Initial Sport Pilot Endorsements for Students
(for student sport and private applicants with a student pilot certificate and no sport or private pilot certificate)

Instructor endorses back of Student Pilot Certificate make/model § 61.87(n) (1).

Summary of solo logbook endorsements which should add any additional limitations as required for solo flights:

Prior to first local supervised solo flight, place in logbook:
1. Pre-solo aeronautical knowledge: § 61.87(b)
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has satisfactorily completed the pre-solo knowledge exam of § 61.87(b) for the (make and model aircraft). J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

2a. Pre-solo flight training: § 61.87(c)
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required pre-solo training in a (make and model aircraft). I have determined he/she has demonstrated the proficiency of § 61.87(*) and is proficient to make a supervised solo flight on (include date) in (make and model aircraft).
J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06
* for 2a and 2b use following letter for category of aircraft:
(d) Airplane (g) Gyroplane (i) Glider (J) Airship (k) Balloon (L) PPC (m) WSC

Prior to each additional local supervised solo place in logbook:
2b. Supervised solo flight training: § 61.87(c)
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required pre-solo training in a (make and model aircraft). I have determined he/she has demonstrated the proficiency of § 61.87(*) and is proficient to make a supervised solo flight on (include date) in (make and model aircraft).
J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

After supervised solo flights place in logbook endorsement for unsupervised solo:
(typically endorsements are for 7 to 10 days. 90 days is the maximum allowed.)
3. Solo flight (1st 90-day (maximum allowed) period): § 61.87(n) (2)
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training to qualify for local solo flying. I have determined he/she meets the applicable requirements of § 61.87(n) and is proficient to make solo flights in (make and model) until (maximum 90 days from date given).
J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

4. Solo flight (each additional 90-day (maximum allowed) period): § 61.87(p) (1) (v):
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training to qualify for solo flying. I have determined he/she meets the applicable requirements of § 61.87(p) and is proficient to make local solo flights in (make and model) until (maximum 90 days from date given).
J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

5. Solo takeoffs and landings at another airport within 25 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 he/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.) J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

See below for class B, C, and D towered airport endorsements if needed.

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Solo Cross-Country Endorsements

Student Pilot certificate: Instructor endorses back of Student Pilot Certificate make/model for cross country.

Logbook endorsements:

5. Solo takeoffs and landings at another airport within 25 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 he/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.) J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

Prior to 1st cross-country solo place in logbook: (Instructor who did the Training):
6. Initial solo cross-country flight Training: § 61.93(c) (2) (i)
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required solo cross-country training. I find he/she has met the applicable requirements of § 61.93, and is proficient to make solo cross-country flights in a (make and model aircraft). J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

Prior to each solo cross-country flight: (Any instructor who reviews the flight planning):
7. Solo cross-country flight: § 61.93(c) (2) (ii)
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 (location) to (destination) via (route of flight) with landings at (name the airports) in a (make and model aircraft) on (date). (List any applicable conditions or limitations.) J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

8. Repeated solo cross-country flights not more than 50 nm from 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 he/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.) J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

9. Solo flight in Class B, C, and D airspace, § 61.94(a) (required each additional 90-day period):
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training of § 61.94 (a). I have determined he/she is proficient to conduct solo flights in (name of Class B, C, or D) airspace. (List any applicable conditions or limitations.) J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

10. Solo flight to, from, or at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace or on an airport having an operational control tower, §§ 61.94(a) and 91.131(b)(1) (required each additional 90-day period):
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training of § 61.94 (a) (1). I have determined that he/she is proficient to conduct solo flight operations at (name of airport) located in Class B, C, or D airspace or on an airport having an operational control tower. (List any applicable conditions or limitations.) J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

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Initial Sport Pilot Endorsements

Sport Pilot Knowledge test

Endorsement for sport pilot knowledge test in logbook:
11. Written Sport Pilot General Knowledge test endorsement §§ 61.35(a) (1) and 61.309:
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training of § 61.309. I have determined that he/she is prepared for the (category and class) knowledge test.
J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

