14. SPORT PILOT CERTIFICATION. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for the sport pilot certificate are located in part 61, subpart J.
a. An applicant for a sport pilot certificate, except those meeting the requirements of section 61.329, must possess at least a student pilot certificate that is current and valid.
b. The flight instructor is given discretion in developing a training program to meet the requirements of section 61.309. The regulation spells out the specific minimum aeronautical experience requirements that must be met.
c. A sport pilot certificate is issued without a specific category or class listed. An endorsement is required for each category, class, make, and model of light-sport aircraft a sport pilot is qualified to fly.
d. Sport pilots will require an endorsement to fly at least one make and model of light-sport aircraft within the same set of aircraft. Once an endorsement is obtained for a specific make and model of light-sport aircraft, the sport pilot can fly any other make and model in the same set without any additional endorsements. The FAA has established a list of sets of light-sport aircraft, which is available online at http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/sport_pilot/media/aircraft_sets.pdf.
(See section 61.1(b)(14) for the definition of “set of aircraft.”)
e. An appropriately authorized flight instructor must supervise the training and experience required in obtaining additional sport pilot privileges. Additional training requirements and endorsements are established for the following additional privileges:
(1) Category or class of light-sport aircraft (section 61.321).
(2) Make and model of light-sport aircraft (section 61.323).
(3) Operate a light-sport aircraft in Class B, C, or D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, or to, from, through, or on an airport having an operational control tower (section 61.325).
(4) Operate a light-sport aircraft that has a VH greater than 87 knots (kts) calibrated airspeed (CAS) (section 61.327).
f. Any pilot exercising sport pilot privileges (and applicants for the certificate) must understand and comply with all sport pilot privileges and limitations, particularly the applicable operating limits and endorsement requirements in subpart J. Section 61.303 establishes which operating limits and endorsement requirements apply to the operation of a light-sport aircraft, depending on the type of certificate or rating a pilot holds and the medical eligibility requirements the pilot meets. For example, a pilot holds a recreational pilot certificate, but not a medical certificate, and wishes to exercise sport pilot privileges. The pilot must comply with cross-country requirements in section 61.101(c), even if the flight does not exceed 50 nm from the departure airport (reference section 61.303). The pilot must also comply with the additional training requirements and endorsements established in paragraph 14c. See also paragraph 13.
g. Each pilot exercising sport pilot privileges must carry his or her logbook and other evidence of the required authorized instructor endorsements on all flights. Other evidence of the Par 14 Page 9
required authorized instructor endorsements may be a preprinted card or record that includes the endorsements. See section 61.51(i)(3).
15. RECREATIONAL PILOT CERTIFICATION. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for the recreational pilot certificate are located in part 61, subpart D.
a. Section 61.101 contains all limitations that pertain to the recreational pilot certificate and outlines procedures for obtaining additional certificates or ratings. An appropriately authorized flight instructor must supervise the training and experience required in furtherance of a higher level of certificate. Each flight conducted by the recreational pilot under those provisions must be authorized by the flight instructor’s endorsement in the recreational pilot’s logbook.
b. Recreational pilots may act as PIC on a flight that is in Class B, C, and D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, and to, from, through, or on an airport having an operational control tower after having received the required training and endorsement (per section 61.101(d)). Recreational pilots must have their logbook in their personal possession during flight (per section 61.101(d)(3)).
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 section 61.101(c)). Recreational pilots must have their logbook in their personal possession when operating an aircraft (per section 61.101(c)(3)).
16. PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATION. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for the private pilot certificate are located in part 61, subpart E.
a. An applicant for a private pilot certificate must possess at least a student pilot certificate, sport 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, subpart E. 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 section 61.110.
d. The 3 hours of flight training in a single-engine or multiengine airplane on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments (see sections 61.109(a)(3) and
(b)(3)) and the 3 hours of flight training in a powered-lift on the control and maneuvering of a powered-lift solely by reference to instruments (see section 61.109(e)(3)) do not have to be conducted by a certificated flight instructor—instrument (CFII). However, 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. Except as in accordance with section 61.110, a person who does not meet the night flying requirements in a gyroplane, powered parachute, or weight-shift-control aircraft (section 61.109(d)(2), (i)(2), or (j)(2)) may be issued a private pilot certificate with the limitation Page 10 Par 14
“Night Flying Prohibited.” This limitation may only be removed by an examiner or ASI if the holder complies with the requirements of section 61.109(d)(2), (i)(2), or (j)(2), as appropriate.
f. 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 section 61.113 through section 61.117.
17. COMMERCIAL PILOT CERTIFICATION. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for the commercial pilot certificate is located in part 61, subpart F.
a. An applicant for a commercial pilot certificate must hold at least a private pilot certificate issued under part 61.
