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Which 90 day solo endorsement

Asked by: 1112 views FAA Regulations, Flight Instructor, Student Pilot

Hi all I recently got a student who had about 50 hrs and already had his solo 61.87n endorsement and xcountry. Life got in the way and he has not flown for about 5 months. I did all the presolo training and presolo knowledge test and gave him a endorsement 61.87 p additional 90 days since he already had 61.87 n first 90 days from a different instructor that was expired . Think on it now do I need to give him a new 61.87 n from myself separate from the other instructors 61.87 n since i did solo training or am I good to skip that and just give him the endorsment for the additional 90 days 61.87 p? 

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1 Answers



  1. Jeff Baum on Aug 08, 2023

    “61.87(n) Limitations on student pilots operating an aircraft in solo flight. A student pilot may not operate an aircraft in solo flight unless that student pilot has received an endorsement in the student’s logbook for the specific make and model aircraft to be flown by an authorized instructor who gave the training within the 90 days preceding the date of the flight.”

    Based on your statement, “…already has his 61.87(n) endorsement…” I assume that you mean that he has already received the Initial Solo Endorsements listed in AC 61-65(h). Specifically endorsements A3, A4 and A6. If he has those then the only one which you would need to apply is A7. You most certainly may re-endorse the initial solo if you care to do so.

    You would still need to comply with the requirements listed in 61.87(p)
    “(p) Limitations on flight instructors authorizing solo flight. No instructor may authorize a student pilot to perform a solo flight unless that instructor has—

    (1) Given that student pilot training in the make and model of aircraft or a similar make and model of aircraft in which the solo flight is to be flown;

    (2) Determined the student pilot is proficient in the maneuvers and procedures prescribed in this section;

    (3) Determined the student pilot is proficient in the make and model of aircraft to be flown; and

    (4) Endorsed the student pilot’s logbook for the specific make and model aircraft to be flown, and that endorsement remains current for solo flight privileges, provided an authorized instructor updates the student’s logbook every 90 days thereafter.”

    This can end up being a bit of a trap for new CFIs. You are approached by a student and asked to give them a 90 day endorsement because they are about to exceed 90 days and their current CFI is; out of town; on vacation; interviewing with an airline; etc. Unless you have flown with them and met the requirements listed, you would be committing “Falsification of Record” a HUGH no-no for the FAA.

    Also, remember, they’ll need a new TSA endorsement unless they are training with, and you are working for a flight school which keeps those records in the student file.

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