Instructor provides Knowledge test endorsement that questions have been reconciled:
12a. Sport Pilot Knowledge test deficiencies reconciliation
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training and demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of deficient areas from the Sport Pilot knowledge test as required per §§ 61.39 for the practical test.
J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06
(this can also be done on the knowledge test itself instead of in the logbook)

Sport Pilot Practical Test (checkride)

Instructor verifies Knowledge test endorsement that missed questions have been reconciled:
Sport Pilot Knowledge test deficiencies reconciliation (same as above)
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training and demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of deficient areas from the Sport Pilot knowledge test as required per §§ 61.39 for the practical test.
J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06
(this endorsement can also be done on the knowledge test itself in place of the logbook endorsement)

Instructor provides logbook endorsement for practical test:
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training of § 61.309, §61.311and met the experience requirements of §61.313. I have determined that he/she is prepared for the (category and class) practical test. J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

Instructor fills out Form 8710-11 properly for checkride and endorses on the top/back.

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Additional Endorsements recommended before checkride (not needed for student)

Airspeed endorsement so pilot will have it after checkride:
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training of § 61.327 in a (make and model aircraft). I have determined him/her proficient to act as PIC of a light-sport aircraft that has a VH (greater or less) than 87 knots CAS. J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

Tail wheel endorsement (if applicable) so pilot will have it after checkride:
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training of § 61.31 in a (make and model aircraft). I have determined him/her proficient to act as PIC of a tailwheel airplane .
J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

Additional Sport Pilot Endorsements

Class B, C, Or D Airspace, At An Airport Located In Class B, C, Or D Airspace, Or To, From, Through, Or On An Airport Having An Operational Control Tower: §61.325 (if applicable):

I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training of § 61.325. I have determined he/she is 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 on an airport having an operational control tower.
J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

Note: Sport pilots need an airspeed endorsement to fly a light sport aircraft. To fly and additional speed range the following are provided.

Light-Sport Aircraft That Has A VH Greater Than 87 Knots CAS: § 61.327:

I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training of § 61.327 in a (make and model aircraft). I have determined him/her proficient to act as PIC of a light-sport aircraft that has a VH greater than 87 knots CAS. J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

Light-Sport Aircraft That Has A VH Less Than 87 Knots CAS: § 61.327:

I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training of § 61.327 in a (make and model aircraft). I have determined him/her proficient to act as PIC of a light-sport aircraft that has a VH less than 87 knots CAS. J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

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Existing pilot sport and/or private adding Sport Pilot category and/or class privileges with proficiency check

Example of adding category and/or class: airplane land (ASEL) to airplane sea (ASES) , airplane land (ASEL) to Weight-shift control Land (WSCL)

Endorsement and recommendation for proficiency check by recommending CFI 1:

Logbook endorsement for proficiency check:
I certify that (student/applicants name) has received the required training per 61.309 and 61.311.
I have determined he/she is prepared for the (category/class) proficiency check.
Date (01-20-20XX) CFI name CFI signature CFI # (123456CFI) CFI expiration date

CFI 1 recommend on the top/back of the FAA 8710-11 form:
Date (01-20-20XX) CFI name CFI signature CFI # (123456CFI) CFI expiration date

Endorsement for successful proficiency check CFI 2:
Logbook endorsement after proficiency check which adds the privilege to fly additional category and/or class:
I certify that (pilots name) has met the required training and endorsement requirements of 61.309 and 61.311. I have determined he/she is proficient to act as PIC of (category/class) of light-sport aircraft in accordance with 61.321.
Date (01-20-20XX) CFI name CFI signature CFI # (123456CFI) CFI expiration date.

