A reference of the most common FAR 61 endorsements a CFI issues. Use it to spot-check which endorsements a student needs next — sign them on the Endorsements page.
This is a reference, not legal advice.
Always confirm the exact wording against the current FAR/AIM and AC 61-65 before signing. Endorsement language changes periodically and specific wording matters.
Student pilot — pre-solo
Required before a student pilot may fly solo. AC 61-65 A.1–A.5 are the canonical wordings.
Who: Student
Student has passed the pre-solo written with the CFI; deficiencies reviewed.
Who: Student
Student is competent to conduct solo flights in a specific make & model.
Valid 90 days. Needed per aircraft type flown solo.
Who: Student
Permission for repeated solo flights from the home airport. Renewed every 90 days.
Student pilot — cross-country
Required before solo cross-country operations.
Who: Student
Student has received required solo XC training in make & model and is prepared for solo XCs.
Who: Student
Review of planning and preparation for one specific solo cross-country flight.
Who: Student
Repeated solo XCs to the same airport when the route is well-known.
Currency & proficiency
Keeps an existing pilot's privileges current.
Who: Any certificated pilot
Satisfactory completion of a flight review. Required every 24 calendar months.
Who: Instrument-rated pilot
Used to regain instrument currency after it has been lapsed more than 6 months.
Who: Pilot directed by FAA
Documents completion of FAA-mandated corrective training.
Additional aircraft privileges (§ 61.31)
One-time endorsements unlocking specific aircraft or operations.
Who: Certificated pilot
Retractable gear, flaps, and controllable-pitch propeller.
Who: Certificated pilot
Airplanes with engines of more than 200 horsepower.
Who: Certificated pilot
For flight above FL250 in a pressurized aircraft.
Who: Certificated pilot
Proficient in normal/crosswind takeoffs & landings, wheel landings, go-arounds.
Who: Certificated pilot
PIC in a make & model for which the pilot does not hold a type rating.
Knowledge & practical tests
Required to sit for the FAA written or checkride.
Who: Applicant
CFI has reviewed subject areas and found applicant prepared to take the written.
Who: Applicant
CFI has reviewed subject areas and found applicant prepared to take the checkride.
Who: Applicant
Additional training on areas of deficiency; applicant prepared to retest.
Entries marked "In template library" can be signed & stored inside AeroLog from the Endorsements page.
Open Endorsements →