CFI Practical Test Standards: Technical Subject Areas
Logbook Entries/Certificate Endorsements
Advisory Circular 61-65
20.2 Pre-Solo Requirements.
The following pre-solo requirements must be met:
1. Knowledge Test. Before being authorized to conduct a solo flight, a student pilot must have demonstrated satisfactory aeronautical knowledge by completion of a knowledge test. Refer to § 61.87(b).
2. Flight Training. In accordance with § 61.87(c)(1), prior to conducting a solo flight, a student pilot must have received and logged flight training for the maneuvers and procedures that are appropriate to the make and model of aircraft to be flown. In accordance with § 61.87(c)(2), the student pilot must have demonstrated satisfactory proficiency and safety, as judged by an authorized instructor, on the maneuvers and procedures that are appropriate to the make and model of aircraft to be flown. Refer to § 61.87(d)–(m).
3. Proficiency and Safety. Prior to conducting a solo flight, a student pilot must have demonstrated satisfactory proficiency and safety, as judged by an authorized instructor, on the maneuvers and procedures required by § 61.87 in the make and model of aircraft or similar make and model of aircraft to be flown. Refer to § 61.87(c)(2). The student must also meet the FAA English language standard as stated in the ACS or PTS.
20.3 Ninety Calendar-Day Endorsement.
A student pilot may not operate an aircraft in solo flight unless that student pilot has received an endorsement in the student's logbook for the specific make and model aircraft to be flown by an authorized instructor who gave the training within the 90 calendar-days preceding the date of the flight. Refer to § 61.87(n).
20.4 Solo at Night.
A student pilot may not operate an aircraft in solo flight at night unless that student pilot has received the training required by § 61.87(o)(1) and (2) at night and the endorsement required by § 61.87(o)(3). That endorsement in the student's logbook is for the specific make and model aircraft to be flown for night solo flight. An authorized instructor who gave the training within the 90 calendar-day period preceding the date of the flight must make the endorsement. A student pilot seeking a sport pilot certificate is not authorized to operate an LSA at night per § 61.89(c).
20.5 Solo Cross-Country.
A student pilot who seeks solo cross-country flight privileges must have received flight training on the maneuvers and procedures required by § 61.93(e)–(m), as appropriate to the make and model of aircraft for which the solo cross-country privileges are sought. The student pilot must have demonstrated cross-country proficiency on the appropriate maneuvers and procedures of § 61.93 to an authorized instructor. The student pilot must have satisfactorily accomplished the pre-solo flight maneuvers and procedures required by § 61.87 in the make and model of aircraft or similar make and model of aircraft for which solo cross-country privileges are sought, and the student must comply with any limitations included in the authorized instructor's endorsement. A student pilot must have the endorsements prescribed in § 61.93(c) for each cross-country flight.
20.7 Endorsement for Each Solo Cross-Country.
In addition to the endorsements required by § 61.93(c)(1) and (2), for each solo cross-country flight, a student pilot must have an endorsement from an instructor after the instructor reviews the student's cross-country planning. That endorsement must comply with § 61.93(c)(3). An authorized instructor may not permit a student pilot to conduct a solo cross-country flight unless the instructor has complied with § 61.93(d)(1)–(5). This endorsement does not need to be made by the instructor who normally provides training to the student. However, the flight instructor must ensure that all other required endorsements have been previously provided, such as the endorsement required by § 61.93(c)(1) and (2) for conducting solo cross-country flights.
20.8 Takeoffs and Landings at an Airport Within 25 Nautical Miles (NM).
A flight instructor may authorize a student to practice solo takeoffs and landings at an airport within 25 NM (or 15 NM in the case of a Powered Parachute (PPC)) from the airport at which the student pilot normally receives training after meeting the requirements of § 61.93(b)(1).
20.9 Repeated Solo Cross-Country Flights.
A student pilot may be authorized to make repeated, specific solo cross-country flights that are not greater than 50 NM from the point of departure if the student meets the requirements of § 61.93(b)(2). The authorized instructor should specify in the student's logbook endorsement the conditions under which the flights may be made.