CFI 2 who performed proficiency check sings the 8910-11 form and sends it into FAA airman registration

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Sport to Private Pilot or Initial Private Pilot

Endorsement for private pilot knowledge test in logbook or get self directed endorsement with Prepware or www.prepware.com
Written Private Pilot Knowledge test endorsement §§ 61.35(a) (1) and 61.105:
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training of § 61.105. I have determined that he/she is prepared for the (category and class) Private Pilot knowledge test.
J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI exp 12-06

Private Pilot Knowledge test deficiencies reconciliation:
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training and demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of deficient areas from the Private Pilot knowledge test as required per §§ 61.39 for the practical test.
J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06
(this endorsement can be done on the knowledge test instead of a logbook endorsement)

Private Pilot endorsement to take the practical test:
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training of §§ 61.105, 61.107 and met the experience requirements of 61.109. I have determined that he/she is prepared for the (category and class) practical test.
J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

Instructor fills out Form 8710-1 or 8710-11 properly for checkride and endorses the back/top .

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Sport Pilot Flight Instructor Applicant Initial

Endorsement to take FOI test from CFI:
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training of § 61.405(a)(1). I have determined that he/she is prepared for the Fundamentals Of Instruction Knowledge Test.
J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

Endorsement from CFI to take Flight Instructor Knowledge test:
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training of § 61.405(a)(2). I have determined that he/she is prepared for the (category and class) knowledge test.
J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

FOI knowledge test missed questions are reconciled and instructor provides logbook endorsement:
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training and demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of deficient areas from the FOI knowledge test as required per §§ 61.39 for the practical test.
J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

CFI knowledge test missed questions are reconciled and instructor provides logbook endorsement:
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training and demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of deficient areas from the FOI knowledge test as required per §§ 61.39 for the practical test.
J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

Instructor provides endorsement for applicant to take practical test in logbook and on form 8710-11 or 8710-1:
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 he/she is prepared for the CFI – sport pilot (aircraft category and class) Practical Test.
J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

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Flight Instructor (sport or private) adding sport pilot LSA category/class

Endorsement and recommendation for proficiency check:

Logbook endorsement for proficiency check:
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training of §§ 61.419 and 61.409. I have determined he/she is prepared for the CFI – sport pilot (aircraft category and class, i.e. ASEL, ASES, WSCL, WSCS, PPCL) proficiency check.
Date (01-20-20XX) CFI name CFI signature CFI # (123456CFI) CFI expiration date

CFI recommend on the top/back of the FAA 8710-11 form
Date (01-20-20XX) CFI name CFI signature CFI # (123456CFI) CFI expiration date

Endorsement for successful proficiency check:
Logbook endorsement after proficiency check which adds the privilege to fly additional category and/or class:
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has met the training and endorsement requirements of §§ 61.419 and 61.409. I have determined that he/she is proficient in the areas of operation and authorized for the additional (category and class, i.e. ASEL, ASES, WSCL, WSCS, PPCL) flight instructor privilege.
Date (01-20-20XX) CFI name CFI signature CFI # (123456CFI) CFI expiration date

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Looking at the FAA Knowledge test and the FAA resources, the FAA does a pretty good job of describing the basics of weather theory for pilots. This is the same as it has been for years. Unfortunately, these are only some of the questions on the FAA knowledge test. Some of the other questions about weather services, cover old technology left over from the teletypes used before we had computers. All this decoding of TAF’s and METAR’s is a waste of time, energy and relevant questions that could be put on the knowledge test that would be applicable to technology used today. The FAA has updated their technology but some of the knowledge test questions need to be updated to modern weather resources. The FAA knows these questions need to be updated but as usual, their excuse is time/budget/priorities to update. Even the text winds aloft forecasts: http://aviationweather.gov/products/nws/winds/, which I think are one of the most important FAA resources for flying, especially in the mountains, are now graphic with better understanding of the winds aloft longer longer and shorter time intervals: http://aviationweather.gov/adds/winds/.

On the FAA aviation weather website the TAF and METER now have an option to decode the “FAA precomputer deciphering weather services” by adding translated: http://aviationweather.gov/adds/metars/.

If you really are into decoding, watch “Enigma”, a great movie of decoding during WW2. If you miss a couple of questions on the FAA knowledge test regarding weather decoding services, do not sweat it. I feel these are some of the most worthless and irrelevant questions to waste your time. When I am doing a checkride, I like to see the sport pilot applicant able to use the modern resources rather than being a decoding expert using rote memory, the “lowest level of learning” as defined by the FAA.