NOTE: This may be a standard U.S. pilot certificate, or a section 61.75 pilot certificate that is based on a foreign pilot license or meets the requirements of section 61.73. The person may be able to apply for a commercial pilot certificate by being able to meet the requirements of section 61.73 (meaning, able to qualify for the commercial pilot certificate under the special rules for military pilots or former military pilots). If a person is basing application for a commercial pilot certificate on a section 61.75 pilot certificate, the authenticity of the foreign pilot license must be verified through the person’s foreign civil aviation authority.
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.
18. AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT (ATP) CERTIFICATION. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for an ATP certificate is located in part 61, subpart G.
a. An applicant for an ATP certificate must possess one of the following:
(1) A commercial pilot certificate and an instrument (airplane, helicopter, or poweredlift) rating issued under part 61;
(2) A foreign ATP license 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. If applying for an ATP certificate based on holding a foreign pilot license and ratings, the authenticity of that foreign pilot license must be verified through the foreign civil aviation authority; or
(3) Be a military pilot or former military pilot and have met the requirements of section 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 section 61.49). Applicants for retest must comply with the appropriate retest requirements of section 61.49. In addition, the instructor must sign the applicant’s FAA Form 8710-1 application for the retest.
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19. FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS OTHER THAN FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS WITH A SPORT PILOT RATING. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for the flight instructor certificate, other than flight instructors with a sport pilot rating, is located in part 61, subpart H. 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 that was issued under part 61.
b. Hold an instrument rating/instrument privileges (e.g., instrument privileges, as on an ATP certificate the instrument privileges are conferred) on the applicant’s pilot certificate, if the applicant is seeking a flight instructor certificate with an airplane category, powered-lift rating, or instrument rating, and was issued under the pertinent certification requirements of 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. An instructor who meets the requirements of section 61.195(h) must make the endorsement.
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.
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.
20. FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS WITH A SPORT PILOT RATING. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for the flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating is located in part 61, subpart K. To be eligible for a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating an applicant must:
a. Hold a current and valid sport, recreational, or private pilot certificate with category and class ratings or privileges, as applicable that are appropriate to the flight instructor privileges sought.
b. Have a logbook endorsement certifying that the applicant has met the aeronautical experience required by section 61.411, for the category and class privileges, as applicable, that are appropriate to the flight instructor privileges sought.
c. Have a logbook endorsement certifying that the applicant has been given the ground and flight training required by section 61.409 and has been found competent to pass the practical test.
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An instructor who meets the requirements of section 61.415 or section 62.429 must make the endorsement.
d. The training and experience required to obtain additional sport pilot flight instructor privileges must be supervised by an appropriately authorized flight instructor. Additional training requirements and endorsements are established for the following additional privileges:
(1) To provide training in an additional category or class of light-sport aircraft, an applicant must meet the training requirements and endorsements required in section 61.419. The applicant must successfully complete a proficiency check from an authorized instructor other than the instructor who trained him or her, and provide a completed FAA Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate and/or Rating ApplicationSport Pilot, to the authorized instructor.
(2) To provide training in an additional make and model of light-sport aircraft, an applicant must have at least 5 hours of flight time in a make and model of light-sport aircraft within the same set of aircraft in which he or she provides training.
(3) To provide training to operate a light-sport aircraft in Class B, C, and D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, and to, from, through, or on an airport having an operational control tower, an applicant must have the endorsement specified in section 61.325, or be otherwise authorized to conduct operations in this airspace.
(4) To provide training in a light-sport aircraft with a VH greater than 87 kts CAS, an applicant must have the endorsement specified in section 61.327, or be otherwise authorized to operate a light-sport aircraft with a VH greater than 87 kts CAS.
e. For applicants applying for a flight instructor certificate with sport pilot rating with airplane or glider category privileges, the applicant must have received a logbook endorsement that attests he/she is competent and possesses instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures after receiving flight training in those training areas in an airplane or glider, as appropriate, that is certificated for spins.
(1) An applicant who seeks additional category and class privileges to be added to his/her flight instructor certificate with sport pilot rating in an airplane or glider would be required to receive the same training and logbook endorsement.
(2) This training would be required to be performed in a single-engine airplane or glider (preferably a light-sport aircraft) that does not contain any restrictions from spins.
f. For single place aircraft, pre-solo flight training must be provided in an aircraft that has two pilot stations and is of the same category and class applicable to the certificate, rating, or privilege sought.
g. To provide ground or flight training for a private pilot certificate with a powered parachute or weight-shift-control aircraft rating, an applicant must hold at least a private pilot certificate with the applicable category and class rating; a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating or privileges, and the applicable flight instructor category and class privileges.
h. All flight instructors with a sport pilot rating or privileges must carry his or her logbook or other evidence of the required authorized instructor endorsements on all flights. Other Par 20 Page 13
evidence of the required authorized instructor endorsements may be a preprinted card or record that includes the endorsements. See section 61.51(i)(5).