20.10 Class B, C, and D Airspace.
A student pilot who seeks a sport pilot certificate or a recreational pilot certificate and wants to obtain privileges to operate in Class B, C, and D airspace, at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, and to, from, through, or at an airport having an operational control tower, must receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in § 61.94(a) and have received a logbook endorsement in accordance with § 61.94(b). The ground and flight training for the specific Class B, C, or D airspace must be within the 90 calendar-day period preceding the date of the flight in that airspace. The ground and flight training for the specific airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace must be within the 90 calendar-day period preceding the date of the flight at that airport.
20.11 Solo Flight in Class B Airspace.
A student pilot may not operate an aircraft on a solo flight in Class B airspace unless the student pilot has received both ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the Class B airspace area, and received the training in the specific Class B airspace area for which solo flight is authorized. The authorized instructor who gave the student pilot flight training has endorsed the logbook of that student pilot, the endorsement is dated within the 90 calendar-day period preceding the date of the flight in that Class B airspace area, and the logbook endorsement specifies that the student pilot has received the required ground and flight training, and has been found proficient to conduct solo flight in that specific Class B airspace area. Refer to § 61.95(a)(1)–(3).
20.12 Solo Flight To, From, or At an Airport Located Within Class B Airspace.
A student pilot may not operate an aircraft on a solo flight to, from, or at an airport located within Class B airspace unless the student pilot has received both ground and flight training from an instructor authorized to provide training to operate at that airport, and the flight training was received at the specific airport for which solo flight is authorized. The authorized instructor who gave the student pilot flight training has endorsed the logbook of that student pilot, the endorsement is dated within the 90 calendar-day period preceding the date of the flight at that airport, and the logbook endorsement specifies that the student pilot has received the required ground and flight training, and has been found proficient to conduct solo flight operations at that specific airport. Refer to § 61.95(b)(1)–(3).
Logbook endorsements
While 14 CFR 61 notes where endorsements are required, and what content is required for each endorsement, it does not provide examples of these endorsements. Advisory Circular 61-65 includes examples that, while advisory in nature, should be followed by flight instructors.
Pre-Solo Endorsements
Prior to solo flight, the instructor must endorse the student's logbook to attest that the student has received pre-solo aeronautical knowledge training, as well as flight training in the make-and-model of aircraft to be flown.
Pre-solo aeronautical knowledge
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.
Pre-solo flight training, make and model
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 [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.
If the first solo will be a night, and for any other solo night operations, the instructor must endorse the student's logbook for pre-solo flight training at night.
Pre-solo flight training at night
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.
Solo Endorsements
A student may not operate an aircraft in solo flight unless that student has received an endorsement for the specific make and model aircraft to be flown. The endorsement must be by an authorized instructor who gave the training within the 90 days preceding the date of the flight. This endorsement must be renewed every 90 days.
Solo flight (first 90-day period), make-and-model
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 [make and model].
Solo flight (each additional 90-day period)
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 [make and model].
Other Local Airport Endorsement
An endorsement is required for a student to take off and land at an airport other than his/her home airport. This endorsement is good for any airport within 25 NM, and in the context of the regulations, flight to and from this airport is not considered a "cross-country" flight.
Solo takeoffs and landings at another airport within 25 NM
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.]
Repeated Cross-Country (fewer than 50 NM)
Repeated cross-country flights to another airport are permitted, provided the destination airport is within 50 NM and the instructor has entered an endorsement in the student's logbook.
Note that while this endorsement uses the term "cross-country," is is not for an "aeronautical experience" cross-country, which requires flights of more than 50 NM.
Repeated solo cross-country flights not more than 50 NM from the point of departure
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.]
"Cross-Country Flight Privileges" Endorsements
The regulations state that these endorsements are for "solo cross-country flight privileges," without specifically noting that they are required for each solo flight more than 50 NM from the student pilot's home airport. Practically speaking, these are for the "aeronautical experience" cross-country flights.
A student must be endorsed for the flight in the category of aircraft, and the instructor must enter an endorsement in the student's logbook attesting that s/he has reviewed the student's cross-country flight planning.
Solo cross-country flight, make-and-model + category
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 [make and model] aircraft, [aircraft category].
