Flight Instructor (Airplane) Endorsement Sheet
Instructor sequence · FAA AC 61-65K Appendix A · Checked 17 October 2026
Scope: Initial airplane flight-instructor certificate path. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Fundamentals of instructing test A.45 · § 61.183(d) | Initial flight-instructor knowledge test generally does not require evidence of completed training for test admission; if endorsed, use FAA A.45. Check FOI exemption. | Certify § 61.185(a)(1) training and readiness if providing this endorsement. |
| Flight-instructor knowledge test A.46 · § 61.183(f) | Initial instructor knowledge test generally does not require training evidence for admission; if endorsed, use FAA A.46. | Certify appropriate § 61.185(a)(2) or (3) training and readiness. |
| 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. |
| Instructor practical proficiency A.47 · § 61.183(g) | After § 61.187(b) training/proficiency; in addition to § 61.39 endorsements as applicable. | Certify instructor training and readiness for airplane instructor practical test. |
| Spin-training endorsement A.49 · § 61.183(i)(1) | Required for initial airplane flight-instructor applicant before practical test; after training and instructional proficiency. | Certify stall/spin awareness, entry, spins, recovery, and instructional proficiency. |
| 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. |
Special check: FOI test exemptions are in § 61.183(e); do not present A.45/A.46 as mandatory knowledge-test admission endorsements.