21. GOLD SEAL FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATES (EXCEPT THOSE WITH A SPORT PILOT RATING). The specific requirements for the gold seal flight instructor certificate (except those with a sport pilot rating) are contained in FAA Order 8700.1, General Aviation Operations Inspector’s Handbook, volume 2, chapter 13 and FAA Order 8710.3, Designated Pilot and Flight Engineer Examiner’s Handbook, chapter 14. Flight instructor certificates bearing distinctive gold seals are issued to flight instructors who have maintained a high level of flight training activity and who meet special criteria. Once issued, a gold seal flight instructor certificate will be reissued each time the instructor’s certificate is 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 calendar-months:
(1) Trained and recommended at least 10 applicants for a practical test, and at least 80 percent of the applicants passed their tests on the first attempt;
(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.)
22. GOLD SEAL FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATES (WITH A SPORT PILOT RATING). The specific requirements for the gold seal flight instructor certificate (with a sport pilot rating) are contained in FAA Order 8700.1, vol. 2, ch. 13, and FAA Order 8710.7, Sport 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 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 (with a sport pilot rating) must meet the following requirements:
a. The flight instructor must hold at least a sport pilot certificate;
b. The flight instructor must hold a ground instructor certificate with a basic ground instructor rating;
c. The flight instructor must have accomplished one of the following within the previous 24 months:
(1) Trained and recommended at least 10 applicants for an original certificate with at least 80 percent of those applicants recommended passing the practical test on his or her first attempt;
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(2) Conducted at least 20 certification practical tests as an examiner or conducted 20 certification graduation tests as a chief flight instructor for an approved pilot school course; or
(3) A combination of the requirements in paragraphs 22c(1) and (2). (Two certification practical tests/certification graduation tests equate to one trained and recommended applicant.)
23. RENEWAL OF A FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE. The renewal requirements for a flight instructor certificate are located in section 61.197. Renewal of a flight instructor certificate may be accomplished at any time.
a. A flight instructor certificate that has not expired may be renewed in accordance with section 61.197(a) by:
(1) Passing a practical test 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 the appropriate records that verify the requirements of section 61.197(a)(2)(i) or (ii) were accomplished;
(3) Presenting to an ASI evidence of having graduated from an FAA-approved flight instructor refresher course (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. For individuals who wish to comply with section 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 ASI are acquainted with the applicant’s duties, responsibilities, and quality of instruction.
(2) Part 121 or 135 airline captains who regularly evaluate pilots and have satisfactory knowledge of part 61 pilot training, certification, and standards. The ASI must be acquainted with the duties and responsibilities of those pilot positions.
(3) Company check pilots for 14 CFR part 133 operations who regularly evaluate pilots and have satisfactory knowledge of part 61 pilot training, certification, and standards. The ASI must be acquainted with the duties and responsibilities of those pilot positions.
c. Provided that the certificate is renewed within 3 calendar-months before the expiration month of a current flight instructor certificate, the renewed certificate will be valid for an additional 24 calendar-months beyond the expiration date shown on the current certificate. For example:
(1) If a flight instructor renewal applicant’s current flight instructor certificate expires in August, then that applicant must accomplish one of the flight instructor renewal actions in the months of May, June, July, or August to retain the month of August as the expiration month (per section 61.197(b)(2)(i)).
(2) For example, assume a flight instructor renewal applicant has August 31, 2005, showing on her current flight instructor certificate. The applicant completes an FIRC on June 1, 2005, and presents her current flight instructor certificate and FIRC graduation certificate to a Par 22 Page 15
FSDO on June 1, 2005. The flight instructor certificate is renewed with a new expiration date of August 31, 2007 (per section 61.197(b)(2)(ii)).
d. If the flight instructor certification renewal action occurs outside the 3 calendar-month period of the expiration month on the flight instructor certificate, the renewed flight instructor certificate will be valid for an additional 24 calendar-months from the month the renewal requirements of section 61.197 were accomplished. A FIRC graduation certificate must be presented to a FSDO within 90 days of completion of the FIRC. The renewal action of section 61.197(a) must be accomplished before the expiration date shown on the applicant’s flight instructor certificate.
e. There have been several inquires asking about the intent of the phrase “or other documentation acceptable to the Administrator” in section 61.3(d). During the flight instructor certification 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 to the Administrator” until the applicant receives his or her permanent flight instructor certificate. Another example of other “acceptable documentation to the Administrator” is a copy of the flight instructor renewal application that the applicant has completed and signed FAA Form 8710-1.
f. Regardless of what has been explained in the paragraphs above, it should be understood that the FAA has the prerogative to require any applicant to complete a part or the entire applicable flight instructor practical test. A practical test may be required if there is reason to believe that it will correct some deficiency in the applicant’s instructing abilities or it has been determined necessary to introduce new training procedures or certification requirements.
