Flight Instructor (Airplane) Endorsements and Logbook Entries Lesson Plan

Flight Instructor (Airplane) • ACS Area II, Task K

The Flight Instructor (Airplane) Endorsements and Logbook Entries Lesson Plan covers the instructional knowledge, risk management, and skills required by FAA-S-ACS-25.

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Endorsements and Logbook Entries Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Instructional Knowledge:
    0:25
    Part 3, Risk Management Instruction:
    0:15
    Part 4, Skill Demonstration and Teaching:
    0:30
    Part 5, Guided Teaching Scenario:
    0:20
    Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Present a teaching scenario in which learner safety or understanding depends on effective instruction in endorsements and Logbook Entries.
    • Ask the instructor applicant to identify the first instructional decision that will shape the learner's outcome.

  • Motivator:

    • To determine the applicant understands logbook entries and endorsements, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

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Flight Instructor (Airplane) Endorsements and Logbook Entries Lesson Plan

Materials

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Endorsements and Logbook Entries Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review the reference materials, applicable airplane limitations, and the instructor applicant's prior lesson preparation.
  • Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    • Present the attention getter and motivator.
    • Review Area of Operation II, Task K, and the Airman Certification Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine the applicant understands logbook entries and endorsements, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
  • Part 2, Instructional Knowledge:
    • Using 14 CFR § 61.189 and current FAA guidance, teach the required content, signatures, dates, certificate information, and record retention associated with instruction given. (AI.II.K.K1)
    • Build a pre-solo eligibility sequence that includes the knowledge test, correction of deficiencies, required flight training, make-and-model authorization, limitations, expiration dates, and instructor records. (AI.II.K.K2)
    • Have the applicant determine when additional endorsements are required—such as for Class B airspace or an applicable Special Federal Aviation Regulation—and verify the exact prerequisites, limitations, and duration before signing. (AI.II.K.K3)
    • Teach the complete practical-test recommendation process, including eligibility verification, aeronautical experience, knowledge-test deficiencies, required training, application accuracy, and the appropriate logbook endorsement for: (AI.II.K.K4)
      • Initial pilot certification (AI.II.K.K4a)
      • Additional pilot certification (AI.II.K.K4b)
      • Additional aircraft qualification (AI.II.K.K4c)
    • Present a concrete example, then require the learner to explain and apply the regulatory completion requirements and correct endorsement for a satisfactory flight review, and distinguish satisfactory completion from training that requires additional work. (AI.II.K.K5)
    • Present a concrete example, then require the learner to explain and apply which flight-instructor records must be retained, what each record must contain, how long it must be retained, and how the instructor protects accuracy and availability. (AI.II.K.K6)
    • Compare current flight-instructor renewal and reinstatement pathways, eligibility dates, documentation, and the consequences of certificate expiration. (AI.II.K.K7)
  • Part 3, Risk Management Instruction:
    • Give the applicant an endorsement with an omitted prerequisite, limitation, expiration date, aircraft qualification, or geographic restriction; require detection and correction before authorization, and require independent verification against current regulations and FAA guidance. (AI.II.K.R1)
    • Require the instructor applicant to model risk controls, intervention points, and discontinue criteria while teaching.
  • Part 4, Skill Demonstration and Teaching:
    • Require the applicant to describe and prepare accurate logbook entries or endorsements for at least two different K1-through-K5 events, including all required dates, signatures, certificate information, prerequisites, limitations, and expiration provisions. (AI.II.K.S1)
    • Coach simultaneous explanation, demonstration, observation, error correction, and, when airborne, positive aircraft control.
  • Part 5, Guided Teaching Scenario:
    • Lead the guided scenario.
    • Evaluate instructional organization, technical accuracy, risk management, learner engagement, and every applicable ACS element.
  • Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
    • Review the lesson objective, instructional strengths, risk-management decisions, and items requiring additional practice.
    • Present the re-motivation and closure.
  • Update instructor records and the instructor applicant's training record, as required.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Endorsements and Logbook Entries Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • Provide two learner records representing different events from K1 through K5 and require the instructor applicant to determine eligibility, identify missing evidence, and prepare the appropriate entries or endorsements.
  • Include a hidden defect such as an expired prerequisite, omitted limitation, incorrect aircraft category or class, missing knowledge-test correction, or incomplete instructor record and require the applicant to detect and resolve it before signing. (AI.II.K.R1)
  • Require the applicant to prepare both entries in full, explain the authority and duration of each, and show the corresponding instructor record when one is required. (AI.II.K.S1)
  • Change one scenario fact after drafting—such as certificate held, aircraft, operating area, or test date—and require the applicant to reassess rather than reuse a memorized endorsement.
  • Conclude with a learner-centered assessment and instructor self-critique tied to the ACS knowledge, risk management, and skill elements.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Endorsements and Logbook Entries Lesson Plan

Student Actions

  • Complete assigned readings and prepare a lesson plan with objective, content sequence, teaching aids, assessment, and completion standards.
  • Teach the applicable knowledge elements accurately and in learner-appropriate language rather than relying on rote recitation.
  • Identify, assess, mitigate, and teach the risks associated with the task.
  • Demonstrate or explain each applicable skill while maintaining positive control, observing the learner, and correcting errors appropriately.
  • Use effective questions, check learner understanding, conduct a learner-centered assessment, and perform an instructor self-assessment.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Endorsements and Logbook Entries Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Endorsements and Logbook Entries Airman Certification Standards

  • Note: The evaluator must select Tasks C, K, and at least one other Task from this Area of Operation. The evaluator must also select Task P for multiengine applicants.
  • Task K: Endorsements and Logbook Entries.
  • Objective: To determine the applicant understands logbook entries and endorsements, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
  • References: 14 CFR part 61; AC 61-65; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-25
Knowledge 7 ACS Elements
  • AI.II.K.K1:
    Required logbook entries for instruction given.
  • AI.II.K.K2:
    Required student pilot pre-solo knowledge test, solo endorsements, and logbook entries.
  • AI.II.K.K3:
    Other required pilot logbook endorsements (e.g., Class B Airspace, Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR)).
  • AI.II.K.K4:
    Preparation of a recommendation for a pilot practical test, including appropriate logbook entry and relevant certificate/rating application for:
    • AI.II.K.K4a:
      Initial pilot certification
    • AI.II.K.K4b:
      Additional pilot certification
    • AI.II.K.K4c:
      Additional aircraft qualification
  • AI.II.K.K5:
    Endorsement of a pilot logbook for the satisfactory completion of an FAA flight review.
  • AI.II.K.K6:
    Required flight instructor records.
  • AI.II.K.K7:
    Flight instructor renewal and reinstatement requirements.
Risk Management 1 ACS Element
  • AI.II.K.R1:
    Endorsements without appropriate limitations or expiration dates.
Skills 1 ACS Element
  • AI.II.K.S1:
    Describe and prepare logbook entries/endorsements required for at least two of the events specified in the elements or sub-elements of K1 through K5.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Endorsements and Logbook Entries Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Effective instruction in endorsements and Logbook Entries helps learners build sound judgment, technical competence, and safe operating habits.

  • Closure:

    • Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
    • Assign study materials for the next lesson.