FAR 61.321 — Adding Category/Class Privileges
FAR 61.321 explains how sport pilots add a new category or class of aircraft—endorsements, proficiency checks, and when a practical test is required.
In Plain English
FAR 61.321 tells you how to add privileges to fly an additional category or class of aircraft if you already hold a sport pilot or higher certificate. The path depends on what you want to fly.
For most additional aircraft (anything meeting the § 61.316 limits other than an airplane single-engine land/sea or rotorcraft-helicopter), you must:
- Get a logbook endorsement from your training instructor certifying you've met the knowledge (§ 61.309) and proficiency (§ 61.311) requirements.
- Pass a proficiency check with a different authorized instructor, using the applicable PTS or ACS tasks.
- Complete an application in a form acceptable to the FAA and give it to the instructor who did the proficiency check.
- Receive a final logbook endorsement from that checking instructor authorizing the new category/class privilege.
If you want to add an airplane single-engine land or sea, or a rotorcraft-helicopter, the endorsement route doesn't apply—you must take a practical test under § 61.307(b). This matters operationally because it determines whether you can self-add a privilege through training and a check, or whether a checkride with an examiner is required.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.321§ 61.321 How do I obtain privileges to operate an additional category or class of aircraft?
(a) If you hold a sport pilot or higher grade certificate and seek to operate an additional category or class of aircraft meeting the performance limits and design requirements of § 61.316 under this subpart, other than an airplane single-engine land or sea or a rotorcraft-helicopter, you must—
(1) Receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who trained you on the applicable aeronautical knowledge areas specified in § 61.309 and areas of operation specified in § 61.311. The endorsement certifies you have met the aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency requirements for the additional aircraft privilege you seek;
(2) Successfully complete a proficiency check from an authorized instructor, other than the instructor who trained you, consisting of the tasks in the appropriate areas of operation contained in the applicable Practical Test Standards or Airman Certification Standards (incorporated by reference, see § 61.14) as listed in appendix A of this part for the additional sport pilot privilege you seek;
(3) Complete an application for those privileges on a form and in a manner acceptable to the FAA and present this application to the authorized instructor who conducted the proficiency check specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section; and
(4) Receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who conducted the proficiency check specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section certifying you are proficient in the applicable areas of operation and aeronautical knowledge areas, and that you are authorized for the additional category and class aircraft privilege.
(b) If you hold a sport pilot or higher grade certificate and seek to operate an airplane single-engine land or sea or a rotorcraft-helicopter meeting the performance limits and design requirements of § 61.316, you must successfully accomplish a practical test for that category and class privilege as specified in § 61.307(b).
[Docket FAA-2023-1377, Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35215, July 24, 2025]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1As a sport pilot, how do you add privileges to fly a new category or class of aircraft, like a glider or weight-shift control?
Per FAR 61.321(a), I'd train with an instructor and get a knowledge/proficiency endorsement, then pass a proficiency check with a different authorized instructor, complete an FAA application, and receive a final endorsement from the checking instructor authorizing the new privilege.
Q2If you want to add airplane single-engine land privileges to your sport pilot certificate, can you do it with just instructor endorsements?
No. FAR 61.321(b) requires a practical test for airplane single-engine land or sea and rotorcraft-helicopter privileges, conducted as specified in § 61.307(b)—endorsements alone are not enough.
Q3Can the same instructor who trained you for an additional category/class also give you the proficiency check?
No. FAR 61.321(a)(2) specifically requires the proficiency check be conducted by an authorized instructor other than the one who provided your training for that additional privilege.
Studying for a checkride?
Related Sections in Part 61