CFI Sign Off

[LSH]

I am trying to figure out if a fixed wing CFI can legally sign off a student pilot for a rotorcraft written test. Not the practical just the written. I can't seem to locate anything in the FAR's that would prevent this from occurring. Any ideas?

[C of G]

I am trying to figure out if a fixed wing CFI can legally sign off a student pilot for a rotorcraft written test. Not the practical just the written. I can't seem to locate anything in the FAR's that would prevent this from occurring. Any ideas?

 

 

61.195 (h) (1)(i)

 

That's from a quick look.

[rick1128]

61.195 (h) (1)(i)

 

That's from a quick look.

 

61.195 applies to the training of first time CFI applicants. 61.193 is the reg to look at. Personally I would say no, however, the wording is just murky enough that yes could be the correct answer. If the instructor held a Ground Instructor Certificate, it would be yes as there is not airplane/helicopter differentiation for that certificate.

[Helibear]

I am trying to figure out if a fixed wing CFI can legally sign off a student pilot for a rotorcraft written test. Not the practical just the written. I can't seem to locate anything in the FAR's that would prevent this from occurring. Any ideas?

My humble opinion says NO. And here is why:

61.35 "received an endorsement from an authorized instructor"

61.1 Authorized instructor means -

A CFI teaching in accordance with the privileges and limitations of the CFI Certificate.

 

The CFI must be Rotorcraft Helicopter rated to sign the endorsement for a Rotorcraft Helicopter written exam.

 

Have a nice day

[iChris]

I am trying to figure out if a fixed wing CFI can legally sign off a student pilot for a rotorcraft written test. Not the practical just the written. I can't seem to locate anything in the FAR's that would prevent this from occurring. Any ideas?

 

No such limitation. It would be within the fixed wing CFI's privileges under 61.193(i) and in accordance with the limitations (61.195[d] limitations on endorsements). The CFI would be qualified to endorse the student pilot for a private written test.

 

A person holding only a basic ground instructor rating would also be able to make this recommendation (61.215)

 

61.35 Knowledge test: Prerequisites and passing grades.

 

(a) An applicant for a knowledge test must have:

 

(1) Received an endorsement, if required by this part, from an authorized instructor certifying that the applicant accomplished the appropriate ground-training or a home-study course required by this part for the certificate or rating sought and is prepared for the knowledge test;

 

61.1 [2][ii] Authorized instructor—

 

A person who holds a flight instructor certificate issued under part 61 of this chapter and is in compliance with §61.197, when conducting ground training or flight training in accordance with the privileges and limitations of his or her flight instructor certificate;

Edited September 26, 2011 by iChris

[Helibear]

No such limitation. It would be within the fixed wing CFI's privileges under 61.193(i) and in accordance with the limitations (61.195[d] limitations on endorsements). The CFI would be qualified to endorse the student pilot for a private written test.

 

A person holding only a basic ground instructor rating would also be able to make this recommendation (61.215)

 

61.35 Knowledge test: Prerequisites and passing grades.

 

(a) An applicant for a knowledge test must have:

 

(1) Received an endorsement, if required by this part, from an authorized instructor certifying that the applicant accomplished the appropriate ground-training or a home-study course required by this part for the certificate or rating sought and is prepared for the knowledge test;

 

61.1 [2][ii] Authorized instructor

 

A person who holds a flight instructor certificate issued under part 61 of this chapter and is in compliance with §61.197, when conducting ground training or flight training in accordance with the privileges and limitations of his or her flight instructor certificate;

 

Chris,

 

I disagree with your interpretation of 61.35 and 61.2.

61.35 tells us that only an authorized instructor can sign the endorsement.

 

61.2 defines authorized instructor as a person who acts in accordance with the privileges and limitations of his or her flight instructor certificate.

In my opinion that means the category and class ratings.

 

Furthermore 61.193 tells us:

A person who holds a flight instructor certificate is authorized within the limitations of that person's flight instructor certificate and ratings to train and issue endorsements ...

As a CFI Rotorcraft Helicopter I'm authorized to train and endorse within my CFI Certificates limitations and ratings, which means for rotorcraft helicopter certificates and ratings.

 

Have a nice day

 

Helibear

Edited September 27, 2011 by Helibear

[iChris]

Chris,

 

I disagree with your interpretation of 61.35 and 61.2.

61.35 tells us that only an authorized instructor can sign the endorsement.

 

61.2 defines authorized instructor as a person who acts in accordance with the privileges and limitations of his or her flight instructor certificate. In my opinion that means the category and class ratings.

 

Helibear

See Flight Instructor limitations under 61.195. Category and class ratings are not required in all cases under 61.195. FAR 61.195 {b}, [e], [f], [h], and [k] are examples of those that specifically call for category and class. They relate to flight training:

 

61.1 [a][6] Flight training means that training, other than ground training, received from an authorized instructor in flight in an aircraft.

 

The fix-wing CFI’s endorsement, in this case, is not limited by category and class under 61.195[d].

61.35 only calls for the instructor to "certify that the applicant accomplished the appropriate ground-training or a home-study course."

 

No interpretation or opinion given. You have the exact wording from the regulations. However, there is no such wording limiting the fix-wing CFI against such written test endorsement.

Edited September 27, 2011 by iChris

[iChris]

Furthermore 61.193 tells us:

A person who holds a flight instructor certificate is authorized within the limitations of that person's flight instructor certificate and ratings to train and issue endorsements ...

As a CFI Rotorcraft Helicopter I'm authorized to train and endorse within my CFI Certificates limitations and ratings, which means for rotorcraft helicopter certificates and ratings.

 

The limitation with respect to aircraft rating is given under 61.195b:

 

61.195 Flight instructor limitations and qualifications.

 

b. Aircraft Ratings. A flight instructor may not conduct flight training in any aircraft for which the flight instructor does not hold:

 

(1) A pilot certificate and flight instructor certificate with the applicable category and class rating; and

 

(2) If appropriate, a type rating.

 

61.1a(6) Flight training means that training, other than ground training, received from an authorized instructor in flight in an aircraft.

 

No such limitation on the CFI's written test recommendation.

Edited September 27, 2011 by iChris

[iChris]

Duplicate Post

 

 

Edited September 27, 2011 by iChris