U .S . Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular Subject: Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors Date: 8/25/17 AC No: 61-65G Initiated by: AFS-800 Change:
This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance for pilot applicants, pilots, flight instructors, ground instructors, and examiners on the certification standards, knowledge test procedures, and other requirements in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61.
ORIGINAL SIGNED by /s/ John Barbagallo Deputy Executive Director, Flight Standards Service
CONTENTS Paragraph Page
1 Purpose of This Advisory Circular (AC)1
2 Audience1
3 Where You Can Find This AC1
4 What This AC Cancels1
5 Related Reading Material (current editions)1
6 Pilot Training and Testing2
7 Knowledge Tests2
8 Completion of Ground Training or a Home Study Curriculum3
9 Verification of Identity, Age, and English Language Standard4
10 Practical Tests6
11 Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) With a Single Seat6
12 Prerequisites for Practical Tests8
13 Student Pilot Certification8
14 Acceptance of a Student Pilot Application9
15 Roles to Use for Processing Student Pilot Applications10
16 Establishing Eligibility for Student Pilot Certificate10
17 Student Pilot Application Process Utilizing IACRA10
18 Student Pilot Application Process Utilizing Traditional FAA Form 8710-111
19 Pre-Solo Requirements and Privileges11
20 Sport Pilot Certification14
21 Recreational Pilot Certification15
22 Private Pilot Certification16
23 Commercial Pilot Certification17
24 ATP Certification17
25 Flight Instructors Other Than Flight Instructors With a Sport Pilot Rating18
26 Flight Instructors With a Sport Pilot Rating19
27 Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificates Other Than Flight Instructors With a
Sport Pilot Rating21
28 Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificates With a Sport Pilot Rating21
29 Renewal of a Flight Instructor Certificate22
30 Expired Flight Instructor Certificate25
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31 Instrument Rating25
32 Additional Aircraft Ratings (Other Than ATP)25
33 Additional Category/Class Ratings at the ATP Certification Level26
34 Other Instructor Endorsements27
35 Ground Instructor Certification27
36 Authorized Instructors27
37 Additional Training for Gliders27
38 Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS)28
39 AC Feedback Form29
Appendix A. Instructor EndorsementsA-1
Appendix B. Pilot Certificate Applicant Identity VerificationB-1
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1 PURPOSE OF THIS ADVISORY CIRCULAR (AC). This AC provides guidance for pilot applicants, pilots, flight instructors, ground instructors, and examiners on the certification standards, knowledge test procedures, and other requirements in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61. This revision provides guidance for those persons seeking to conduct enhanced flight vision system (EFVS) operations.
The revision also provides guidance for persons seeking an endorsement for helicopter touchdown autorotations. Additionally, this revision updates some endorsements in Appendix A, Instructor Endorsements, to agree with regulatory wording.
2 AUDIENCE. The primary audience for this AC includes all flight instructors, ground instructors, and Designated Pilot Examiners (DPE). The audience also includes aviation safety inspectors (ASI) and aviation safety technicians (AST) who conduct certification functions for pilots and/or have oversight of a designee who performs pilot or instructor certifications. The secondary audience includes Flight Standards (AFS) branches and divisions in the regions and in headquarters (HQ). Title 14 CFR part 107 operators should refer to AC 107-2, Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), for certificate requirements.
3 WHERE YOU CAN FIND THIS AC. You can find this AC on the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) website at http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/ advisory_circulars.
4 WHAT THIS AC CANCELS. AC 61-65F, Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors, dated February 25, 2016, is canceled.
5 RELATED READING MATERIAL (current editions):
• AC 60-28, FAA English Language Standard for an FAA Certificate Issued Under 14 CFR Parts 61, 63, 65, and 107.
• AC 61-98, Currency Requirements and Guidance for the Flight Review and Instrument Proficiency Check.
• AC 61-107, Aircraft Operations at Altitudes Above 25,000 Feet Mean Sea Level or Mach Numbers Greater Than .75.
• AC 107-2, Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS).
• FAA Order 8080.6, Conduct of Airman Knowledge Tests.
• FAA-G-8082-1, Airline Transport Pilot, Aircraft Dispatcher, and Flight Navigator Knowledge Test Guide.
• FAA-G-8082-5, Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test Guide.
• FAA-G-8082-7, Flight and Ground Instructor Knowledge Test Guide.
• FAA-G-8082-13, Instrument Rating and Instrument Instructor Rating Knowledge Test Guide.
• FAA-G-8082-17, Recreational Pilot and Private Pilot Knowledge Test Guide.
• Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 100-2, Relief for U.S. Military and Civilian Personnel Who Are Assigned Outside the United States in Support of U.S. Armed Forces Operations.
6 PILOT TRAINING AND TESTING. Part 61 contains the aeronautical experience, certification requirements, responsibilities, privileges, and limitations for each grade of certificate: student pilot, sport pilot, recreational pilot, private pilot, commercial pilot, airline transport pilot (ATP), instrument rating, flight instructor, and ground instructor.
Under the “total training concept,” the Areas of Operation specified for each grade of certificate by part 61 encompass the Areas of Operation and tasks contained in the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) or practical test standards (PTS), as appropriate.
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:
1. An applicant for a private pilot certificate must have logged the aeronautical experience as required by part 61 and have had his or her logbook endorsed by his or her certificated flight instructor (CFI) who determines that the applicant is proficient in the appropriate Areas of Operation listed in part 61, § 61.107(b).
2. The flight maneuvers associated with each of the Areas of Operation listed in § 61.107 are found under similar titles in the current editions of the appropriate ACS or PTS. The standards for successful completion of each maneuver and procedure are noted in the elements of each task in the appropriate ACS or PTS.
7 KNOWLEDGE TESTS. The knowledge tests for the sport pilot certificate, recreational pilot certificate, private pilot certificate, commercial pilot certificate, ATP certificate, flight instructor certificate, ground instructor certificate, and ratings cover the subject areas in which aeronautical knowledge is required by part 61.
7.1 Knowledge Test Administration. 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.
7.2 Evidence of Completion. Applicants are not required to show such evidence to take the ATP, flight instructor, ground instructor, military competency, or foreign pilot instrument knowledge tests unless they are applying to retake a test after failing that test per § 61.49. However, all persons seeking an ATP certificate in the airplane category with a multiengine class rating must present a graduation certificate from an approved provider certifying completion of the training required by § 61.156 when applying for the ATP multiengine airplane knowledge test.
7.3 FAA Computerized Knowledge Test Program. 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 the location of computerized testing centers, contact the nearest Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or use the list of computerized testing centers at http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/.
7.4 Relief for U.S. Military and Civilian Personnel Who are Assigned Outside the United States in Support of U.S. Armed Forces Operations (SFAR 100-2).
FSDOs are authorized to accept from an eligible person defined in SFAR 100-2 an expired flight instructor certificate for renewal of a flight instructor certificate under § 61.197 or an expired written test report to show eligibility under part 61 to take a practical test. The eligible person must present the FSDO with the required documents along with FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application.
8 COMPLETION OF GROUND TRAINING OR A HOME STUDY CURRICULUM.
Students may obtain ground training for the aeronautical knowledge test from pilot schools, colleges, aviation organizations, and individual flight or ground instructors.
Home study curricula are available from representatives of the aviation industry. Students may develop an individual home study curriculum compiled from material described in the applicable FAA airman knowledge test guide. The student, to show evidence of a ground school or home study curriculum completion, may use any one of the following methods:
1. 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.
2. An endorsement from an authorized instructor who has certified that the applicant has satisfactorily completed the ground training required for the certificate or rating sought and is prepared for the test.
3. 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 (CAP), or a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) flight training program.
4. A certificate of graduation from an industry-provided aviation home study course. The aeronautical enterprise providing the study material must develop the certificate. 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 the course provider can score 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.
5. Applicants are encouraged to obtain ground training using one of the methods described in items 1 through 4 above. An applicant who is unable to provide any of the above documents may present an individually developed home study course to an appropriately rated flight or ground instructor. The instructor will review the course materials and 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.
9 VERIFICATION OF IDENTITY, AGE, AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE STANDARD. Applicants for knowledge tests and airman certificates must provide positive proof of identification, address, and age at the time of application. The applicant must meet the FAA Aviation English Language Standard (AELS) at the time of application, as well as during each training and testing event. Refer to AC 60-28 for more information on the AELS.
9.1 Identification. An unexpired official government-issued means of identification presented must include a photograph of the applicant and the applicant’s signature.
The applicant may present this information in more than one form of identification.
Appendix B, Pilot Certificate Applicant Identity Verification, provides expanded guidance and suggested documents when verifying the applicant’s identity and examples of accepted forms of identification. The items described in Appendix B are not the only acceptable forms of verifying and validating an applicant’s identity. Whenever possible, utilize an official U.S. Government website for the most current and acceptable forms of identification. The following are recommended U.S. Government websites:
• The Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) website, http://www.tsa.gov;
• The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) website, http://www.dhs.gov; and
• The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, http://www.uscis.gov.
