AC 61-65H

editorial updateHistorical

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
January 5, 2024
Last reviewed
January 10, 2024
This change
Editorial update to AC 61-65H.
Cancels
AC61-65H
Family
AC 61-65 · 9 versions
Revision
H
14 CFR parts
61, 91

Guidance, not mandatory unless a rule or AD requires it. DRS record last changed November 22, 2025.

Show pages 25–36

Appendix A A-5 A.66 Completion of any phase of an FAA-sponsored Pilot Proficiency Program

(WINGS): § 61.56(e)A-19

A.67 Completion of an instrument proficiency check: § 61.57(d)A-19

A.68 To act as pilot in command in a complex airplane: § 61.31(e)A-19

A.69 To act as pilot in command in a high-performance airplane: § 61.31(f)A-19

A.70 To act as pilot in command in a pressurized aircraft capable of high-altitude

operations: § 61.31(g)A-19

A.71 To act as pilot in command in a tailwheel airplane: § 61.31(i)A-19

A.72 To act as pilot in command of an aircraft in solo operations when the pilot does

not hold an appropriate category/class rating: § 61.31(d)(2)A-20

A.73 Retesting after failure of a knowledge or practical test: § 61.49A-20

A.74 Additional aircraft category or class rating (other than ATP): § 61.63(b) or (c)A-20

A.75 Type rating only, already holds the appropriate category or cl ass rating (other than

ATP): § 61.63(d)(2)A-20

A.76 Type rating concurrently with an additional category or class rating (other than

ATP): § 61.63(d)(2)A-20

A.77 Type rating only, already holds the appropriate category or class rating (at the

ATP level): § 61.157(b)(2)A-21

A.78 Type rating concurrently with an additional category or class rating (at the ATP

level): § 61.157(b)(2)A-21

A.79 Launch procedures for operating a glider: § 61.31(j)A-21

A.80 Glider and unpowered ultralight vehicle towing experience: § 61.69(a)(5)A-21

A.81 Glider and unpowered ultralight vehicle towing ground and flight: § 61.69(a)(3)A-21

A.82 Review of a home- study curriculum: § 61.35(a)(1)A-21

A.83 Experimental aircraft only—additional aircraft category or class rating (other than

ATP): § 61.63(h)A-22

A.84 Experimental aircraft only—additional aircraft category or class rating ATP:

§ 61.65(g)A-22

A.85 Aeronautical experie nce credit—ultralight vehicles: § 61.52A-22

Appendix A A-6 Night Vision Goggles (NVG) Operations A.86 Endorsement required for ground training to act as pilot in command of an aircraft

using NVG: § 61.31(k)(1)A-22

A.87 Endorsement required for flight training and statement of proficiency to act as

pilot in command of an aircraft using NVG: § 61.31(k)(2)A-22

A.88 Endorsement required to provide training for NVG operations: § 61.195(k)(7)A-23

Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS)

A.89 Endorsement for EFVS ground training: § 61.66(a)A-23

A.90 Endorsement for EFVS flight training: § 61.66(b)A-23

A.91 Endorsement for EFVS ground and flight training: § 61.66(a) and (b)A-23

A.92 Endorsement for EFVS supplementary training: § 61.66(c)A-23

Appendix A A-7

SAMPLE 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, and certificated flight instructor (CFI) or certificated ground instructor certificate number, and certificate expiration date, if applicable. Signature lines are no longer shown for a sample endorsement except for endorsements that someone other than a flight instructor or a ground instructor would make.

For a flight instructor: [date] /s/ J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31- 19 For a ground instructor: [date] /s/ J. J. Jones 987654321

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 they are prepared for the required practical test for the issuance of [applicable] certificate.

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 they were deficient on the [applicable] airman knowledge test.

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] aircraft.

A.4 Pre-solo flight training: § 61.87(c)(1) and (2).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received and logged pre-solo flight training for the maneuvers and procedures that are appropriate to the [make and model] aircraft. I have determined they have 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.

Appendix A A-8 A.5 Pre-solo flight training at night: § 61.87(o). Flight training must be received within the 90-calendar-day period preceding the date of the flight.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received flight training at night on night flying procedures that include takeoffs, approaches, landings, and go-arounds at night at the [airport name] airport where the solo flight will be conducted; navigation training at night in the vicinity of the [airport name] airport where the solo flight will be conducted.

This endorsement expires 90 calendar days from the date the flight training at night was received.

A.6 Solo flight (first 90-calendar-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 they meet the applicable requirements of § 61.87(n) and are proficient to make solo flights in [make and model].

A.7 Solo flight (each additional 90-calendar-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 they meet the applicable requirements of § 61.87(p) and are proficient to make solo flights in [make and model].

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 they are 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.] 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 they have met the applicable requirements of § 61.93, and are proficient to make solo cross-country flights in a [make and model] aircraft, [aircraft category].

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 [make and model] aircraft on [date]. [List any applicable conditions or limitations.] 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 they are proficient

Appendix A A-9 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.] 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 they are proficient to conduct solo flights in [name of Class B] airspace. [List any applicable conditions or limitations.] 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 they are proficient to conduct solo flight operations at [name of airport]. [List any applicable conditions or limitations.] 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). The flight instructor must keep a copy of the documents used to provide proof of citizenship for 5 years or make the following endorsement in the student’s logbook and the instructor’s logbook or other record used to record flight student endorsements with the following:

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has presented me a [type of document pre sented, 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 they are a U.S. citizen or national in accordance with 49 CFR § 1552.3(h).

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 they are 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.] 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 they are 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.]

Appendix A A-10

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 they are prepared for the [name of] knowledge test.

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 they are prepared for the [name of] proficiency check.