As far as understanding weather and correlating modern weather resources, this is where pilots need to focus. Yes the FAA resources in the “Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge” is a very good start for weather theory. The Weather to Fly system is a step beyond to help understand weather better, predict the weather before you fly and compare your flights to the prediction. After 35 years of flying ultralights and light-sport aircraft, this system was developed which is not a decoding tool, but a practical application of weather for pilots flying light sport aircraft. The weather to fly website at www.WeatherToFly.com is laid out to facilitate the process, and the Weather to Fly DVD provides practical information for all pilots about predicting and utilizing weather: weather to fly for sport pilots.

At least look at the video trailer, we now have the DVD so it can be downloaded. This is the only practical weather DVD developed for pilots flying LSA. The Weather to FLY DVD covers many of the FAA test question weather concepts also.

Weather is one of the most important safety concepts for all pilots which we can always learn more. Use the Weather to Fly website to find the best weather resources for doing your own weather analysis to fly.

It should be understood that “Ground School” has evolved over the years to be “studying to pass the FAA knowledge test”. As far as the commonly advertised “Ground School” goes, nothing is further from the TRUTH. With all the popular “ground schools” from the leading publishers, do not expect a comprehensive ground school to help you get your sport pilot certificate.

Expect to get something that only gets you through the FAA knowledge test. I work and help design knowledge test prep materials called “ground school”, and the objective is to teach you only the information to get you through the knowledge test questions as simply and easily as possible. Let me note here that an instructor is required by law to teach you the aeronautical knowledge to be a pilot, which is above and beyond the FAA knowledge test.

Understanding the important things that keep you safe and flying confidently are the first and most important things you should learn in GROUND SCHOOL. Unfortunately, this most important knowledge is not taught for the classical “knowledge test prep” ground school.

“Ground School ” is actually three specific areas of knowledge:

1. Learning the flight and aircraft operation procedures before getting in the cockpit, the most fun part of ground school.

2. Leaning the aeronautical knowledge (weather, sectionals, cross country, etc.). This is also an interesting part of ground school that is used to become a safe pilot.

3. Learning the answers to the FAA Questions to pass the knowledge test. This is the least interesting and sometimes the scariest. It requires unnecessary time spent and additional memory recall required, and does us the least good.

Yes, some of the information for items 1 and 2 above are in 3, the knowledge test prep, but the knowledge test prep is only 20% of the ground school that you need to learn.

Note that the “knowledge test prep” ground school is required, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be at the beginning of flight training, or the more important ground school. The FAA Knowledge test is simply some measure of the applicants ability to remember some of the concepts, plus the regulations.

It is much more efficient and cost effective, if you can learn the fun and most important stuff first (items 1 and 2 above) on the ground…in “Ground School”, rather than using the cockpit as the classroom. You are paying 3 to 5 times more for learn the knowledge in the cockpit than your would for the same knowledge learned in the classroom. Do not worry, all the fun ground school builds towards the final phase of “3 ground school” to take the FAA Knowledge Test and the Checkride. It is easier to learn the information and then be able to answer the FAA questions, when memorize the questions and answers.

The best resources for ground school are the FAA handbooks “Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge” 8083-25A and the “Airplane Flying Handbook” 8083-3A. These should be your reference books for all your ground schools and preparing for the Checkride also. I have modified/enhanced both these books for sport pilots flying LSA as a downloadable PDF. This allows you to know that to study and what not to study plus add important information. If you want a complete “ground school” covering all three needed topics visit the Hamilton Pilot Training System for more details.

In addition, we actively seek and respond to feedback on areas of interest at sport-pilot-training.com to answer your questions, educate or entertain you, explore the nature of pilot development, and much more on becoming a pilot and flying light-sport aircraft (LSA). The comments on this blog are moderated, which means that before any comments or questions are posted, they are reviewed by me.

If you have a comment or question about one of the topics I’ve written about, you may leave it at the bottom of the particular topic post. You may also ask any relivent question about flying LSA below.

I look forward to your questions and comments!
Paul Hamilton

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