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How do you solo a commercial/instrument helicopter pilot in an airplane?

Asked by: 3543 views Commercial Pilot, FAA Regulations, Student Pilot

How do you solo a commercial/instrument helicopter pilot in an airplane? What regulation does this solo fall under? 

He is not a student pilot, so 61.87 does not apply to him? 

He is not working towards a certificate, and has no intention of preparation for a checkride. 

He has access to a single engine land airplane and would like to solo in that airplane just to see how it goes.

What regulations does this situation fall under?

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6 Answers



  1. Dan on Jan 07, 2018

    I believe that would call for this endorsement found in AC 61-65G:
    To act as pilot in command of an aircraft in solo operations when the pilot does not hold an appropriate category/class rating: § 61.31(d)(2).
    I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the training as required by
    § 61.31(d)(2) to serve as a pilot in command in a [specific category and class of aircraft]. I have determined that [he or she] is prepared to solo that [M/M] aircraft.
    Limitations: [optional].
    /s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19

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  2. Best Answer


    Russ Roslewski on Jan 07, 2018

    61.31d(2) is what you’re looking for.

    AC61-65G, para A.71 has the recommended endorsement.

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  3. Kris Kortokrax on Jan 07, 2018

    There are some things you should consider. Before endorsing him, you need to give him all the instruction required by 61.87 for solo flight.

    If you decide to endorse him, you can and should place limitations on the endorsement, especially an expiration date. If you fail to specify an expiration date, he could continue to fly on your endorsement forever.

    He must have a current flight review in the helicopter in order to solo the airplane.

    I would not really consider this for someone wanting to satisfy a whim. If he wants to see what flying an airplane to “see how it goes”, he could take a demo lesson.

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  4. AKSergey on Jan 07, 2018

    Found it in 61-65. Its number 70

    70. To act as PIC of an aircraft in solo operations when the pilot does not hold an
    appropriate category/class rating: § 61.31(d)(2).
    I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the training as required by § 61.31(d)(2)
    to serve as a PIC in a (specific category and class of aircraft). I have determined that he/she is
    prepared to serve as PIC in that (make and model) aircraft. Limitations: (optional).
    /s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-19

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  5. AKSergey on Jan 07, 2018

    This came up during a CFI initial oral

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  6. Russ Roslewski on Jan 07, 2018

    Although the text of this endorsement is the same, always make sure you’re using the latest version of the AC. You’re apparently reading AC61-65F (or before), when G is current. (It’s A.71 in the current version, not 70.)

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