Initial Commercial Pilot

Airplane Single-engine Land

Endorsements required to take the Practical Test

Created using AC 61-67J dated 10/30/24

Aeronautical knowledge test: §§ 61.35(a)(1), 61.123(c), and 61.125

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training in accordance with § 61.125. I have determined they are prepared for the Commercial Pilot Airplane knowledge test. *Note: this endorsement may be given by either your instructor or an online ground course.

Review of deficiencies identified on airman knowledge test: § 61.39(a)(6)(iii)

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which they were deficient on the Commercial Pilot Airplane airman knowledge test. *This endorsement is not required if you scored 100% on your knowledge test.

Prerequisites for practical test: § 61.39(a)(6)(i) and (ii)

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received and logged training time within 2 calendar months preceding the month of application in preparation for the practical test and they are prepared for the required practical test for the issuance of Commercial Pilot certificate.

Flight proficiency/practical test: § 61.123(e), 61.127, and 61.129

I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training in accordance with § 61.127 and 61.129. I have determined they are prepared for the Commercial Pilot ASEL practical test.

Aeronautical Experience Requirements

Before we begin, here are some logbook tips:

1. Confirm your full legal name is written in the logbook.
2. Make all entries in pen and verify dual flights have been signed by CFI.
3. Total columns at the bottom of each page in pencil.
4. Tab or temporarily mark entries that meet specific requirements such as XC, night, etc.
5. Review endorsements carefully to ensure they are correctly filled out and there are no gaps in solo endorsements. See examples on this page.

Applicant needs to be able to demonstrate they meet the requirements of § 61.129(a):

• 250 hours of flight time that includes:
• 100 hours in powered aircraft, 50 of which must be in airplanes
• 100 hours of PIC flight time which includes at least:

• 50 hours in airplanes
• 50 hours of cross-country flight of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes

• 20 hours of training on the areas of operation listed in § 61.127(b)(1) that includes at least:

• 10 hours of instrument training (5 hours of which must be in ASE) that includes:

• Attitude instrument flying
• Partial panel skills
• Recovery from unusual attitudes
• Intercepting and tracking navigational systems

*Note: Per FAA Letter of Interpretation “Pratt 2022 and Hartzell 2010” this time must be logged specifically to reference that the training given meets the requirements of § 61.129(a)(3)(i). An instrument rating alone is not sufficient!

• 10 hours of training in a complex or TAA that is appropriate to land or sea for the rating sought
• 2-hour DAY XC in ASE that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nm from the original point of departure
• 2-hour NIGHT XC in ASE that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nm from the original point of departure
• 3 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor in a single-engine airplane in preparation for the practical test, which must have been performed within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test

• 10 hours of solo ASE flight time (or *10 hours performing the duties of PIC with an authorized instructor on board) that includes:

• One cross-country flight of not less than 300 nm total distance with landings at a minimum of 3 points, one of which is a straight-line distance of at least 250 nautical miles from the original departure point (exemption for Hawaii)
• 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower

* See FAA Letter of Interpretation “Grannis 2016” stating you must use all solo OR all “duties of PIC” time and not a combination.