9.2 Address. A mailing address for delivery of the applicant’s certificate may be indicated on FAA Form 8710-1 or FAA Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application – Sport Pilot, as appropriate. However, the residential address required for official record purposes for a certificate must be provided to specify the airman’s actual permanent residential street number, city, state, and ZIP code, including apartment number where appropriate. The airman can specify an address to be printed on the permanent airman certificate, if different than the applicant’s current address. If the applicant has a foreign address, the country must be stated. If a residential address does not exist, the applicant must provide and attach to the application the geographic location of his or her residence on a separate piece of paper and attest by signature. This can be in the form of a map or written directions to the applicant’s physical residential address.
An applicant who resides on a boat must provide the boat dock number or vessel registration number. If the applicant resides in a recreational vehicle (RV), the state in which the RV is registered, the registration number, and the vehicle identification 4
number (VIN) should be included. The supporting paperwork is submitted as part of the applicant’s application.
9.3 Age. Applicants applying for a student pilot certificate, knowledge test, and practical test must show they meet the minimum age requirement for the certificate sought. In the case of an applicant under the age of 18 years, the applicant’s parent or guardian may have to accompany the applicant and identify themselves in accordance with regular application procedures. If the parent or guardian attests to the applicant’s identity, the parent or guardian’s photograph identification information should be placed on the “Airman’s Identification” block of the “Attachments” section of FAA Form 8710-1, and a remark added indicating the parent’s identification was used if the applicant is applying for a student pilot certificate. 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, with the exception of those pilots applying for the ATP multiengine airplane knowledge test. An ATP multiengine airplane knowledge test report is valid for 60 calendar-months. Therefore, the minimum age for an applicant is 18.
9.4 English Language Standards. Unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator, no person may be issued, nor may any person exercise the privileges of, an FAA certificate issued under part 61 unless that person meets the FAA AELS as determined by the FAA AELS evaluation. Designated Examiners (DE), flight and ground instructors, Training Center Evaluators (TCE), check Flight Engineers (FE), check pilots, training facilities, ASIs, and ASTs are responsible for ensuring that airmen and applicants meet the FAA AELS.
Note 1: Before accepting an application for certification, to include processing an application for a student pilot applicant or issuing an endorsement for solo operations or a practical test, the applicant must be evaluated in accordance with the guidelines contained in AC 60-28, Appendix A, FAA English Language Standard Evaluation, as well as minimum Operational Level 4 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Language Proficiency Scale found in ICAO Doc 9835, Manual on the Implementation of ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements, Appendix A, ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), page A-7.
Note 2: AELS evaluators should develop multiple plans of action as described in AC 60-28 to conduct an FAA AELS evaluation. This will ensure that their evaluation does not become predictable. Also, AELS evaluators must access the following ICAO language proficiency website that provides audio of the various ICAO English language levels in order to familiarize themselves with the ICAO English Language Proficiency (ELP) operational levels so they can best accomplish the FAA AELS evaluation: http://cfapp.icao.int/rssta/RSSTA.cfm.
10 PRACTICAL TESTS.
10.1 General. A practical test is conducted to evaluate the applicant’s knowledge, skill, and management of risk for the pilot certificate and rating sought. During a practical test, the examiner will evaluate the applicant based on oral examination and observation of performance-based skills in accordance with the appropriate ACS or PTS. However, the examiner may use oral testing at any time during the practical test. An examiner is responsible for determining whether the applicant meets the standards outlined in the objective of each required task evaluated in accordance with the appropriate ACS or PTS.
10.2 PTS Oral or Written Testing Requirements. For elements of a maneuver or procedure on the practical test in which 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.”
10.3 PTS Piloting Skill Requirements. For elements of a maneuver or procedure on the practical test in which the applicants are required to demonstrate their piloting skills, the PTS uses words such as “considers situations,” “maintains,” “utilizes,” “initiates,” “transitions to,” “arrives at,” “establishes and maintains,” “remains aware,” “avoids situations,” “selects,” “properly,” “makes a,” “recognizes,” “stops,” “completes,” etc., in the area of each task noted as “Objective.”
10.4 ACS Requirements. For elements associated with tasks in the ACS, similar language is used in the objective as stated above for the PTS; however, the ACS evaluates knowledge, risk management, and skill elements on each task. Each element uses language to clarify whether the evaluation will be accomplished through oral or performance evaluation.
