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Endorsements and Logbooks

Objective​

To understand and apply the required endorsement for pilot training and currency when providing instruction.

Motivation​

Giving endorsements is a large part of a CFI's roles, so it is important to know when endorsements are required and how to properly apply them.

Timings​

1 hour

Format​

Presentation​

  • Overview
    • Logbook requirements.
    • Flight reviews.
    • Endorsements.
    • Student pilot requirements.
    • Flight instructor currency requirements.
  • 61.51 Logbook Requirements for All Pilots
    • Maintain records for certificates, ratings, and recent flight experience.
    • Logbook entries must include:
    • Date, total flight/lesson time, origin/destination.
    • Aircraft type and identification.
    • Safety pilot name (if required).
    • Type of pilot experience or training (e.g., solo, dual, PIC, SIC).
    • Conditions of flight (e.g., day, night, instrument).
  • 61.56 Flight Reviews
    • Minimum 1 hour flight and 1 hour ground training.
    • Review of Part 91 operating and flight rules.
    • Review necessary maneuvers and procedures.
    • Completion with A.65 endorsement, valid for 2 years.
  • 61.56 Flight Reviews (cont.)
    • Alternatives to a flight review:
    • Pilot proficiency check or practical test.
    • Issuance or additional rating on a flight instructor certificate.
    • Practical test to reinstate flight instructor privileges.
  • Instructor Record-Keeping Requirements - 61.189
    • Sign logbook for each trainee.
    • Maintain records of endorsements for:
    • Solo flight (90 days).
    • Knowledge or practical tests, including results.
    • Keep records for 3 years.
  • Endorsement Format
    • Refer to AC 61-65J for endorsement guidance.
    • Appendix A lists sample endorsements (A.1 - A.92).
    • Example format includes date, signature, and expiration date.
  • Practical Test Endorsements
    • A.1 endorsement: Certify training and readiness for practical test.
    • A.2 endorsement: Certify satisfactory review of knowledge test deficiencies.
  • 61.63 Adding a Class Rating
    • No aeronautical experience or written test required for certain ratings.
    • Solo in a new class requires training and A.72 endorsement.
    • Endorsement does not expire unless specified.
  • Additional Category or Class Rating Practical Test
    • Requires A.1 endorsement.
    • Requires A.2 endorsement if a knowledge test was needed.
    • Requires A.74 endorsement for practical test readiness.
  • Student Pilots: 61.87 Initial Solo
    • Requirements:
    • Student pilot certificate.
    • Pre-solo knowledge test.
    • Training on 61.87d "15 things."
    • 90-day solo endorsement.
  • Student Pilots: 61.87 Pre-solo Knowledge Test
    • Written or online test covering:
    • Parts 61 and 91.
    • Airspace rules and procedures.
    • Aircraft flight characteristics and limitations.
    • Provide A.3 endorsement.
  • Student Pilots: 61.87 Pre-solo Training Areas
    • Train on 61.87d "15 things."
    • Demonstrate proficiency in make/model or similar aircraft.
    • Provide A.4 endorsement.
  • Student Pilots: 61.87 Solo Endorsement
    • A.6 endorsement valid for 90 days.
    • A.7 endorsement for recurring 90-day solo flights.
    • Limited to specific make/model with instructor-imposed limitations.
  • Student Pilots: 61.89 General Limitations
    • No passengers or compensation.
    • Minimum visibility: 3 s.m. (day), 5 s.m. (night).
    • Visual reference to the surface required.
    • Must adhere to instructor limitations.
  • Student Pilots: 61.93 Solo XC
    • Before Solo XC endorsement:
    • Limited to 25nm from origin.
    • Land only at home airport.
  • Student Pilots: 61.93 Repeated Flights to Airport Within 25nm
    • No Solo XC training required.
    • Training on:
    • Flying to/from the airport.
    • Traffic pattern entry/exit.
    • Takeoffs and landings.
    • Provide A.8 endorsement for specific airport.
  • Student Pilots: 61.93 Solo XC Training
    • Train on 61.93e "12 things."
    • Provide A.9 endorsement.
    • For each XC flight, provide A.10 endorsement:
    • Verify flight planning, VFR conditions, and proficiency.
  • Student Pilots: 61.93 Solo XC Checklist
    1. Pre-solo knowledge test and A.3 endorsement.
    2. Training per 61.87d and A.4 endorsement.
    3. 90-day solo endorsement (A.6 or A.7).
    4. Training on 61.93e and A.9 endorsement.
    5. A.10 endorsement for specific XC flight.
  • Student Pilots: Repeated Flights Within 50nm
    • A.10 endorsement usually required for each flight.
    • For repeated flights:
    • Train on route and traffic patterns.
    • Provide A.11 endorsement.
  • Knowledge Check: Joann
    • Scenario: Joann needs endorsements for solo XC after training with another instructor.
    • Required:
      1. A.3 and A.4 endorsements (previous instructor's endorsements acceptable).
      2. A.7 recurring solo endorsement.
      3. A.9 endorsement for XC training.
      4. A.10 endorsement for specific XC flight.
  • Student Pilots: 61.95 Solo in Class B Airspace
    • Endorsements for specific Class B airspace:
    • A.12 for airspace.
    • A.13 for primary/outlying airports.
    • Some airports require PPL or higher (Part 91 Appendix D, Section 4).
    • Class B endorsements valid for 90 days.
  • 61 Subpart H: Flight Instructors - 61.197 Recent Experience
    • Maintain currency within 24 months by:
    • Completing a CFI refresher course (FIRC).
    • Passing a practical test for current/new rating.
    • Recommending 5 applicants with 80% first-time pass rate.
    • Completing a WINGS phase and providing 15 hours of flight time.
    • Practical test can replace flight review; FIRC cannot.
  • TSA Security Training (49 CFR Part 1552)
    • Instructors need FTSP portal account.
    • TSA security awareness training every 24 months.
    • Proof of citizenship required at training onset (A.14 endorsement).
    • Keep records for 5 years.

References​