Sport Pilot CFI Tests

FAR 61.405 — Sport Pilot CFI Tests

FAR 61.405 explains the knowledge and practical tests required to earn a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating, including spin training endorsements.

In Plain English

FAR 61.405 lists the tests you must pass to earn a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating (often called a CFI-S). It breaks into two parts: knowledge testing and practical testing.

Knowledge tests. Before sitting for the written, you need a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor stating you're prepared. You must pass:

A test on the fundamentals of instructing (FOI) per § 61.407(a), unless you already qualify for an exemption under § 61.407(c) (e.g., you already hold a CFI certificate).
A test on the aeronautical knowledge areas for a sport pilot certificate in the category and class you intend to instruct in.

Practical test. Before the checkride you must receive a logbook endorsement showing you meet the experience and knowledge requirements in § 61.409. If you'll instruct in an airplane or glider, you also need a separate endorsement showing instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery, earned in a spin-certificated aircraft.

The practical test must be taken in an aircraft representative of the category and class you want to teach in, and—for airplane/glider applicants—you must be able to teach spin procedures. Why it matters: this regulation is the roadmap for becoming a CFI-S and ensures sport pilot instructors can safely teach the most critical loss-of-control scenarios.

Regulation Text

14 CFR § 61.405

§ 61.405 What tests do I have to take to obtain a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating? To obtain a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating you must pass the following tests: (a)Before you take a knowledge test, you must receive a logbook endorsement certifying you are prepared for the test from an authorized instructor who trained you or evaluated your home-study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in § 61.407. You must pass knowledge tests on— (1) The fundamentals of instructing listed in § 61.407(a), unless you meet the requirements of § 61.407(c); and (2) The aeronautical knowledge areas for a sport pilot certificate applicable to the aircraft category and class for which flight instructor privileges are sought. (b)(1) Before you take the practical test, you must— (i) Receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who provided you with flight training on the areas of operation specified in § 61.409 that apply to the category and class of aircraft privileges you seek. This endorsement certifies you meet the applicable aeronautical knowledge and experience requirements and are prepared for the practical test; (ii) If you are seeking privileges to provide instruction in an airplane or glider, receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor indicating that you are competent and possess instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures after you have received flight training in those training areas in an airplane or glider, as appropriate, that is certificated for spins; (2) You must pass a practical test— (i) On the areas of operation listed in § 61.409 that are appropriate to the category and class of aircraft privileges you seek; (ii) In an aircraft representative of the category and class of aircraft for the privileges you seek; (iii) In which you demonstrate that you are able to teach stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery procedures if you are seeking privileges to provide instruction in an airplane or glider. If you have not failed a practical test based on deficiencies in your ability to demonstrate knowledge or skill in these areas and you provide the endorsement required by paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, an examiner may accept the endorsement instead of the demonstration required by this paragraph. If you are taking a test because you previously failed a test based on not meeting the requirements of this paragraph, you must pass a practical test on stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery instructional competency and proficiency in the applicable category and class of aircraft that is certificated for spins.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What knowledge tests must you pass to earn a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating?

Per FAR 61.405(a), you must pass a knowledge test on the fundamentals of instructing (per § 61.407(a)) unless you're exempt under § 61.407(c), plus a knowledge test on the sport pilot aeronautical knowledge areas for the category and class you want to instruct in.

Q2If you're applying for CFI-S privileges in an airplane, what spin-related endorsement do you need before the practical test?

FAR 61.405(b)(1)(ii) requires a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor stating you are competent and possess instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery, completed in an airplane (or glider) certificated for spins.

Q3Can the examiner waive the in-flight spin demonstration on a CFI-S practical test?

Yes—under FAR 61.405(b)(2)(iii), if you have not previously failed a practical test for deficiencies in spin-related areas and you provide the spin instructional-proficiency endorsement, the examiner may accept that endorsement in lieu of the in-flight demonstration.

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