AC 61-65G

Historical

Advisory circular · Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors

A newer version is currentThis is a historical version. AC 61-65K is the version in force, approved November 14, 2025.
Approved
August 25, 2017
Last reviewed
June 27, 2024
Cancels
AC61-65F
Cancelled by
AC61-65H
Family
AC 61-65 · 9 versions
Revision
G
14 CFR parts
61, 63, 65, 107, 141, 67, 68, 121, 135, 125, 133, 91

Guidance, not mandatory unless a rule or AD requires it. DRS record last changed November 21, 2025.

Show pages 25–36

Appendix A

A.79 Glider and unpowered ultralight vehicle towing experience: § 61.69(a)(5)A-23

A.80 Glider and unpowered ultralight vehicle towing ground and flight:

§ 61.69(a)(3)A-23

A.81 Review of a home study curriculum: § 61.35(a)(1)A-23

A.82 Experimental aircraft only − additional aircraft category or class rating

(other than ATP): § 61.63(h)A-24

A.83 Experimental aircraft only − additional aircraft category or class rating

ATP: § 61.65(g)A-24

A.84 Aeronautical experience credit − ultralight vehicles: § 61.52A-24

A.85 Endorsement required to provide training for Night Vision Goggle (NVG)

operations: § 61.195(k)(7)A-24

Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS)

A.86 Endorsement for EFVS ground training: § 61.66(a)A-25

A.87 Endorsement for EFVS flight training: § 61.66(b)A-25

A.88 Endorsement for EFVS ground and flight training: § 61.66(a) and (b)A-25

A.89 Endorsement for EFVS supplementary training: § 61.66(c)A-25

A-5

Appendix A

INSTRUCTOR ENDORSEMENTS The following examples are recommended sample endorsements for use by authorized instructors when endorsing logbooks, or other means found acceptable to the Administrator for airmen applying for a knowledge or practical test, or when certifying accomplishment of requirements for pilot operating privileges. Each endorsement must be legible and include the instructor’s signature, date of signature, certificated flight instructor (CFI) or certificated ground instructor certificate number, and certificate expiration date, if applicable. The purpose of this advisory circular (AC) is to provide guidance and to encourage standardization among instructors.

Federal aviation regulations state that, to be eligible for a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificate or additional aircraft rating, an applicant must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. Training facilities and individuals authorized to conduct evaluations, training, testing, checking, or certification activities all share the responsibility to ensure that all applicants for an FAA certificate or individuals who hold FAA certificates continually demonstrate that they meet the FAA regulatory English language eligibility requirements. If there is a question that the applicant or certificated individual may not meet the FAA regulatory English language eligibility requirements to obtain or hold an FAA certificate, refer to AC 60-28, FAA English Language Standard for an FAA Certificate Issued Under 14 CFR Parts 61, 63, 65, and 107, for guidance.

If the pilot does not meet the FAA Aviation English Language Standard (AELS) during a flight review or instrument proficiency check (IPC), do not endorse the pilot’s logbook or training record as complete. Provide a logbook entry for the training received, advise the pilot, and contact the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).

PREREQUISITES FOR THE PRACTICAL TEST ENDORSEMENT A.1 Prerequisites for practical test: Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61, § 61.39(a)(6)(i) and (ii).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received and logged training time within 2 calendar-months preceding the month of application in preparation for the practical test and [he or she] is prepared for the required practical test for the issuance of [applicable] certificate.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.2 Review of deficiencies identified on airman knowledge test: § 61.39(a)(6)(iii) as required.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which [he or she] was deficient on the [applicable] airman knowledge test.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A-6

Appendix A

STUDENT PILOT ENDORSEMENTS A.3 Pre-solo aeronautical knowledge: § 61.87(b).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has satisfactorily completed the pre-solo knowledge test of § 61.87(b) for the [make and model (M/M) aircraft].

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.4 Pre-solo flight training: § 61.87(c).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required pre-solo flight training in a [M/M aircraft]. I have determined [he or she] has demonstrated satisfactory proficiency and safety on the maneuvers and procedures required by § 61.87 in this or similar make and model of aircraft to be flown.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.5 Pre-solo flight training at night: § 61.87(c) and (o).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required pre-solo training in a [M/M aircraft]. I have determined [he or she] has demonstrated the proficiency of § 61.87(o) and is proficient to make solo flights at night in that make and model aircraft.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.6 Solo flight (first 90-day period): § 61.87(n).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training to qualify for solo flying. I have determined [he or she] meets the applicable requirements of § 61.87(n) and is proficient to make solo flights in [M/M].

