In Plain English
FAR 61.423 spells out what a flight instructor with a sport pilot rating (CFI-SP) must document and keep on file. As a CFI-SP, you must sign the logbook of every student you give flight or ground training to, and you must keep a written record of certain endorsements you issue.
Specifically, you must record the name, date, and type of endorsement for each person you endorse for:
- Solo flight privileges
- A knowledge test, practical test, or proficiency check (note the kind of test and the result)
- Proficiency to operate an additional category or class of aircraft
- Operations in Class B, C, or D airspace, or at airports in or with an operational control tower
- Airplanes with V<sub>H</sub> ≤ 87 KCAS and aircraft with V<sub>H</sub> > 87 KCAS
- Proficiency to provide flight training in an additional category or class
When you endorse someone for an additional category/class privilege (to operate or to instruct), you have 10 days to complete, sign, and submit their FAA application and retain a copy.
All records must be kept for 3 years, in a logbook or separate document. Good recordkeeping protects both you and your students if the FAA ever asks how a privilege was earned.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.423§ 61.423 What are the recordkeeping requirements for a flight instructor with a sport pilot rating?
(a) As a flight instructor with a sport pilot rating you must:
(1) Sign the logbook of each person to whom you have given flight training or ground training.
(2) Keep a record of the name, date, and type of endorsement for:
(i) Each person whose logbook you have endorsed for solo flight privileges.
(ii) Each person for whom you have provided an endorsement for a knowledge test, practical test, or proficiency check, and the record must indicate the kind of test or check, and the results.
(iii) Each person whose logbook you have endorsed as proficient to operate—
(A) An additional category or class of aircraft;
(B) In Class B, C, and D airspace; at an airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace; and to, from, through, or at an airport having an operational control tower;
(C) An aircraft that is an airplane with a Vless than or equal to 87 knots CAS; and
(D) An aircraft with a Vgreater than 87 knots CAS.
(iv) Each person whose logbook you have endorsed as proficient to provide flight training in an additional category or class of aircraft.
(b) Within 10 days after providing an endorsement for a person to operate or provide training in an additional category and class of aircraft you must—
(1) Complete, sign, and submit to the FAA the application presented to you to obtain those privileges; and
(2) Retain a copy of the form.
(c) You must keep the records listed in this section for 3 years. You may keep these records in a logbook or a separate document.
[Docket FAA-2001-11133, 69 FR 44875, July 27, 2004, as amended by Amdt. 61-125, 75 FR 5222, Feb. 1, 2010; Amdt. 61-125A, 75 FR 15610, Mar. 30, 2010; Docket FAA-2010-1127, Amdt. 61-135, 81 FR 1307, Jan. 12, 2016; Docket FAA-2023-1377, Amdt. 61-159, 90 FR 35218, July 24, 2025]