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2 Answers

Solo flight (First 90-Day period)

Asked by: 2587 views ,
FAA Regulations

Hello Everyone 

I'm currently doing my CFI training and I got a question about the First-90 Day period endorsement.

I understand  that for a student pilot to solo, the CFI must give him/her: 

  1. Presolo aeronautical knowledge 61.87 (b)
  2. Presolo flight training 61.87 (c)
  3. Solo flight (first 90-day period) 61.87 (n)

And when the first 90-day period expires, the CFI must give him/her:

  • Solo flight (each additional 90-day period) 61.87 (p)

So my question is: What is the difference between the first 90-day and the additional 90-day ? Why don't just give him/her another 61.87(n) endorsement 

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2 Answers



  1. R. Anderson on Jun 19, 2017

    61.87(p) applies to the CFI not the student

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  2. R. Anderson on Jun 19, 2017

    My answer above was a bit brief. Since you are studying to be a CFI, let me expand a bit.

    61.87(p)(4) just applies to the CFI and is talking about the endorsement he/she makes in the student’s logbook every 90 days in accordance with 61.87(n).

    Also, not part of your question, but up until about a year ago, the CFI “also” made a one-time endorsement on the student pilot certificate for solo (and XC). That requirement no longer exists, all of those endorsement are just in the student’s logbook. I’m telling you this in case you come across some reading material that has not been updated.

    Good luck in your CFI training.

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