Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

Which is a required endorsement by an authorized flight instructor for a student pilot to operate an aircraft in solo flight?

1. An endorsement that instruction was given in the make and model of aircraft to be soloed within the preceding 6 months.

2. An endorsement within the preceding 90 days stating that instruction was given in the make and model aircraft to be flown and the student is competent to make a safe solo flight.

3. An endorsement made within the preceding 180 days that instruction was given in the make of aircraft to be soloed and that the instructor found the applicant competent to make a safe flight in that aircraft.

4. An endorsement that the student has completed solo cross-country flight training.

The correct answer is: An endorsement within the preceding 90 days stating that instruction was given in the make and model aircraft to be flown and the student is competent to make a safe solo flight.

For a student pilot to operate an aircraft in solo flight, the endorsement must confirm that the instructor has evaluated the student's proficiency in the specific make and model of aircraft they will be flying solo. This endorsement, made within the preceding 90 days, states that the instructor has provided the necessary training and assessed the student's competency to safely conduct solo flights in that particular aircraft. This requirement is significant because it ensures that the student pilot has received recent, relevant training specifically tailored to the aircraft they intend to fly. The 90-day validity is crucial as it emphasizes the importance of the instructor's assessment being current, reflecting any recent developments in the student's skills or any changes to the aircraft's operational features. Furthermore, while other options mention different time frames or aspects of training, none of them correctly capture both the recency requirement and the focus on assessing the student's capability in a specific aircraft type as clearly as this one does. This combination of factors in the correct endorsement is fundamental for ensuring safety and regulatory compliance in solo flight operations.