CFI Initial Checkride Endorsements
Diego Suarez
The CFI initial checkride path is easy to confuse because the applicant may need endorsements tied to instructor knowledge tests, instructor practical-test readiness, and spin training, while the general 14 CFR 61.39 practical-test endorsements still matter as supporting 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 timing, A.1 and A.2 may also be part of the review. Always verify the applicant's certificate path, aircraft category and class, Airman Knowledge Test Report, and the instructor eligibility rules before signing.
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.
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.