Pilot Endorsements

Note:  Each endorsement must include the current date, flight instructor’s name, instructor number, and expiration date.  All entries must be legible and should quote the applicable FARs.  The instructor must maintain either in his/her logbook or elsewhere a record of each endorsement for solo flight and the name of each person that instructor has endorsed for a knowledge test or practical test (type of test and results) for a minimum of three years (FAR 61.189(b)).     Refer to AC 61-65 for additional information.

Logbook Entries - Ground Training:  Often overlooked, ground training must be logged along with the required flight training before solo and for Pvt./Comm./CFIG Certificates.

STUDENT PILOT

 Aeronautical Knowledge – FAR 61.87(b)

 I certify that M _____________ has satisfactorily completed a pre-solo written examination as required by FAR 61.87(b) demonstrating knowledge of the portions of FAR Part 61 and Part 91 applicable to student pilots, airspace rules and procedures, and the flight characteristics and operational limitations for a (Glider Type), and that I have reviewed all incorrect answers with him.

 Pre-Solo Flight Training – FARs 61.31(j) and §61.87 (c)

(Aerotow)

 I certify that M ___________ has received the instruction required by FAR 61.31(j) and FAR 61.87(c) and (i) in a (Glider Type) and that he has satisfactorily accomplished ground and flight training in aerotow procedures and operations and proficiency therein, has demonstrated proficiency in the applicable maneuvers and procedures included in FAR 61.87(i), and has demonstrated adequate knowledge of flight rules listed in FAR Part 91 and is competent to make safe solo flights in that glider; provided that each such flight is carried out when the surface wind (steady or gusting) does not exceed ___ kts and the crosswind component does not exceed ___ kts. This approval is valid for the ___ days immediately following this endorsement and provided such flights are conducted entirely within gliding range of the takeoff point.

 Note:  Ground and Self-Launch endorsement samples are found in the “Additional Endorsements” section of this publication.

 90 Day Proficiency – FAR 61.87(l)

 I certify that M __________ has received the instruction required by FAR 61.87 and he has met the requirements of FAR 61.87(c) and (i) for solo flight and is competent to make safe solo flights in a (     Glider Type     ).

 Note:  CFIG may add limits such as weather conditions and expiration of endorsement.

  Solo Cross Country – FAR 61.93(c)(2)(i)

 I certify that M ________ has received the training required by FAR 61.93(j) and find him competent to make solo cross country flights in a (     Glider Type     ).

 Solo Cross Country – FAR 61.93(c)(2)(ii)

 I certify that I have reviewed the preflight planning and preparations of M ____________ and confirm that he is prepared to make the solo flight safely under the known circumstances from (     Departure Airport     ) to (     Destination Airport     )   via

(     Flight Route     ) in a (     Glider Type     ) on (     Date     ).

 

PRIVATE PILOT

 Aeronautical Knowledge – FAR 61.35(a) and FAR 61.105(b)

 I certify that M _______ has accomplished  [ground training]  [a home study course]  as required by FAR 61.35 for the private glider certificate and is prepared for the knowledge test.

 Flight Proficiency – FAR 61.107

 I certify that M _______ has received the flight instruction required by FAR 61.107(b) and find him competent to perform each pilot operation to the standard of a private pilot glider.

 Practical Test – FAR 61.39(a)

 I certify that M _______ has received and logged training time within 2 calendar months preceding the month of application in preparation for the practical test. The applicant is prepared for the required practical test, and has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which the applicant was deficient on the airman knowledge test.

 COMMERCIAL PILOT

 Aeronautical Knowledge – FAR 61.35(a) and FAR 61.125(b)

 I certify that M _______ has accomplished [ground training][a home study course] as required by FAR 61.35 for the commercial glider certificate and is prepared for the knowledge test.

 Flight Proficiency – FAR 61.127

 I certify that M _______ has received the flight instruction required by FAR 61.127(b) and find him competent to perform each pilot operation to the standard of a commercial pilot glider.

 Practical Test – FAR 61.39(a)

 I certify that M _______ has received and logged training time within 2 calendar months preceding the month of application in preparation for the practical test. The applicant is prepared for the required practical test, and has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which the applicant was deficient on the airman knowledge test.

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

 Aeronautical Knowledge – FAR 61.185(a)

 I certify that M ________________ has accomplished the ground training required by FAR 61.185(a) in preparation for the flight instructor glider rating.

 Flight Proficiency – FAR 61.187

 I certify that M ______________ has received the flight instruction required by

FAR 61.187(b) and find him competent to the standard required for a flight instructor glider rating.

 Spin Training – FAR 61.183(i)

 I certify that M _____________ has received flight instruction in spin entry, spins, and spin recovery techniques and he has demonstrated competency in these maneuvers to the standard required for a flight instructor glider rating.

  

ADDITIONAL ENDORSEMENTS

THE TRANSITION PILOT

Glider Category Additional Rating Endorsement to act as Pilot in Command during Solo Operations – FAR 61.31(d)(2)

 

I certify that M _______ has received flight instruction in the pilot operations required for first solo in a (Glider Type) and find him competent to solo that glider.

