Instrument Rating (Airplane) Endorsement Sheet
Instructor sequence · FAA AC 61-65K Appendix A · Checked 17 October 2026
Scope: Initial instrument-airplane rating 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument knowledge test A.42 · §§ 61.35, 61.65(a),(b) | After § 61.65(b) training and readiness determination; no general FAA endorsement expiration. | Certify instrument ground training and readiness for airplane knowledge test. |
| Instrument flight proficiency A.43 · § 61.65(a)(6) | After § 61.65(c),(d) training and proficiency; before practical test. | Certify instrument flight training and readiness for airplane practical test. |
| Instrument practical prerequisites A.44 · § 61.39(a) | Before practical test; check recent training and knowledge-test deficiencies. Follow § 61.39(a)(6) timing. | Certify § 61.39 preparation and deficient-area review as applicable. |
| 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: A.44 is an instrument-specific combined sample addressing § 61.39; A.1 and A.2 are alternative models for the same prerequisites, not additional clocks.