FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Flight Maneuvers and EndorsementsMedium
A flight instructor endorses a student pilot's logbook to make solo flights in the pattern at the home airport. According to 14 CFR 61.87, this solo flight endorsement is valid for how long?
- A90 calendar days
- B60 calendar days
- C30 calendar days
- D120 calendar days
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 90 calendar days
Per 14 CFR 61.87(n), an instructor's solo endorsement in the student's logbook is valid for 90 calendar days from the date of the endorsement, after which a new endorsement is required before further solo flight.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 60 days is not the standard endorsement period under 61.87.
- C. 30 days is too short and does not match the regulatory duration.
- D. 120 days exceeds the maximum period allowed by regulation.
Student Solo Endorsement Duration (61.87(n))
A student pilot's logbook solo endorsement authorizing solo flight is valid for 90 calendar days from the date it is signed by the instructor.
- Endorsement must be renewed after 90 days for continued solo flight
- Separate from the repeated solo cross-country endorsement to the same airports
- Instructor must reassess student proficiency before re-endorsing
Memory trick: 'Ninety days, then reassess' — solo privileges expire like a carton of milk.