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.7 Solo flight (each additional 90-day period): § 61.87(p).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training to qualify for solo flying. I have determined that [he or she] meets the applicable requirements of § 61.87(p) and is proficient to make solo flights in [M/M].

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A-7

Appendix A A.8 Solo takeoffs and landings at another airport within 25 nautical miles (NM):

§ 61.93(b)(1).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.93(b)(1). I have determined that [he or she] is proficient to practice solo takeoffs and landings at [airport name]. The takeoffs and landings at [airport name] are subject to the following conditions: [List any applicable conditions or limitations.] /s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.9 Solo cross-country flight: § 61.93(c)(1) and (2).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required solo cross-country training. I find [he or she] has met the applicable requirements of § 61.93, and is proficient to make solo cross-country flights in a [M/M aircraft], [aircraft category].

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.10 Solo cross-country flight: § 61.93(c)(3).

I have reviewed the cross-country planning of [First name, MI, Last name]. I find the planning and preparation to be correct to make the solo flight from [origination airport] to [origination airport] via [route of flight] with landings at [names of the airports] in a [M/M aircraft] on [date]. [List any applicable conditions or limitations.] /s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.11 Repeated solo cross-country flights not more than 50 NM from the point of departure: § 61.93(b)(2).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training in both directions between and at both [airport names]. I have determined that [he or she] is proficient of § 61.93(b)(2) to conduct repeated solo cross-country flights over that route, subject to the following conditions: [List any applicable conditions or limitations.] /s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.12 Solo flight in Class B airspace: § 61.95(a).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.95(a).

I have determined [he or she] is proficient to conduct solo flights in [name of Class B] airspace. [List any applicable conditions or limitations.] /s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A-8

Appendix A A.13 Solo flight to, from, or at an airport located in Class B airspace: § 61.95(b) and 14 CFR part 91, § 91.131(b)(1).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.95(b)(1). I have determined that [he or she] is proficient to conduct solo flight operations at [name of airport]. [List any applicable conditions or limitations.] /s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.14 Endorsement of U.S. citizenship recommended by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) § 1552.3(h).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has presented me a [type of document presented, such as a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport, and the relevant control or sequential number on the document, if any] establishing that [he or she] is a U.S. citizen or national in accordance with 49 CFR § 1552.3(h).

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19

ADDITIONAL STUDENT PILOT ENDORSEMENTS FOR STUDENTS SEEKING

SPORT OR RECREATIONAL PILOT CERTIFICATES A.15 Solo flight in Class B, C, and D airspace: § 61.94(a).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.94(a).

I have determined [he or she] is proficient to conduct solo flights in [name of Class B, C, or D] airspace and authorized to operate to, from through and at [name of airport].

[List any applicable conditions or limitations.] /s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.16 Solo flight to, from, or at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace or at an airport having an operational control tower: §§ 61.94(a) and 91.131(b)(1).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.94(a)(1). I have determined that [he or she] is proficient to conduct solo flight operations at [name of airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace or an airport having an operational control tower]. [List any applicable conditions or limitations.] /s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A-9

Appendix A

SPORT PILOT ENDORSEMENTS A.17 Aeronautical knowledge test: §§ 61.35(a)(1) and 61.309.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required aeronautical knowledge training of § 61.309. I have determined that [he or she] is prepared for the [name of] knowledge test.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.18 Taking flight proficiency check for different category or class of aircraft: §§ 61.309 and 61.311.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training required in accordance with §§ 61.309 and 61.311 and have determined that [he or she] is prepared for the [name of] proficiency check.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.19 Passing flight proficiency check for different category or class of aircraft: §§ 61.309 and 61.311.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has met the requirements of §§ 61.309 and 61.311 and I have determined [him or her] proficient to act as pilot in command of [category and class] of light-sport aircraft.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.20 Taking sport pilot practical test: §§ 61.309, 61.311, and 61.313.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the training required in accordance with §§ 61.309 and 61.311 and met the aeronautical experience requirements of § 61.313.

I have determined that [he or she] is prepared for the [type of] practical test.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 Note: The endorsement for a practical test is required in addition to the § 61.39 endorsements provided in endorsements 1 and 2 (see paragraphs A.1 and A.2).

A.21 Passing a sport pilot practical test: §§ 61.309, 61.311, and 61.313.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has met the requirements of §§ 61.309, 61.311, and 61.313, and I have determined [him or her] proficient to act as pilot in command of [category and class of] light-sport aircraft.

