Endorsements

All the specific logbook endorsements are listed below. Find the heading for the endorsement you need and see the corresponding endorsement.

If you want to learn about the procedure and the steps to take see: Downgrade or Transition to LSA

If you want to know the process for transitioning from Private Pilot to Sport Pilot see: Private to Sport.

If you want to know the process for adding an endorsement for Sport Pilot category, class, speed or airspace see: Add Category, Class, Speed & Airspace.

Note that the instructor or examiner entry at bottom of endorsement typically looks like:

J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004, J. J. Jones, 610610CFI exp. 12-06
This is specifically: Instructors signature, date of endorsement, Instructors printed name, instructors CFI number with CFI expiration date.

TSA Requirements For Student Pilots Training For FAA Initial Private or Sport Pilot Certificate

Because of the Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) 49 CFR 1552 rules the following is required:
  • US government issued documents that establish identity with a picture ID with name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color and address such as a drivers license and
  • Documents that establish US citizenship such as a US passport, US birth certificate, Social Security Card
The CFI must provide a TSA logbook endorsement:
I certify that [insert student’s name] has presented me a [insert 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). J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004, J. J. Jones, 610610CFI 12-06
Note: For “non-USA Citizens” a Training Authorization (TA) is required from the TSA.  TSA endorsements are not needed until after the first intro/training/discovery flight.

Summary Of "Student Pilot" Solo Logbook Endorsements

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

(add any additional limitations as required for solo flights) Prior to first local supervised solo flight, place in logbook.
Pre-solo flight training: § 61.87(c) and (d)airplane (m)WSC etc for category
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 (c) and (d, m*) and is proficient to make a supervised solo flight at (local airport) on (include date) in (make and model aircraft). J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06
*for 2(a) and 2(b) use following category of aircraft: d-Airplane, g-Gyroplane, i-Glider, l-PPC, m-WSC (as listed in 61.87)
Speed endorsement required per § 61.89 (c) (5)

(Required for most Airplanes since the Vh is over 87 knots. If Airplane is under 87 knots Vh, the less than endorsement is required. Either way Airplanes need this endorsement above or below Vh of 87 knots. Typically not required for WSC trikes and PPC under the 87 knots Vh)

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
If towered airspace flights are required:
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 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
Prior to each additional local supervised solo place in logbook:
Supervised solo flight training: § 61.87(c, d or m)
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 (c) (d,m*) and is proficient to make a supervised solo flight on (include date) in (make and model aircraft) at (local airport). 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 as shown below).

Solo flight (1st 90-day with flight training 90 days prior to flights): § 61.87(n)

I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training to qualify for local solo flying at (local airport). I have determined he/she meets the applicable requirements of § 61.87(n) (2) and is proficient to make solo flights in (make and model) until (maximum 90 days from date given). pJ. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

NOTE: airspace endorsements are required for each 90 day (or less) endorsements above and below.
Solo flight (each additional 90-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 he/she meets the applicable requirements of § 61.87(p) and is proficient to make local solo flights at (local airport) in (make and model) until (maximum 90 days from date given). J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06
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.

Solo "Student Pilot" (Private or Sport Pilot) Cross-Country Endorsements

Note: Before a solo cross country can be done by a student pilot in an airplane with a Vh above 87 knots, instrument training must be accomplished per 61.93 (e) (12) by an Instrument rated flight instructor or a Sport Pilot CFI who has been trained per 61.412. This is not an endorsement but a log book entry for this instrument training.

Logbook Endorsements:

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):
Initial solo cross-country flight Training: § 61.93(c) (1)
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):
Solo cross-country flight: § 61.93(c) (2)
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
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
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
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

"Certificated Pilot" (Not Student Pilot) Solo Logbook Endorsement

This is for a certificated pilot (not student pilot) who wants to solo in a different category or class of aircraft. Solo is not required for a certificated pilot to obtain a new category or class of aircraft per 61.321 (trained by one CFI and take a proficiency check by another CFI to obtain privileges to fly additional category or class of LSA at sport pilot level).

