FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Flight Maneuvers and EndorsementsMedium
A pilot wants to act as pilot in command of an airplane with an engine that produces 210 horsepower. Before doing so, the pilot must receive ground and flight training and a logbook endorsement for a:
- AComplex airplane
- BType-certificated multiengine airplane
- CHigh-performance airplane
- DTailwheel airplane
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. High-performance airplane
14 CFR 61.31(f) defines a high-performance airplane as one with an engine of more than 200 horsepower. A pilot must receive and log ground and flight training and obtain an instructor endorsement of competency before acting as PIC of such an airplane, separate from the complex airplane endorsement.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Complex airplane relates to retractable gear, flaps, and controllable-pitch propeller, not horsepower alone.
- B. Multiengine rating is a separate certificate requirement, not an endorsement based on horsepower.
- D. Tailwheel status is unrelated to horsepower.
High-Performance Airplane Endorsement
Required by 61.31(f) before acting as PIC of an airplane with an engine of more than 200 horsepower.
- Threshold is exactly more than 200 hp
- Endorsement requires logged ground and flight training
- Independent of the complex airplane endorsement
Memory trick: 'Two hundred and one, the fun has begun' — high-performance starts above 200 hp.