10.5 Use of Full Flight Simulators (FFS) and Flight Training Devices (FTD). In accordance with §§ 61.45(a) and 61.64, an FFS or FTD may be used for some or all of the practical test as authorized through an FAA-approved testing or checking program or curriculum. Use of an Aviation Training Device (ATD) is not authorized on a practical test for a certificate or rating or for an aircraft type rating. Additional information on the use of an FFS, FTD, or ATD can be found in the appropriate appendix of the ACS or PTS for the pilot certificate or rating sought.
11 LIGHT-SPORT AIRCRAFT (LSA) WITH A SINGLE SEAT.
11.1 General. In accordance with § 61.45(f), a practical test may be conducted in an LSA that has a single seat. The FAA believes that with certain limitations, it is appropriate to allow the practical test for a sport pilot certificate only. This provision does not allow a practical test for a flight instructor certificate or recreational pilot certificate or higher to be conducted in an LSA that has a single pilot seat.
11.2 Testing From the Ground. With certain limitations, a DPE or an FAA ASI may conduct the practical test for a sport pilot certificate from the ground. The DPE or ASI must agree to conduct the practical test in a single-seat aircraft and must conduct the practical test in 6
accordance with the sport pilot PTS or ACS, as appropriate for single-seat aircraft.
Knowledge of all tasks applicable to their category/class of aircraft will be evaluated orally. Single-seat sport pilots shall demonstrate competency in those specific tasks identified in the ACS or PTS, as appropriate, and any other tasks selected by the examiner. The examiner must maintain radio contact with the applicant and be in a position to observe the operation of the aircraft while evaluating the proficiency of the applicant from the ground.
11.3 Single-Seat Limitation. The limitation “No passenger carriage and flight in a single-seat light-sport aircraft only” will be placed on the person’s pilot certificate per § 61.45(f)(3), which limits a pilot to operations in a single-seat LSA, and no passenger carriage will be authorized. Only a DPE or an ASI is authorized to remove this limitation. The DPE or ASI can accomplish this when the sport pilot takes a practical test in a two-place LSA and conducts the additional tasks identified in the ACS or PTS, as appropriate.
This practical test may be conducted in the same or additional category of aircraft.
Upon successful completion of the practical test, the DPE or ASI will remove the limitation and the sport pilot is authorized to act as pilot in command (PIC) in all categories of LSA for which he or she has an endorsement. The DPE or ASI can also remove the limitation if the sport pilot completes the certification requirements in an aircraft with a minimum of two places for a higher certificate or rating.
11.4 Flight Review. A sport pilot who is issued a certificate with a single-seat limitation must complete a flight review, as required by § 61.56. If the flight review is conducted in an aircraft, it must be in an aircraft with a minimum of two pilot stations, in which the pilot is rated, and with an authorized instructor who is current and qualified to act as PIC.
11.5 Additional Category or Class. An instructor may perform a proficiency check for an additional category or class in accordance with §§ 61.45(f) and 61.321 to be added to a sport pilot certificate or higher using a single-seat LSA, provided the instructor is also a DPE or an ASI. The instructor or ASI must agree to conduct the proficiency check in a single-seat LSA, and must ensure that the proficiency check is conducted in accordance with the sport pilot PTS or ACS, as appropriate, for single-seat aircraft. The instructor will evaluate knowledge of all tasks applicable to the category or class of aircraft orally.
Those pilots seeking sport pilot privileges in a single-seat LSA must demonstrate competency in those specific tasks identified in the appropriate ACS or PTS and any other tasks selected by the instructor. On successful completion of the proficiency check, the instructor or ASI will issue an endorsement with the following limitation:
“No passenger carriage and flight in a single-pilot station aircraft only (add category/class)” limiting the pilot’s operations to a single-seat aircraft in this category and class. The instructor must sign this endorsement with his or her flight instructor and examiner number.
11.6 Remove Limitation. This limitation can be removed once the pilot has successfully completed a proficiency check involving the additional tasks identified in the appropriate ACS or PTS in a two-pilot-station LSA for the specific category and class rating sought and in accordance with § 61.321. The proficiency check must be conducted in the same 7
category and class of LSA. Upon successful completion of the proficiency check, the pilot will be issued an endorsement for the LSA privilege sought.
12 PREREQUISITES FOR PRACTICAL TESTS. Except as provided by § 61.39, each applicant must have received an endorsement from an authorized instructor who certified that the applicant received and logged the required flight time/training in preparation for the practical test within 2 calendar-months preceding the month of the application and has been found proficient to pass the practical test. If an endorsement is required, it must also state that the applicant has satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which he or she was shown to be deficient by the FAA Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR).
