Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Endorsement Sheet
Instructor sequence · FAA AC 61-65K Appendix A · Checked 17 October 2026
Scope: Initial commercial-airplane certificate path; added category/class routes may differ. Each endorsement needs the instructor signature, signing date, certificate number, and recent-experience end date or certificate expiration, as applicable. Fill in applicant, aircraft, test, location, and limitations. These are drafting cues; use the full FAA sample wording before signing.
Knowledge and practical tests
| Endorsement / authority | When / duration | How to word it |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial knowledge test A.38 · §§ 61.35, 61.123(c), 61.125 | After required knowledge training/home study and readiness determination; no general FAA endorsement expiration. | Certify § 61.125 training and readiness for commercial airplane knowledge test. |
| Recent practical-test preparation A.1 · § 61.39(a)(6)(i),(ii) | Before application: training received and logged within 2 calendar months preceding the month of application; not a fixed 60 days. | Certify recent training and readiness for the named practical test. |
| Knowledge-test deficiencies A.2 · § 61.39(a)(6)(iii) | Before practical test if deficient areas appear on the knowledge-test report. | Certify satisfactory knowledge in the areas marked deficient. |
| Commercial flight proficiency A.39 · §§ 61.123(e), 61.127, 61.129 | After required airplane training/experience and proficiency; in addition to A.1/A.2 as applicable. | Certify §§ 61.127 and 61.129 training and readiness for commercial airplane practical test. |
| Retest after failure A.77 · § 61.49 | If test failed: after additional instruction by endorsing instructor and a proficiency determination. | Certify additional training and readiness for the named retest. |
Aircraft-specific privileges
| Endorsement / authority | When / duration | How to word it |
|---|---|---|
| Complex/high-performance/tailwheel A.72/A.73/A.75 · § 61.31 | Only to act as pilot in command of aircraft that trigger the applicable endorsement. | Certify aircraft-specific training and proficiency using the matching FAA sample. |
Special check: Additional category/class ratings and type ratings use separate pathways; verify the applicant’s existing certificate and § 61.63.