/s/ [date] S. P. Examiner 987654321 Exp. 12-31-19 Note: This endorsement is required by § 61.317 and is issued by a Sport Pilot Examiner (SPE).

A-10

Appendix A A.22 Class B, C, or D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, or to, from, through, or at an airport having an operational control tower: § 61.325.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.325.

I have determined [he or she] is proficient to conduct operations in Class B, C, or D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, or to, from, through, or at an airport having an operational control tower.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.23 Light-sport aircraft that has a maximum speed in level flight with maximum continuous power (VH) less than or equal to 87 Knots Calibrated Airspeed (KCAS):

§ 61.327.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training required in accordance with § 61.327(a) in a [M/M aircraft]. I have determined [him or her] proficient to act as pilot in command of a light-sport aircraft that has a VH less than or equal to 87 KCAS.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.24 Light-sport aircraft that has a VH greater than 87 KCAS: § 61.327.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training required in accordance with § 61.327(b) in a [M/M aircraft]. I have determined [him or her] proficient to act as pilot in command of a light-sport aircraft that has a VH greater than 87 KCAS.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19

RECREATIONAL PILOT ENDORSEMENTS A.25 Aeronautical knowledge test: §§ 61.35(a)(1), 61.96(b)(3), and 61.97(b).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.97(b).

I have determined that [he or she] is prepared for the [name of] knowledge test.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.26 Flight proficiency/practical test: §§ 61.96(b)(5), 61.98(a) and (b), and 61.99.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of §§ 61.98(b) and 61.99. I have determined that [he or she] is prepared for the [name of] practical test.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 Note: The endorsement for a practical test is required in addition to the § 61.39 endorsements provided in endorsements 1 and 2 (see paragraphs A.1 and A.2).

A-11

Appendix A A.27 Recreational pilot to operate within 50 NM of the airport where training was received: § 61.101(b).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.101(b). I have determined that [he or she] is competent to operate at the [name of airport].

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.28 Recreational pilot to act as pilot in command on a flight that exceeds 50 NM of the departure airport: § 61.101(c).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required cross-country training of § 61.101(c). I have determined that [he or she] is proficient in cross-country flying of part 61 subpart E.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.29 Recreational pilot with less than 400 flight hours and no logged pilot in command time within the preceding 180 days: § 61.101(g).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required 180-day recurrent training of § 61.101(g) in a [M/M aircraft]. I have determined [him or her] proficient to act as pilot in command of that aircraft.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.30 Recreational pilot to conduct solo flights for the purpose of obtaining an additional certificate or rating while under the supervision of an authorized flight instructor:

§ 61.101(j).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.87 in a [M/M aircraft]. I have determined [he or she] is prepared to conduct a solo flight on [date] under the following conditions: [List all conditions which require endorsement

(e.g., flight which requires communication with air traffic control, flight in an aircraft for which the pilot does not hold a category/class rating, etc.).] /s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.31 Class B, C, or D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, or to, from, through, or at an airport having an operational control tower: § 61.101(d).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.101(d). I have determined [he or she] is proficient to conduct operations in Class B, C, or D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, or to, from, through, or at an airport having an operational control tower.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A-12

Appendix A

PRIVATE PILOT ENDORSEMENTS A.32 Aeronautical knowledge test: §§ 61.35(a)(1), 61.103(d), and 61.105.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training in accordance with § 61.105. I have determined [he or she] is prepared for the [name of] knowledge test.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.33 Flight proficiency/practical test: §§ 61.103(f), 61.107(b), and 61.109.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training in accordance with §§ 61.107 and 61.109. I have determined [he or she] is prepared for the [name of] practical test.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 Note: The endorsement for a practical test is required in addition to the § 61.39 endorsements provided in endorsements 1 and 2 (see paragraphs A.1 and A.2).

COMMERCIAL PILOT ENDORSEMENTS A.34 Aeronautical knowledge test: §§ 61.35(a)(1), 61.123(c), and 61.125.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.125.

I have determined that [he or she] is prepared for the [name of] knowledge test.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.35 Flight proficiency/practical test: §§ 61.123(e), 61.127, and 61.129.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of §§ 61.127 and 61.129. I have determined that [he or she] is prepared for the [name of] practical test.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 Note: The endorsement for a practical test is required in addition to the § 61.39 endorsements provided in endorsements 1 and 2 (see paragraphs A.1 and A.2).

AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT (ATP) ENDORSEMENTS A.36 Restricted privileges ATP Certificate: Airplane Multiengine Land (AMEL) rating, § 61.160.