In addition, the instructor must enter an endorsement in the student's logbook attesting that s/he has reviewed the student's cross-country flight planning. A student pilot must have the endorsements prescribed in § 61.93(c) for each cross-country flight.
A student pilot must have the endorsements prescribed in § 61.93(c) for each cross-country flight.
Solo cross-country flight, review of cross-country flight planning
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.]
Class B Endorsements
Endorsements are required for a student pilot to operate within Class B airspace, as well as to takeoff and land at an airport within Class B airspace.
A student may not solo in Class B airspace without an endorsement from an instructor who has provided training in that specific airspace.
Solo Flight in Class B Airspace
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.]
A student may not fly to or from an airport located in Class B airspace without an endorsement from an instructor who has provided training for that specific airport.
Solo flight to, from, or at an airport located in Class B airspace
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.]
Proof-of-Citizenship Endorsement
Flight instructors 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.
Proof of citizenship
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).
Practical Test Standards: Flight Instructor
II. Technical Subject Areas
Task M: Logbook Entries and Certificate Endorsements
References
- 14 CFR part 61
- Pilot Certification (AC 61-65)
Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements related to logbook entries and certificate endorsements by describing:
- Required logbook entries for instruction given.
- Required student pilot certificate endorsements, including appropriate logbook entries.
- Preparation of a recommendation for a pilot practical test, including appropriate logbook entry for:
- Initial pilot certification.
- Additional pilot certification.
- Additional aircraft qualification.
- Required endorsement of a pilot logbook for the satisfactory completion of the required FAA flight review.
- Required flight instructor records.
Flight Instructor Test Questions
Prior to solo flight, the flight instructor is required to endorse the student's logbook and pilot certificate. (61.87)
A student is required to have his/her pilot certificate endorsed by a flight instructor for each make and model of aircraft to be flown solo. (61.87)
Which is a required endorsement by an authorized flight instructor for a student pilot to operate an aircraft in solo flight? An endorsement within the preceding 90 days stating that instruction was given in the make and model aircraft to be flown and the student is competent to make a safe solo flight. (61.87)
A student pilot whose pilot certificate is not endorsed by a flight instructor to make solo cross-country flights is prohibited from flying solo beyond what distance from the point of departure? 25 NM. (61.93)
One requirement for a student pilot to be authorized to make a solo cross-country flight is an endorsement in the student's logbook that the preflight planning and preparation has been reviewed and the student is prepared to make the flight safely. (61.93)
Are students authorized to make repeated solo cross-country flights without each flight being logbook endorsed? Yes, provided the flights take place under stipulated conditions. (61.93)
— An instructor may endorse a student pilot's logbook for repeated solo cross-country flights under stipulated conditions over a course of not more than 50 nautical miles from the point of departure if he/she has given the student flight instruction in both directions over the route, including takeoffs and landings at the airports to be used.
May repeated solo cross-country flights over the same route be made by a student without receiving an endorsement from a flight instructor for each flight? Yes, if the route is no more than 50 NM from the point of departure and instruction was given in both directions over the route. (61.93)
What minimum pilot certificate will permit a pilot to enter Class B airspace? Student Pilot Certificate with an appropriate endorsement. (61.95)
Who is authorized to endorse a student pilot logbook authorizing flight in Class B airspace? Only the flight instructor who has conducted the training. (61.95)
To operate an aircraft on a solo flight within Class B airspace, a student must have a logbook endorsement showing that (s)he has received ground instruction on and flight instruction in that specific airspace for which solo flight is authorized. (61.95)
An applicant who fails a pilot knowledge test for the first time may apply for retesting after presenting an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that additional training has been given and the applicant is competent to pass the test. (61.49)
The type and date of each student pilot endorsement given shall be maintained by each flight instructor. For what period of time is this record required to be retained? 3 years. (61.189, 61.423)
To endorse a student pilot for solo cross-country privileges, an instructor is required, in part, to have determined that that student's preparation, planning, and procedures are adequate for the proposed flight under the existing conditions. (61.195, 61.415)
To endorse a student pilot's logbook for solo flight, an instructor is required, in part, to have given the student flight training in the type of aircraft involved. (61.195, 61.415)
Oral Exam Questions
- How is a student pilot's home airport established? (61.87)(b)(ii)
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