Private Pilot (Helicopter) Endorsement Sheet

Instructor sequence · FAA AC 61-65K Appendix A · Checked 17 October 2026

Scope: Initial rotorcraft-helicopter path; Robinson R-22/R-44 training may invoke separate SFAR 73 requirements. 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.

Student solo

Endorsement / authorityWhen / durationHow to word it
Pre-solo knowledge
A.3 · § 61.87(b)
After the make/model pre-solo test; before first solo. No fixed period.Certify the completed pre-solo knowledge test for the make/model.
Pre-solo flight training
A.4 · § 61.87(c)
After required training and proficiency; before first solo. No fixed period.Certify logged maneuvers/procedures and satisfactory proficiency and safety.
Initial and renewed solo
A.6/A.7 · § 61.87(n),(p)
Before solo in the make/model; renew each additional 90-calendar-day period.Certify solo training, applicable requirements, and proficiency in the make/model.
Solo cross-country training
A.9 · § 61.93(c)(1),(2)
After cross-country training/proficiency; before first solo cross-country. No fixed period.Certify solo cross-country proficiency for category and make/model.
Each solo cross-country
A.10 · § 61.93(c)(3)
After review of that flight’s planning and weather; each flight except § 61.93(b)(2) repeated-route authorization.Specify origin, route, landings, make/model, date, and limitations.

Conditional solo

Endorsement / authorityWhen / durationHow to word it
Night solo
A.5 · § 61.87(o)
If applicable: airport-specific night training within 90 calendar days before the flight.Certify night procedures and navigation at the named airport.
Other airport ≤25 NM
A.8 · § 61.93(b)(1)
If applicable: after training to/from and at the airport; current solo endorsement also required.Certify training, proficiency, named airport, and limitations.
Repeated route ≤50 NM
A.11 · § 61.93(b)(2)
If applicable: after training on the route; current solo and cross-country endorsements also required.Certify proficiency between named airports and route limitations.
Class B airspace/airport
A.12/A.13 · § 61.95
If applicable: named-area/airport training; endorsement dated within 90 days before solo flight.Certify training and proficiency for specific airspace/airport; list limitations.

Knowledge and practical tests

Endorsement / authorityWhen / durationHow to word it
Private knowledge test
A.36 · §§ 61.35, 61.103(d), 61.105
After required ground training or home study and readiness determination; no general FAA expiration period for endorsement.Certify § 61.105 training and readiness for the private pilot helicopter 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.
Private helicopter proficiency
A.37 · §§ 61.103(f), 61.107, 61.109
After required helicopter flight training, experience, and proficiency; in addition to A.1 and A.2 as applicable.Certify §§ 61.107 and 61.109 training and readiness for private helicopter 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.

Special check: For R-22/R-44 operations, check SFAR 73 training and endorsement requirements separately.