 Note there is no time limit in FAR 61.31(d)(2), which also clearly states that this pilot “must - be receiving training for the purpose of obtaining an additional pilot certificate and rating that are appropriate to that aircraft and be under the supervision of an authorized instructor.”

Glider Category Additional Rating Practical Test – FAR 61.63

I certify that M _______ has received the instruction required by FAR 61.63 and find him competent to pass the [private][commercial] practical test for the addition of a glider rating.

 Retesting after Failure of a Knowledge or Practical Test – FAR 61.49

 I certify that M _______ has received additional [ground][flight] instruction and find him competent to pass the [type] test.

 Flight Review – FAR 61.56

 I certify that M __________, holder of pilot certificate number _______ has satisfactorily completed the flight review required by FAR 61.56 on [Date].

 

Note:  The CFIG may also describe how this was accomplished in a glider, per the requirements of FAR 61.56 (b)

Endorsement for Aerotow Launch

 I certify that M __________, has received and satisfactorily accomplished ground and flight training required by FAR 61.31(j)(1)(ii) and find him proficient in aerotow procedures and operations.

 Endorsement for Ground-Tow Launch

 I certify that M __________, has received and satisfactorily accomplished ground and flight training required by FAR 61.31(j)(1)(i) and find him proficient in ground-tow launch procedures and operations.

  Endorsement for Self-Launch

  I certify that M __________ , has received and satisfactorily accomplished ground and flight training required by FAR 61.31(j)(1)(iii) and find him proficient in self-launch procedures and operations.

 TOWPILOT ENDORSEMENT

I certify that I have given M ________________________________

holder of pilot certificate  # ________________________________

the ground and flight instruction required by FAR 61.69 regarding all the techniques and procedures essential to the safe towing of gliders including tow signals, emergency procedures, airspeed limitations, maximum angles of bank, tow rope strengths and weak links, rope management and drop, and find him proficient as Pilot In Command of an aircraft towing gliders.

 Notes:

FAR 61.69       refers to currency, endorsement, airspeed limitations,                        emergency procedures, signals used, max. angles of bank.

FAR 61.113     states that a Private Pilot Certificate is required.

FAR 91.309     refers to towline strength, safety links, course of action,                                              tow signals, emergency procedures, rope drop.

 

For this endorsement, a minimum of 3 flights in an aircraft while towing a glider, or while simulating glider-towing flight procedures. 

Ground and flight training in gliders from a CFIG is also required by FAR 61.69 (3).

(No amount of flights or flight time in gliders is specified.)

 

If this is a Private Pilot, this pilot must also have a minimum of 100 hours of PIC in the aircraft category, class and type (if required) that the pilot is using to tow a glider, or 200 hours of PIC in combination airplane and glider per FAR 61.69 (d).

 The pilot or CFI endorsing must also be current for towing gliders, per FAR 61.69 (c)(d).

The pilot or CFI flying with the towpilot for proficiency or currency will endorse the logbook of a person seeking glider-towing privileges.   Use same endorsement above.

 Towpilot Currency Requirements:   Per FAR 61.69 (a) (6) within the preceding 24 months has made at least 3 actual or simulated glider tows with another qualified towpilot, OR has made at least 3 flights as PIC of a glider, towed by an aircraft. 

 Note the use of the term “aircraft” in FAR 61.69.  This allows towing by “motorgliders” which are not in the airplane category, but are in the glider (self-launch) category.

This would also allow towing of gliders by helicopter (powered aircraft).

Note:  As a CFI-Glider, you should have some understanding of additional endorsements that may be required for a towpilot to fly certain towplanes.

An authorized CFI–Airplane will make these endorsements.

 Towpilot - High Performance Airplane Endorsement

 (a one-time endorsement to act as Pilot In Command of an airplane with an engine of more than 200 HP to be accomplished with an authorized CFI–Airplane who also has a high-performance endorsement.  No endorsement is required for pilots of retractable gear gliders, and/or “high performance” gliders.)

 

I certify that I have given _____________________________

holder of FAA Pilot Certificate # _______________________

the ground and flight instruction required by FAR 61.31(f) regarding the operations and systems of a High Performance Airplane and find him/her proficient to act as Pilot In Command.

 Towpilot - Tailwheel Airplane Endorsement

 (a one-time endorsement to act as Pilot In Command of an airplane with a tailwheel to be accomplished with an authorized CFI–Airplane who also has a tailwheel endorsement.     No endorsement is required for “tailwheel” gliders.)

 I certify that I have given M _____________________________

holder of FAA Pilot Certificate # _______________________

the flight instruction required by FAR 61.31(i) regarding the operation of a Tailwheel Airplane and find him/her proficient to act as Pilot In Command.

 Maneuvers & Procedures required in training:  Normal and cross-wind takeoffs & landings, Wheel landings, Go-around procedures, Taxiing.

Exception:  Endorsement not required if the person logged PIC time in tailwheel airplane before April 15, 1991.