24. EXPIRED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE. The requirements for holders of an expired flight instructor certificate to obtain new certificates are located in section 61.199. A practical test is required in the exchange of an expired flight instructor certificate. A DPE or an ASI will not reinstate expired flight instructor certificates unless the applicant passes a practical test.
a. The holder of an expired flight instructor certificate (i.e., a flight instructor certificate that conforms to section 61.5(c)) may exchange that certificate for a new certificate (except for a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating) by passing one practical test, per section 61.183(h), for one of the aircraft ratings held on that person’s expired flight instructor certificate.
NOTE: If the practical test is for a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating, the examiner may only issue that rating and provide endorsements for the category and class privileges tested.
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.
25. INSTRUMENT RATING. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for the instrument rating are located in section 61.65.
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26. ADDITIONAL AIRCRAFT RATINGS (OTHER THAN ATP). 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 section 61.63.
a. Category and Class Ratings. Applicants adding a category and/or class rating to a recreational pilot certificate or higher 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, powered parachute, weight-shift-control aircraft, or airship rating at or above the pilot certificate level sought. An applicant must pass the required practical test appropriate to the pilot certificate for the aircraft category and, if applicable, class rating sought. Additionally, applicants must comply with the requirements of section 61.63, as noted below:
(1) Category Ratings. Applicants 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. Applicants must be found competent in the knowledge areas and proficient in the areas of operation for the class rating sought.
(3) Type Ratings. Applicants 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 (see section 61.63(d)).
b. Experimental Category and Class RatingSection 61.31(k)(2)(iii)(B) for the Carriage of Passengers. An applicant holding at least a recreational pilot certificate may apply for the issuance of a category and class rating limited to a specific make and model of experimental aircraft in accordance with the provisions of section 61.63(k), with the limitation “Authorized Experimental Aircraft: [Category] and [Class] rating [Make] and [Model].” The applicant is required to receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized flight instructor who has determined that the applicant is proficient to act as PIC of the same category, class, make, and model of experimental aircraft for which the application was made. The 5 hours of flight experience must have been logged between September 1, 2004, and August 31, 2005. Once the pilot complies with the provisions of section 61.63(k), that pilot may be issued the appropriate category and class rating limited to a specific make and model of experimental aircraft.
27. ADDITIONAL CATEGORY/CLASS RATINGS AT THE ATP CERTIFICATION LEVEL.
a. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for additional category, class, or type rating (at the ATP certification level) are located in section 61.165.
b. Applicants for a type rating on the ATP certification level 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 (see section 61.157(b)).
c. An instructor recommendation is not required, unless the applicant has failed the practical test and this is a retest (per section 61.49). Applicants for retest must comply with the Par 26 Page 17
appropriate retest requirements of section 61.49. In addition, the instructor must sign the applicant’s FAA Form 8710-1 application for the retest.
d. Experimental category and class ratingsection 61.31(k)(2)(iii)(B). An applicant holding an ATP certificate may apply for the issuance of a category and class rating limited to a specific make and model of experimental aircraft in accordance with the provisions of section 61.165(f) with the limitation “Authorized Experimental Aircraft: [Category] and [Class] rating [Make] and [Model].” The applicant is required to receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized flight instructor who has determined that the applicant is proficient to act as PIC of the same category, class, make, and model of experimental aircraft for which the application was made. The 5 hours of flight experience must have been logged between September 1, 2004, and August 31, 2005. Once the pilot complies with the provisions of section 61.165(f), that pilot may be issued the appropriate category and class rating limited to a specific make and model of experimental aircraft.
28. 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 section 61.31.
29. GROUND INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION. The applicability, eligibility, privileges, and recency requirements for the ground instructor certificate is located in part 61, subpart I.
30. 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, rating, or privilege issued under part 61.
31. 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 section 61.31(j).
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 self-launch procedures and operations.
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d. As per section 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.
e. 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.
NOTE: 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 part 61.
f. 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 weightshift 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.
32. AERONAUTICAL EXPERIENCE CREDITULTRALIGHT VEHICLES. A person may use aeronautical experience obtained in an ultralight vehicle while a registered ultralight pilot with an FAA-recognized ultralight organization, as required by section 61.52, to meet the requirements for the following certificates and ratings issued under this part:
a. A sport pilot certificate.
b. A flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating.
c. A private pilot certificate with a weight-shift control or powered parachute category rating.
d. To meet the provisions of section 61.69 and section 61.415(e).
33. HOW TO OBTAIN ELECTRONICALLY. This AC is available online at http://www.airweb.faa.gov/rgl and can also be found at http://www.faa.gov/pilots/ under the Advisory Circulars link.
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