CFI Initial Checkride Endorsement Workflow
Diego Suarez
The CFI initial checkride endorsement workflow is more than a list of A-numbers. The applicant may need FOI training, flight instructor aeronautical knowledge test preparation, practical-test readiness, spin training, and the general 14 CFR 61.39 practical-test timing and deficiency-review context.
In Simply Endorsed CFI, the core AC 61-65K flight instructor entries are A.45, A.46, A.47, and A.49. Depending on the applicant's testing history and practical-test date, A.1 and A.2 may also be part of the review. If the applicant failed a test, the retest path adds A.77 under 14 CFR 61.49.
Relevant CFI initial endorsements
Fundamentals of instructing knowledge test
Shows the applicant received the required FOI training and is prepared for the Fundamentals of Instructing knowledge test.
Flight instructor aeronautical knowledge test
Documents preparation for the instructor-level aeronautical knowledge test tied to the flight instructor rating sought.
Flight instructor ground and flight proficiency/practical test
Shows the applicant received the required training and is prepared for the certificated flight instructor practical test in the applicable category and class.
Spin training
Required for flight instructor airplane and flight instructor glider applicants. It documents instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery.
Practical-test prerequisites and knowledge-test deficiency review
These general practical-test support endorsements should be reviewed alongside the CFI-specific recommendation when applicable.
Workflow order to review
- Confirm the exact flight instructor certificate or rating sought, including aircraft category and class.
- Review the FOI and FIA knowledge-test endorsement context before relying on prior test prep records.
- Confirm the instructor practical-test readiness endorsement and any A.1/A.2 practical-test support endorsements are current for the checkride date.
- Verify whether the applicant needs the spin endorsement and whether it matches the applicable airplane or glider instructor path.
- If the applicant is retesting after a failure, review the dedicated retest after failure endorsement guide.
Common CFI initial endorsement mistakes
- Memorizing the CFI endorsement IDs without checking practical-test timing.
- Missing A.1 or A.2 because the applicant focused only on CFI-specific entries.
- Assuming spin training applies the same way for every instructor path.
- Skipping instructor eligibility review before signing an initial CFI applicant.
- Using a normal checkride recommendation after a failure when A.77 retest logic is now relevant.
Reference aid only. AC 61-65K gives model endorsement text, but CFI initial applicants may also involve separate eligibility rules, including who is qualified to provide training for initial flight instructor applicants. Verify the current regulation and the applicant's exact situation before signing.
Search the full CFI endorsement library
Open the Simply Endorsed CFI endorsement lookup tool to search the full AC 61-65K library by ID, FAR, alias, or checkride workflow.