FAR 61.327 — Sport Pilot VH Endorsements
FAR 61.327 explains the training and logbook endorsements sport pilots need to operate airplanes with VH at or below, or above, 87 knots CAS.
In Plain English
FAR 61.327 sets out the training and endorsement requirements that sport pilots must meet before operating airplanes in different VH (max level-flight speed) categories. The rule splits airplanes into two performance buckets based on a 87-knot CAS threshold.
- VH ≤ 87 knots CAS: You must receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in an airplane that has a VH ≤ 87 knots CAS, and obtain a logbook endorsement certifying you are proficient in that category.
- VH > 87 knots CAS: You must receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in an aircraft with a VH > 87 knots CAS, and obtain a logbook endorsement certifying proficiency in that faster category.
- Grandfather clause: The VH ≤ 87 knot training and endorsement are not required if you logged PIC time in such an airplane before April 2, 2010.
This matters operationally because faster airplanes demand different planning, energy management, and traffic-pattern technique. The endorsement system ensures sport pilots demonstrate proficiency in the specific performance class they intend to fly, instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all certificate.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.327(a) Except as specified in paragraph (c) of this section, if you hold a sport pilot certificate and you seek to operate an aircraft meeting the performance limits and design requirements of § 61.316 that is an airplane with a Vless than or equal to 87 knots CAS you must—
(1) Receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in an airplane that has a Vless than or equal to 87 knots CAS; and
(2) Receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who provided the training specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section certifying that you are proficient in the operation of aircraft that is an airplane with a Vless than or equal to 87 knots CAS.
(b) If you hold a sport pilot certificate and you seek to operate an aircraft meeting the performance limits and design requirements of § 61.316 that has a Vgreater than 87 knots CAS you must—
(1) Receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in an aircraft that has a Vgreater than 87 knots CAS; and
(2) Receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who provided the training specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section certifying that you are proficient in the operation of aircraft with a Vgreater than 87 knots CAS.
(c) The training and endorsements required by paragraph (a) of this section are not required if you have logged flight time as pilot in command of an airplane with a Vless than or equal to 87 knots CAS prior to April 2, 2010.
[Docket FAA-2007-29015, 75 FR 5222, Feb. 1, 2010; Amdt. 61-125A, 75 FR 15610, Mar. 30, 2010, as amended by Docket FAA-2023-1377, Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35218, July 24, 2025]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1As a sport pilot, what do you need to do before flying an airplane with a VH greater than 87 knots CAS?
Per FAR 61.327(b), I must receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in an aircraft with a VH greater than 87 knots CAS and receive a logbook endorsement certifying my proficiency in that category.
Q2Is the VH ≤ 87 knots CAS endorsement always required for a sport pilot?
No. Under FAR 61.327(c), the training and endorsement in paragraph (a) are not required if the pilot logged PIC time in an airplane with a VH ≤ 87 knots CAS prior to April 2, 2010.
Q3Who must provide the training and endorsement required by FAR 61.327, and where is the endorsement recorded?
FAR 61.327(a) and (b) require the training to be given by an authorized instructor in an aircraft of the appropriate VH category, and the instructor must issue a logbook endorsement certifying the pilot's proficiency.
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Related Sections in Part 61