The [insert institution’s name] certifies that the recipient of this degree has successfully completed all of the aviation coursework requirements of § 61.160[(b), (c), or (d)] and therefore meets the academic eligibility requirements of § 61.160[(b), (c), or (d)].

A-13

Appendix A Note: This certifying statement can only be provided by an authorized institution of higher education in accordance with its letter of authorization (LOA). Refer to AC 61-139, Institution of Higher Education’s Application for Authority to Certify its Graduates for an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with Reduced Aeronautical Experience.

A.37 ATP Certification Training Program (CTP): § 61.153(e).

The applicant named above has successfully completed the Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program as required by § 61.156, and therefore has met the prerequisite required by § 61.35(a)(2) for the Airline Transport Pilot Multiengine Airplane Knowledge Test.

Note: This endorsement is only provided by an approved training provider of an ATP CTP and is found on the graduation certificate a pilot receives following completion of that training in accordance with § 61.156. Refer to AC 61-138, Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program.

INSTRUMENT RATING ENDORSEMENTS A.38 Aeronautical knowledge test: §§ 61.35(a)(1) and 61.65(a) and (b).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.65(b).

I have determined that [he or she] is prepared for the Instrument–[airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift] knowledge test.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.39 Flight proficiency/practical test: § 61.65(a)(6).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.65(c) and (d). I have determined [he or she] is prepared for the Instrument–[airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift] practical test.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.40 Prerequisites for instrument practical tests: § 61.39(a).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received and logged the required flight time/training of § 61.39(a) in preparation for the practical test within 2 calendar-months preceding the date of the test and has satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which [he or she] was shown to be deficient by the FAA airman knowledge test report. I have determined [he or she] is prepared for the Instrument–[airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift] practical test.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A-14

Appendix A

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR (OTHER THAN FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS WITH A SPORT

PILOT RATING) ENDORSEMENTS A.41 Fundamentals of instructing knowledge test: § 61.183(d).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required fundamentals of instruction training of § 61.185(a)(1). I have determined that [he or she] is prepared for the Fundamentals of Instructing knowledge test.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.42 Flight instructor aeronautical knowledge test: § 61.183(f).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.185(a)[(2) or (3) (as appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought)]. I have determined that [he or she] is prepared for the [name of] knowledge test.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.43 Flight instructor ground and flight proficiency/practical test: § 61.183(g).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.187(b). I have determined that [he or she] is prepared for the CFI − [aircraft category and class] practical test.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 Note: The endorsement for a practical test is required in addition to the § 61.39 endorsements provided in endorsements 1 and 2 (see paragraphs A.1 and A.2).

A.44 Flight instructor certificate with instrument − (category/class) rating/practical test:

§§ 61.183(g), and 61.187(a) and (b)(7).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required CFII training of § 61.187(b)(7). I have determined [he or she] is prepared for the CFII – [airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift] practical test.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 Note: The endorsement for a practical test is required in addition to the § 61.39 endorsements provided in endorsements 1 and 2 (see paragraphs A.1 and A.2).

A.45 Spin training: § 61.183(i)(1).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.183(i). I have determined that [he or she] is competent and possesses instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A-15

Appendix A Note: The above spin training endorsement is required of flight instructor applicants for the airplane and glider ratings only.

A.46 Helicopter Touchdown Autorotation: (FAA-S-8081-7, Flight Instructor Practical Test Standards for Rotorcraft (Helicopter & Gyroplane)).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received training in straight-in and 180-degree autorotations to include touchdown. I have determined that [he or she] is competent in instructional knowledge relating to the elements, common errors, performance, and correction of common errors related to straight-in and 180-degree autorotations.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR WITH A SPORT PILOT RATING ENDORSEMENT A.47 Fundamentals of instructing knowledge test: § 61.405(a)(1).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training in accordance with § 61.405(a)(1). I have determined that [he or she] is prepared for the Fundamentals of Instructing Knowledge Test.

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.48 Sport pilot flight instructor aeronautical knowledge test: §§ 61.35(a)(1) and 61.405(a).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.405(a)(2). I have determined that [he or she] is prepared for the [name of the knowledge test].

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A.49 Flight instructor flight proficiency check to provide training if a different category or class of aircraft−(additional category/class): §§ 61.409 and 61.419.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training in accordance with §§ 61.409 and 61.419 and have determined that [he or she] is prepared for a proficiency check for the flight instructor with a sport pilot rating in a [aircraft category and class].

/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19 A-16