CFI endorsements guide: the AC 61-65K endorsements you use most

Student pilot: before the first solo

A student needs these before flying solo for the first time.

Pre-solo aeronautical knowledge · A.3 · 14 CFR § 61.87(b)

The written pre-solo knowledge test, given and graded by the instructor, for the make and model the student will solo.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has satisfactorily completed the pre-solo knowledge test of 14 CFR § 61.87(b) for the [make and model (M/M)] aircraft.

Pre-solo flight training · A.4 · 14 CFR § 61.87(c)(1) and (2)

The student has trained and shown proficiency on the maneuvers and procedures of § 61.87.

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 [M/M] aircraft. I have determined they have demonstrated satisfactory proficiency and safety on the maneuvers and procedures required by 14 CFR § 61.87 in this or similar make and model of aircraft to be flown.

Solo flight, first 90 days · A.6 · 14 CFR § 61.87(n)

The endorsement that lets a student fly solo. It is good for 90 days; each further 90-day period needs a new endorsement (A.7).

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 14 CFR § 61.87(n) and are proficient to make solo flights in [M/M].

TSA citizenship (A.14). Before flight training begins, the instructor either keeps a copy of the student’s proof of U.S. citizenship for 5 years or records the A.14 endorsement in the student’s logbook and the instructor’s own records.

Solo flights: other airports and airspace

Solo flight beyond the home airport and into busier airspace each needs its own endorsement.

Solo cross-country

Cross-country solo takes two kinds of endorsement: a general one, and one for each flight.

Solo cross-country · A.9 · 14 CFR § 61.93(c)(1) and (2)

The general solo cross-country endorsement, given once for a category of aircraft.

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 14 CFR § 61.93 and are proficient to make solo cross-country flights in a [M/M] aircraft, [aircraft category].

Solo cross-country, each flight · A.10 · 14 CFR § 61.93(c)(3)

Required for each solo cross-country flight, after the instructor reviews the student’s 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 [destination 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.]

AC 61-65K as published repeats “[origination airport]” twice in this template; the second is clearly the destination and is shown that way here.

Private pilot: knowledge and practical tests

The checkride needs the test-specific endorsement and the general practical-test prerequisites.

Prerequisites for the practical test · A.1 · 14 CFR § 61.39(a)(6)(i) and (ii)

Needed for any practical test, together with the test-specific endorsement.

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.

Private pilot practical test · A.37 · 14 CFR §§ 61.103(f), 61.107(b), and 61.109

The recommendation for the private pilot checkride.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training in accordance with 14 CFR §§ 61.107 and 61.109. I have determined they are prepared for the [name of] practical test.

The endorsement for a practical test is required in addition to the 14 CFR § 61.39 endorsements provided in paragraphs A.1 and A.2.

Instrument rating and commercial pilot

Flight review, IPC and additional PIC endorsements

Endorsements that certificated pilots need to stay current or to fly more capable airplanes.

Flight review · A.69 · 14 CFR § 61.56(a) and (c)

Logged when a pilot satisfactorily completes a flight review.

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [grade of pilot certificate], [certificate number], has satisfactorily completed a flight review of 14 CFR § 61.56(a) on [date].

No logbook entry reflecting unsatisfactory performance on a flight review is required.

Getting endorsements right

• Fill in every bracket. The make and model, the category, the dates and the airports all matter. A blank template doesn’t certify anything.
• Sign it properly. Sign with your name and flight instructor certificate number, as the AC’s examples show.
• Watch the clock. Solo endorsements expire after 90 days, and practical-test training must be within 2 calendar months before the month of the test.
• Keep your own record. Log what you endorsed and when, so you can find it later.
• Use the current AC. AC 61-65K replaced 61-65J. Wording in older books and apps may be out of date.

How PartFive helps

PartFive includes 52 endorsement templates from AC 61-65K, checked word for word against the circular. Pick a student and a template, fill in the details, and sign. Each endorsement is dated and saved to the student’s record, solo endorsements show when they expire, a revoked one stays on the record as revoked, and you can export them all as a PDF. PartFive also reminds you to log the endorsement in your own logbook.

Frequently asked questions

More guides: The PAVE checklist · 14 CFR Part 5 and SMS