12.1 Required Endorsements. All applicants must have the required endorsements specified in part 61 for the aircraft category, class, and/or type rating. A graduate of a 14 CFR part 141 pilot school who takes the certification practical test with an examiner must have the endorsements required by § 61.39(a) to take the practical test.
12.2 Retest Following a Notice of Disapproval. All applicants who apply for retest of a practical test after being issued a Notice of Disapproval must present another endorsement from their instructor in accordance with §§ 61.43(f) and 61.49(a)(2).
The endorsement must state that the applicant has received the necessary training and is prepared for the practical test. An instructor’s recommendation on FAA Form 8710-1 is required for each retest following a Notice of Disapproval conducted for a certificate or rating. The applicant may receive credit for those Areas of Operation that the applicant passed, but only if the applicant passes the remainder of the practical test within 2 calendar-months of the month in which the test was started.
12.3 Retest Following a Letter of Discontinuance. No additional endorsements are required for applicants who apply for a practical test after being issued a Letter of Discontinuance, provided the applicant passes the remainder of the practical test within the 60-day period after the date the practical test was discontinued.
12.4 Medical Certificate Requirements. For detail on medical requirements, refer to 14 CFR parts 61, 67, and 68, and AC 68-1, BasicMed.
12.5 English Language Requirement. The ability to read, speak, write, and understand the English language is an eligibility requirement that applies to all pilot certificates, ratings, and privileges. No certificate, rating, or privilege will be issued 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 and as permitted under § 61.13(b), and as allowed by other 14 CFR sections. See paragraph 9 and AC 60-28 for additional guidance.
13 STUDENT PILOT CERTIFICATION. Specific knowledge, flight proficiency, flight experience, and endorsement requirements for the student pilot certificate are located in part 61 subpart C.
13.1 Student Pilot Certification Application and Issuance. A person may apply for a student pilot certificate with one of the following authorized individuals: a CFI, a DPE, an FAA ASI or AST, or an Airman Certification Representative (ACR) associated with a part 141 pilot school. All student pilot certificates will be issued by the Civil Aviation Registry (AFS-700) on a high quality plastic card stock containing tamper- and counterfeit-resistant features. Once a student pilot certificate has been issued, the pilot must hold a current medical certificate while exercising solo privileges in an airplane, rotorcraft, powered-lift, or airship. A person is not required to hold a medical certificate when exercising the privileges of a student pilot certificate while seeking a sport pilot certificate with glider or balloon privileges or while seeking a pilot certificate with a glider rating or balloon class rating. Refer to § 61.23(b)(1). For airmen certification information and assistance, call toll-free 866-878-2498.
13.2 Temporary Student Pilot Certificate. An applicant may obtain a temporary student pilot certificate after being vetted by the TSA. This is done through the Integrated Airman Certification and/or Rating Application (IACRA) if the original application was made through IACRA or directly from the Airmen Certification Branch (AFS-760) if a paper application was submitted.
13.3 Eligibility Requirements. Additional information on the eligibility requirements for student pilots is in § 61.83, and the general limitations for student pilots are in § 61.89.
If an applicant has a known medical issue that would require a limitation on the applicant’s student pilot certificate, refer that applicant to the jurisdictional FSDO to ensure the application is processed with the correct limitations.
14 ACCEPTANCE OF A STUDENT PILOT APPLICATION. Authorized individuals may accept a person’s application for an FAA student pilot certificate by utilizing the FAA’s IACRA or the paper FAA Form 8710-1.
14.1 IACRA. Authorized individuals are encouraged to utilize IACRA for the purpose of accepting a student pilot application. IACRA is an Internet-based certification/rating application system that guides the user through the FAA’s application process. Access IACRA on the Internet at https://iacra.faa.gov/iacra/. The website also contains an instruction manual for additional assistance. Using IACRA is a much quicker and more efficient process to obtain an airman certificate than using the paper FAA Form 8710-1.
14.2 Flight Instructor Registration Process for Accepting an Application for a Student Pilot Certificate. In order for a CFI to accept a student pilot application, the CFI must be registered in IACRA as the role of “Recommending Instructor.” The CFI may proceed to the IACRA website and click on the “Register” link within the “Login” window.
The next screen will permit the CFI to select the “Recommending Instructor” role under the “Instructors” heading. The CFI should follow the onscreen prompts to complete the registration. Even though the instructor is utilizing the role of a certifying officer, his or her signature will be reflected in the “Instructor Action” section of FAA Form 8710-1.