds a valid and current flight or ground instructor certificate with the applicable privileges and limitations appropriate to the type of instruction provided. Section 61.41 authorizes instructors who are not certificated by FAA to provide training. However, only instructors who are certificated by FAA are allowed to provide the required endorsements toward the requirements for a pilot certificate or rating issued under part 61.

27. ADDITIONAL TRAINING FOR GLIDERS. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, and endorsement requirements for the ground tow, aerotow, and self-launch procedures for gliders are located in §

61.31(j). See Appendix 1, endorsement 42. With the rewrite of part 61, glider ratings are no longer issued with the “ground tow,” “aerotow,” and “self-launch” limitations.

a. Pilots who desire to use ground-tow launch procedures must have satisfactorily accomplished ground and flight training on ground-tow procedures and operations. The pilot must have received an endorsement from a CFI-Glider instructor who certifies, in the pilot's logbook, that the pilot has been found proficient in ground-tow procedures and operations.

b. Pilots who desire to use aerotow procedures must have satisfactorily accomplished ground and flight training on aerotow procedures and operations. The pilot must have received an endorsement from a CFI-Glider instructor who certifies, in the pilot's logbook, that the pilot has been found proficient in aerotow procedures and operations.

c. Pilots who desire to use 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 a CFI-Glider instructor who certifies, in the pilot's logbook, that the pilot has been found proficient in selflaunch procedures and operations.

d. As per § 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 this paragraph for the specific operating privilege for which the holder is already qualified.

28. HOW TO OBTAIN ELECTRONICALLY. This AC may be accessed through the Internet temporarily: www.faa.gov/avr/afshome.htm. On this web page under General Aviation, click on the link, Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors. This AC will remain at this site until it is linked to the Flight Standards Advisory Circular Index, located on the same web page.

/s/ L. Nicholas Lacey Director, Flight Standards Service