FAA Practical Test
John W Beck, PhD, ATP, DPE

Welcome

Flight Instructor Prerequisites
For Part 61 Flight Instructor ASE Initial candidates. NOT for CFI-S candidates.
  1. Prerequisites

    q Valid commercial pilot w/ instrument rating or ATP certificate and medical certificate

    q At least 18 years old

    q Read, speak, write, and understand English

    q 70% or better score on Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA) knowledge test

    q 70% or better score on Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) knowledge test or already possess a ground instructor or flight instructor certificate or hold a teaching certificate for 7th grade or above.

  2. Minimum Aeronautical Experience

    q At least 15 hours PIC in the category and class of aircraft appropriate to the flight instructor rating sought.

    q Practical test prep flights within the preceding 2 calendar months with an authorized CFI (per §61.31(a)6)

    q Spin Training (required for endorsement below)

  3. Endorsements Required for the Checkride
    These endorsements are specifically required for the checkride.

    q Practical Test Endorsement – Certifies you're ready for the checkride.

    q Recent Training Endorsement – Certifies you have had training in the last 2 months. (See above)

    q Knowledge Test Deficient Areas Endorsement – Certifies your instructor has gone back over, and trained you on knowledge test questions you missed.

    q Fundamentals of Instructing Endorsement – Certifies your CFI found you proficient in FOI material

    q CFI Spin Endorsement – Certifies instructional proficiency in spins as well as experience with them (more details in §61.183)

    Plus, you should already have these endorsements in your logbook:

    q Knowledge Test Endorsement or Review of Home Study Curriculum (§61.183)

    Note: You needed this endorsement before taking the knowledge test.