FAR 61.419 — Adding CFI Category/Class
FAR 61.419 explains how a sport pilot flight instructor adds training privileges in an additional category or class of aircraft, including endorsements and proficiency check.
In Plain English
FAR 61.419 tells a flight instructor — either one certificated under subpart H or one with a sport pilot rating — how to add training privileges in an additional category or class of light-sport aircraft meeting the performance and design limits of § 61.316. This matters because you cannot legally instruct in a new category/class until these steps are complete.
To gain the new privilege, you must:
- Get a training endorsement from the authorized instructor who trained you, certifying you meet the aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency requirements in § 61.409 for the new category/class.
- Pass a proficiency check with a different authorized instructor, covering the tasks in the applicable PTS or ACS listed in appendix A of Part 61.
- Submit an application in an FAA-acceptable form to the instructor who gave the proficiency check.
- Receive a second endorsement from that instructor certifying you are proficient and authorized for the new privilege.
If you are adding airplane single-engine land or sea, or a rotorcraft-helicopter with simplified flight controls, you instead take a practical test under § 61.405.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.419§ 61.419 How do I obtain privileges to provide training in an additional category or class of aircraft?
If you hold a flight instructor certificate issued under subpart H of this part or a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating and seek privileges to provide training under subpart K in an additional category or class of aircraft meeting the performance limits and design requirements of § 61.316, you must—
(a) Receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who trained you on the applicable areas of operation specified in § 61.409 certifying you have met the aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency requirements for the additional category and class flight instructor privilege you seek;
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, 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 category and class flight instructor privilege you seek;
(c) 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 (b) of this section; and
(d) Receive a logbook endorsement from the instructor who conducted the proficiency check specified in paragraph (b) of this section certifying you are proficient in the areas of operation and authorized for the additional category and class flight instructor privilege.
(e) If you are seeking to add an airplane single-engine land or sea or a rotorcraft-helicopter with simplified flight controls designation privilege to your flight instructor certificate, successfully accomplish a practical test for that category and class privilege as specified in § 61.405.
[Docket FAA-2001-11133, 69 FR 44875, July 27, 2004, as amended by Docket FAA-2022-1463, Amdt. 61-153, 89 FR 22518, Apr. 1, 2024; Docket FAA-2023-1377, Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35216, July 24, 2025]
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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1As a sport pilot flight instructor, how would you add a new category or class of aircraft to your CFI privileges?
Per FAR 61.419, I would receive a training endorsement under § 61.409, pass a proficiency check with a different authorized instructor using the applicable PTS/ACS, submit an FAA application, and receive a final endorsement certifying my proficiency.
Q2Can the same instructor who trained you also conduct the proficiency check required to add a category or class?
No. FAR 61.419(b) requires the proficiency check be conducted by an authorized instructor other than the one who provided your training for the additional category and class privilege.
Q3Is there an exception that requires a practical test rather than a proficiency check when adding a category or class?
Yes. Under FAR 61.419(e), to add airplane single-engine land or sea, or a rotorcraft-helicopter with simplified flight controls designation, you must successfully complete a practical test as specified in § 61.405.
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§61.113 Privileges & Limits
Private pilot compensation, pro-rata sharing, and BasicMed limits
§61.57 Recent Flight Experience
90-day passenger, night, and instrument currency rules
§61.89 Student Pilot Limitations
Solo student limits: no passengers, no compensation, minimum visibility
§61.51 Pilot Logbooks
Logging training, aeronautical experience, and recency for certificates
§61.23 Medical Certificate Duration
First-, second-, and third-class medical requirement and validity periods
Instrument Rating Requirements
IFR eligibility and aeronautical experience
Related Sections in Part 61