However, it must be clearly understood that if the pilot is a private pilot airplane as an example, he/she must be current as a pilot current per 61.56 to use this endorsement. This current pilot wants to solo new category or class with § 61.31 (d) (2) allows this option. For the certificated/current pilot in category/class to solo flight in a different category or class aircraft, place in the logbook:

I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has satisfactorily completed the training required per § 61.31 (d)(2) for the (make and model aircraft) solo flight (add any additional limitations as required for solo flights). J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

Initial Sport Pilot Checkride Endorsements

Sport Pilot Knowledge test

Endorsement for sport pilot knowledge test in the logbook (Note: this is many times obtained on-line from one of the test prep on line training courses):

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
The instructor provides a Knowledge Test endorsement that missed questions have been reconciled:

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 (a) (6) (iii) for the practical test. J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

(this should be in the logbook and not on the knowledge test itself)

Sport Pilot Practical Test (checkride) endorsements

Instructor verifies Knowledge test endorsement that missed questions have been reconciled (above) and can issue checkride prerequisites endorsement per 61.39:

I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has met the prerequisites for the sport pilot practical test  per § 61.39. J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004 J. J. Jones 610610CFI 12-06

(additionally this endorsement is required for sport pilots)

Instructor provides logbook endorsement for practical test per 61.309 & 61.311:
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training of § 61.309, §61.311 and 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 (now typically IACRA) and endorses on the top/back.

Additional Endorsements recommended before checkride: Airspeed endorsement
so pilot will have it after checkride. This should have been done before the first solo, but if not, do it here:
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
Notes: The below Vh 87 knots endorsement is not required for WSC trikes or PPC. The solo speed endorsement per 61.89 (c) 5 is adequate for the sport pilot after receiving the pilot certificate however an endorsement in the logbook right before the checkride is easier to find and more organized for the pilot in the future if needed.
Tail wheel endorsement
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
FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) provides logbook endorsement for passing the Sport Pilot Practical Test: § 61.309 and § 61.311 (Required by § 61.317 issued by a DPE)
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has met the training and endorsement requirements of §61.309, 61.311 and 61.313. I have determined him/her proficient to act as PIC of (category and class) of light-sport aircraft. Paula Morris 12-25-2004 Paula Morris (pilot cert. #)(DPE designation # and exp. date)

Additional Sport Pilot Endorsements after checkride (or endorsements before checkride are applicable after checkride)

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. WSC trikes and PPC do not need the speed endorsement for Vh below 87 knots.
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 Airplane 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

Existing Pilot Sport and/or Private Adding Additional Sport Pilot Category and/or Class Privileges with Proficiency Check per 61.321

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 CFI 1:
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. J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004, J. J. Jones, 610610CFI 12-06
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. J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004, J. J. Jones, 610610CFI 12-06.

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

It should be noted that IACRA DOES NOT WORK for Proficiency checks. It must be done with paper 8710-11 form. Follow the specifics as specified in the FAA Proficiency Check 8710-11 Guidance or it will be sent back for correction.

SPORT TO PRIVATE PILOT OR INITIAL PRIVATE PILOT KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICAL TESTS

Private pilots who are adding a Private Pilot Category DO NOT have to take an additional Knowledge test for adding additional Category per 61.63 (b) (4) and Class 61.63 (c) (4), such as airplane adding helicopter or WSC or PPC. Note also the details of training for adding category and/or class in 61.63.

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
Note: A written knowledge test is not required if an applicant already has a private pilot license and is adding an additional category per § 61.63 (b) (4)
Private Pilot Knowledge test questions missed 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.
FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) provides logbook entry for passing the Private Pilot Practical Test:
(not a required entry but nice to put in the logbook after a successful practical test/checkride)
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has successfully completed the Private Pilot practical test for (category/class). Flight portion ______ hours. Paula Morris 12-25-2004 Paula Morris (pilot cert. #)(DPE designation # and exp. date)

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 have determined that he/she is has had the required training per 61.405 (A) (2) prepared for the CFI sport (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
CFI spin training
endorsement logbook endorsement (for airplane and glider only):
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training and demonstrated instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures as required per § 61.405 (b) 1 ii 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 separate endorsement on form 8710-11 or 8710-1 (now typically IACRA):

I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has met the prerequisites of 61.39, 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

Flight Instructor (sport or private) adding sport pilot LSA Category/Class

Note: existing and current private pilot airplane CFI do not need any endorsements to teach in airplane LSA.

Endorsement and recommendation for proficiency check: Note: for adding airplane or glider, spin training is required as a logbook entry by an instructor and not an endorsement to complete § 61.409 (m).

Logbook endorsement for proficiency check CFI1
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. J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004, J. J. Jones, 610610CFI 12-06
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 CFI2:
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. J. J. Jones, 12-25-2004, J. J. Jones, 610610CFI 12-06

It should be noted that IACRA DOES NOT WORK for Proficiency checks. It must be done with paper 8710-11 form.

Follow the specifics as specified in the FAA Proficiency Check 8710-11 Guidance or it will be sent back for correction.