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 them proficient to act as pilot in command of [category and class] of light-sport aircraft.

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 they are prepared for the [type of] practical test.

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. This endorsement is required by § 61.317 and is issued by a Sport Pilot Examiner (SPE).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has met the requirements of §§ 61.309, 61.311, and 61.313, and I have determined them 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 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 they are 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.

Appendix A A-11 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 [make and model] aircraft. I have determined them proficient to act as pilot in command of a light-sport aircraft that has a VH less than or equal to 87 KCAS.

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 [make and model] aircraft. I have determined them proficient to act as pilot in command of a light-sport aircraft that has a VH greater than 87 KCAS.

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 they are prepared for the [name of] knowledge test.

A.26 Flight proficiency/practical test: §§ 61.96(b)(5), 61.98(a) and (b), and 61.99. The endorsement for a practical test is required in addition to the § 61.39 endorsements provided in paragraphs A.1 a nd A.2 .

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

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 they are competent to operate at the [name of airport].

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 they are proficient in cross-country flying of part 61 subpart E.

Appendix A A-12 A.29 Recreational pilot with less than 400 flight hours and no logged pilot in command time within the preceding 180 calendar 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 [make and model] aircraft. I have determined them proficient to act as pilot in command of that aircraft.

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 [make and model] aircraft. I have determined they are 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.).] 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 they are 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.

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 they are prepared for the [name of] knowledge test.

A.33 Flight proficiency/practical test: §§ 61.103(f), 61.107(b), and 61.109. The endorsement for a practical test is required in addition to the § 61.39 endorsements provided in paragraphs A.1 a nd A.2 .

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

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 they are prepared for the [name of] knowledge test.

Appendix A A-13 A.35 Flight proficiency/practical test: §§ 61.123(e), 61.127, and 61.129. The endorsement for a practical test is required in addition to the § 61.39 endorsements provided in paragraphs A.1 a nd A.2 .

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

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

§ 61.160. 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.

The [insert institution’s name] certifies that the reci pient 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.37 ATP Certification Training Program (CTP): § 61.153(e). 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.

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.

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 they are prepared for the Instrument–[airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift] knowledge test.

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 they are prepared for the Instrument–[airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift] practical test.

Appendix A A-14 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 they were shown to be deficient by the FAA Airman Knowledge Test Report. I have determined they are prepared for the Instrument–[airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift] practical test.

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 they ar e prepared for the Fundamentals of Instructing knowledge test.

A.42 Flight instructor aeronautical knowledge test: § 61.183(f).

I c ertify 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 they are prepared for the [name of] knowledge test.

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 the y are prepared for the CFI – [aircraft category and class] practical test.

Note: The endorsement for a practical test is required in addition to the § 61.39 e ndorsements 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). 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).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required certificated flight instructor – instrument training of § 61.187(b)(7). I have determined they are prepared for the certificated flight instructor – instrument – [airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift] practical test.

Appendix A A-15 A.45 Spin training: § 61.183(i)(1). The spin training endorsement is only required of flight instructor airplane and flight instructor glider applicants.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.183(i) in [an airplane, a glider]. I have determined that they are competent and possesses instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures.

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 they are competent in instructional knowledge relating to the elements, common errors, performance, and correction of common errors related to straight-in and 180-degree autorotations.

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 they are prepared for the Fundamentals of Instructing knowledge test.

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 they are prepared for the [name of the knowledge test].

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 they are prepared for a proficiency check for the flight instructor with a sport pilot rating in a [aircraft category and class].

A.50 Passing the flight instructor flight proficiency check to provide training in a different category or class of aircraft (additional category/class): §§ 61.409 and 61.419.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has met the requirements in accordance with §§ 61.409 and 61.419. I have determined that they are proficient and authorized for the additional [aircraft category and class] flight instructor privilege.

Appendix A A-16 A.51 Flight instructor practical test: §§ 61.409 and 61.411. This endorsement is required in addition to the § 61.39 endorsements provided in paragraphs A.1 and A.2.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.409 and met the aeronautical experience requirements of § 61.411. I have determined that they are prepared for the flight instructor with a sport pilot rating practical test in a [aircraft category and class].

/s/ [date] S. P. Examiner 987654321 Exp. 12-31-19 A.52 Passing the flight instructor practical test: §§ 61.409 and 61.411. This endorsement is required by § 61.417 and is issued by a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has met the requirements in accordance with §§ 61.409 and 61.411. I have determined that they are proficient and authorized for the [aircraft category and class] flight instructor privilege.

/s/ [date] S. P. Examiner 987654321 Exp. 12-31-19 A.53 Sport pilot instructor to train sport pilots on flight by reference to instruments:

§ 61.412. This endorsement from an instructor certificated under part 61 subpart H to a flight instructor with a sport pilot rating (part 61 subpart K) authorizes the part 61 subpart K instructor to train sport pilot candidates on control and maneuvering an airplane solely by reference to the instruments.

I certify that I have given [First name, MI, Last name] 3 hours of flight training and 1 hour of gr ound instruction specific to providing flight training on control and maneuvering an airplane solely by reference to the instruments in accordance with § 61.412. I have determined that they are proficient and authorized to provide training on control and maneuvering an airplane solely by reference to the flight instruments to this instructor’s sport pilot candidate, who intends to operate an LSA airplane with a VH greater than 87 KCAS on a cross-country flight.

/s/ [date] Subpart H Instructor 987654321 Exp. 12-31-19 A.54 Spin training: § 61.405(b)(1)(ii). This spin training endorsement is only required for flight instructor airplane and flight instructor glider applicants.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.405(b)(1)(ii). I have determined that they are competent and possess instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures.