Distribution: A-W(FS)-2; A-X(FS)-2; A-FFS-5,7(MAX); ZVS-871 Initiated By: AFS-610 

ORDER 8710.7 

SPORT PILOT EXAMINER’S 

HANDBOOK 

October 14, 2004 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION 
RECORD OF CHANGES DIRECTIVE NO. 8710.7 

CHANGE 

TO 

SUPPLEMENTS OPTIONAL CHANGE 

TO 

SUPPLEMENTS OPTIONAL 

BASIC BASIC 

 
10/14/04 8710.7 

i (and ii) 

FOREWORD

This order provides guidance and prescribes procedures for Sport Pilot designated pilot examiners. It delineates privileges, 

responsibilities, and limitations of examiner designations and authorizations. 

All users of this order shall familiarize themselves with its contents and comply with the instructions and guidance contained 

herein. 

Suggestions for changes or comments on the content of this order are invited and will be given careful consideration. User 

comments should be addressed to: Federal Aviation Administration, Regulatory Support Division, ATTN: Light Sport 

Aviation Branch, AFS-610, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125. FAA Form 1320-19, Directive Feedback 

Information, is located on the back of this order for your convenience. AFS-610 will coordinate all changes with the General 

Aviation and Commercial Division, AFS-800. 

Original signed by: John M. Allen 

for James J. Ballough 

Director, Flight Standards Service 
10/14/04 8710.7 

iii 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INFORMATION 

 SECTION 1. GENERAL 

 1-1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................................ 1-1 

 1-2. Distribution...................................................................................................................................... 1-1 

 1-3. Definitions ....................................................................................................................................... 1-1 

 1-4. Handbook Format............................................................................................................................ 1-1 

 1-5. thru 1-6. Reserved ....................................................................................................................................... 1-1 

SECTION 2. PROGRAM STRUCTURE 

 1-7. Objective ......................................................................................................................................... 1-2 

 1-8. Examiner Privileges......................................................................................................................... 1-2 

 1-9. Types of Designation....................................................................................................................... 1-2 

 1-10. Designation Outside the U.S............................................................................................................ 1-2 

 1-11. Examiner Currency.......................................................................................................................... 1-2 

 1-12. Aviation Safety Program Support.................................................................................................... 1-2 

 1-13. thru 1-16. Reserved ................................................................................................................................... 1-2 

SECTION 3. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION 

 1-17. Supervision ...................................................................................................................................... 1-3 

 1-18. Designation Numbering................................................................................................................... 1-3 

 1-19. Examiner Records............................................................................................................................ 1-3 

 1-20. Delegation/Rescission of an Examiner Authorization ..................................................................... 1-3 

 1-21. Termination ..................................................................................................................................... 1-4 

CHAPTER 2. ACCOMPLISH INITIAL DESIGNATION FOR SPORT PILOT EXAMINERS 

SECTION 1. BACKGROUND 

 2-1. Objective ......................................................................................................................................... 2-1 

 2-2. General ............................................................................................................................................ 2-1 

 2-3. Eligibility and Experience Requirements......................................................................................... 2-2 

 2-4. Evaluation of Competency............................................................................................................... 2-4 

 2-5. Exceptions ....................................................................................................................................... 2-4 

 2-6. Practical Test ................................................................................................................................... 2-4 

 2-7. Additional Category Designations................................................................................................... 2-4 
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 2-8. Examiner Letters of Authorization (LOAs) ..................................................................................... 2-5 

 2-9. thru 2-10. Reserved ..................................................................................................................................... 2-5 

SECTION 2. PROCEDURES 

 2-11. Prerequisites and Coordination Requirements................................................................................. 2-5 

 2-12. References, Forms, and Job Aids..................................................................................................... 2-5 

 2-13. Procedures ....................................................................................................................................... 2-5 

 2-14. Task Outcomes ................................................................................................................................ 2-7 

 2-15. Future Activities .............................................................................................................................. 2-7 

CHAPTER 3. ACHIEVE RENEWAL/REINSTATEMENT 

SECTION 1. BACKGROUND 

 3-1. Objective ......................................................................................................................................... 3-1 

 3-2. General ............................................................................................................................................ 3-1 

 3-3. Renewal Criteria .............................................................................................................................. 3-2 

 3-4. Activity Required for Renewal ........................................................................................................ 3-2 

 3-5. Reissuance of Letters of Authorization (LOAs)............................................................................... 3-2 

 3-6. Designated Pilot Examiners............................................................................................................. 3-2 

 3-7. Practical Test for Renewal............................................................................................................... 3-2 

 3-8. Nonrenewal...................................................................................................................................... 3-2 

 3-9. Reinstatement .................................................................................................................................. 3-2 

 3-10. thru 3-12. Reserved ................................................................................................................................... 3-3 

SECTION 2. PROCEDURES 

 3-13. Prerequisites and Coordination Requirements................................................................................. 3-3 

 3-14. References, Forms, and Job Aids..................................................................................................... 3-3 

 3-15. Procedures ....................................................................................................................................... 3-3 

 3-16. Task Outcomes ................................................................................................................................ 3-3 

 3-17. Future Activities .............................................................................................................................. 3-4 

 Figure 3-1. Sample of a Renewal Letter ................................................................................................................ 3-5 

CHAPTER 4. COMPLETE INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS 

SECTION 1. BACKGROUND 

 4-1. Objective ......................................................................................................................................... 4-1 

 4-2. General ............................................................................................................................................ 4-1 
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v 

 4-3. Method of Evaluation ...................................................................................................................... 4-1 

 4-4. Testing Procedures .......................................................................................................................... 4-1 

 4-5. thru 4-6. Reserved ....................................................................................................................................... 4-1 

SECTION 2. PROCEDURES 

 4-7. Prerequisites and Coordination Requirements................................................................................. 4-2 

 4-8. References, Forms, and Job Aids..................................................................................................... 4-2 

 4-9. Procedures ....................................................................................................................................... 4-2 

 4-10. Task Outcomes ................................................................................................................................ 4-2 

 4-11. Future Activities .............................................................................................................................. 4-2 

CHAPTER 5. CONDUCT PRACTICAL TEST/CERTIFICATION FUNCTIONS 

 SECTION 1. BACKGROUND 

 5-1. Objective ......................................................................................................................................... 5-1 

 5-2. General ............................................................................................................................................ 5-1 

 5-3. Testing Applicants Trained By the Examiner.................................................................................. 5-1 

 5-4. Examiner Limitations....................................................................................................................... 5-1 

 5-5. Status of Examiners During Practical Tests..................................................................................... 5-2 

 5-6. Aircraft Used for Practical Tests ..................................................................................................... 5-2 

 5-7. Aircraft Equipment .......................................................................................................................... 5-3 

 5-8. Practical Test Structure.................................................................................................................... 5-3 

 5-9. Practical Test Discontinuance.......................................................................................................... 5-4 

 5-10. Repeating Maneuvers on Practical Tests ......................................................................................... 5-4 

 5-11. Practical Test Briefings ................................................................................................................... 5-4 

 5-12. Retest in Event of Failure ................................................................................................................ 5-5 

 5-13. Accidents and Incidents During Practical Tests............................................................................... 5-5 

 5-14. Practical Test Standards................................................................................................................... 5-5 

 5-15. Prerequisites for Practical Tests....................................................................................................... 5-5 

 5-16. Verification of an Applicant’s Identity ............................................................................................ 5-6 

 5-17. Illegal Substance Conviction ........................................................................................................... 5-7 

 5-18. Completion of FAA Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate and/or Rating 

Application – Sport Pilot ................................................................................................................. 5-7 

 5-19. Preparation of the Certification File ................................................................................................ 5-9 

 5-20. Review of an Examiner’s Decision.................................................................................................. 5-9 

 5-21. Issuance of FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman Certificate 

(Not using IACRA).......................................................................................................................... 5-9 
8710.7 10/14/04 

vi 

 5-22. Issuance of FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval of Application 

(Not using IACRA).......................................................................................................................... 5-10 

 5-23. Blue Seal Certificates ...................................................................................................................... 5-10 

 5-24. Logging of Flight as an Examiner.................................................................................................... 5-10 

 5-25. thru 5-26. Reserved ................................................................................................................................... 5-10 

 SECTION 2. PROCEDURES 

 5-27. Prerequisites and Coordination Requirements................................................................................. 5-10 

 5-28. References, Forms, and Job Aids..................................................................................................... 5-11 

 5-29 Procedures ....................................................................................................................................... 5-11 

 5-30 Task Outcomes ................................................................................................................................ 5-14 

 5-31. Future Activities .............................................................................................................................. 5-14 

 Figure 5-1. Examiner Test Guide ....................................................................................................................... 5-15 

 Figure 5-2. Sample Letter of Discontinuance..................................................................................................... 5-21 

 Figure 5-3. Sample of Computer Airman Knowledge Test Report .................................................................... 5-22 

 Figure 5-4. Sample of FAA Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate and/or Rating 

Application – Sport Pilot (Front Side)............................................................................................. 5-23 

 Figure 5-4A. Sample of FAA Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate and/or Rating 

Application – Sport Pilot (Reverse Side)......................................................................................... 5-24 

 Figure 5-5. Sample of FAA 8060-4, Temporary Airman Certificate.................................................................. 5-25 

 Figure 5-6. Sample of FAA 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval of Application....................................................... 5-26 

CHAPTER 6. ISSUE A STUDENT PILOT CERTIFICATE 

 SECTION 1. BACKGROUND 

 6-1. Objective ......................................................................................................................................... 6-1 

 6-2. General ............................................................................................................................................ 6-1 

 6-3. Nonrenewable.................................................................................................................................. 6-1 

 6-4. Additional Aircraft Endorsements ................................................................................................... 6-1 

 6-5. thru 6-9. Reserved ....................................................................................................................................... 6-1 

SECTION 2. PROCEDURES 

 6-10. Prerequisites and Coordination Requirements................................................................................. 6-1 

 6-11. References, Forms, and Job Aids..................................................................................................... 6-1 

 6-12. Procedures ....................................................................................................................................... 6-2 

 6-13. Task Outcomes ................................................................................................................................ 6-3 

 6-14. Future Activities .............................................................................................................................. 6-3 

Figure 6-1. Sample of FAA Form 8420-2, Medical Certificate _____ Class 

and Student Pilot Certificate............................................................................................................ 6-5 
10/14/04 8710.7 

vii 

 Figure 6-2. Sample of FAA Form 8710-2, Student Pilot Certificate (Front Side).............................................. 6-7

 Figure 6-2A. Sample of FAA Form 8710-2, Student Pilot Certificate (Reverse Side).......................................... 6-8 

CHAPTER 7. CONDUCT A SPORT PILOT CERTIFICATION 

 SECTION 1. BACKGROUND 

 7-1. Objective ......................................................................................................................................... 7-1 

 7-2. General ............................................................................................................................................ 7-1 

 7-3. thru 7-7. Reserved ....................................................................................................................................... 7-1 

SECTION 2. PROCEDURES 

 7-8. Prerequisites and Coordination Requirements................................................................................. 7-2 

 7-9. References, Forms, and Job Aids..................................................................................................... 7-2 

 7-10. Procedures ....................................................................................................................................... 7-2 

 7-11. Task Outcomes ................................................................................................................................ 7-4 

 7-12. Future Activities .............................................................................................................................. 7-4 

CHAPTER 8. CONDUCT A PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATION FOR WEIGHT SHIFT CONTROL 

AND POWERED PARACHUTE, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL CATEGORY/CLASS 

RATINGS AT THE PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATION LEVEL 

 SECTION 1. BACKGROUND 

 8-1. Objective ......................................................................................................................................... 8-1 

 8-2. General ............................................................................................................................................ 8-1 

 8-3. Eligibility Requirements .................................................................................................................. 8-1 

 8-4. Limitations....................................................................................................................................... 8-2 

 8-5. Categories and Classes .................................................................................................................... 8-2 

 8-6. thru 8-9. Reserved ....................................................................................................................................... 8-2 

SECTION 2. PROCEDURES 

 8-10. Prerequisites and Coordination Requirements................................................................................. 8-3 

 8-11. References, Forms, and Job Aids..................................................................................................... 8-3 

 8-12. Procedures ....................................................................................................................................... 8-3 

 8-13. Task Outcomes ................................................................................................................................ 8-5 

 8-14. Future Activities .............................................................................................................................. 8-5 
8710.7 10/14/04 

viii 

CHAPTER 9. CONDUCT A FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR WITH A SPORT PILOT RATING PRACTICAL 

TEST FOR AN INITIAL, RENEWAL, OR REINSTATEMENT 

 SECTION 1. BACKGROUND 

 9-1. Objective ......................................................................................................................................... 9-1 

 9-2. General ............................................................................................................................................ 9-1 

 9-3. General Procedures for Initial Certification..................................................................................... 9-1 

 9-4. General Procedures for Renewal or Reinstatement.......................................................................... 9-2 

 9-5. Denial of Renewal or Reinstatement................................................................................................ 9-3 

 9-6. Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificates ........................................................................................... 9-3 

 9-7. Category and Class Privileges for a Flight Instructor Certificate With a Sport Pilot Rating ........... 9-4 

 9-8. Limitations....................................................................................................................................... 9-4 

 9-9. thru 9-13. Reserved ..................................................................................................................................... 9-4 

SECTION 2. PROCEDURES 

 9-14. Prerequisites and Coordination Requirements................................................................................. 9-4 

 9-15. References, Forms, and Job Aids..................................................................................................... 9-4 

 9-16. Procedures ....................................................................................................................................... 9-5 

 9-17. Task Outcomes ................................................................................................................................ 9-7 

 9-18. Future Activities .............................................................................................................................. 9-7 

 Figure 9-1. Sample of a Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificate with a Sport Pilot Rating................................. 9-9 
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Chap 1 

Par 1-1 Page 1-1 

CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INFORMATION

SECTION 1. GENERAL 

1-1. PURPOSE. This order provides information, 

guidance, and direction for Sport Pilot Examiners 

(SPEs)/Sport Pilot Flight Instructor Examiners (SFIEs) in 

accordance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal 

Regulations (14 CFR) part 61. When an existing 

designated pilot examiner (DPE) wants to add sport pilot as 

an additional designation, he or she should contact his or 

her supervising Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). 

The FSDO will notify the Light Sport Aviation Branch 

(AFS-610) that the pilot examiner has been authorized to 

conduct the sport pilot practical test. 

1-2. DISTRIBUTION. This order is distributed to the 

division level in the Flight Standards Service and regional 

Flight Standards Divisions; to all Flight Standards District 

Offices (FSDOs) and International Field Offices (IFOs); 

and to all addressees on special mailing list ZVS-871. 

1-3. DEFINITIONS.

a. Examiner Program. The examiner program 

provides prompt practical testing to applicants applying 

for sport pilot certificates. The examiner program is 

administered from AFS-610 in Oklahoma City, 

Oklahoma. The examiner program encompasses the 

examiner application and the qualification process in 

conjunction with the Light Sport Standardization Board 

(LSSB). 

b. Sport Pilot Examiner (SPE). An SPE is a 

designated representative of the Administrator who is 

authorized by Title 49 of the United States Code 

(49 U.S.C.) section 44702 to perform the tasks described 

in 14 CFR part 183, section 183.23. 

c. Sport Pilot Flight Instructor Examiner 

(SFIE). An SFIE is a Sport Pilot Examiner who is 

authorized to conduct a flight instructor with a sport pilot 

rating practical test. 

d. High Activity Examiner. A high activity 

examiner is an examiner who conducts at least 50 

practical tests in a given quarter. 

e. Letter of Authorization. A letter of 

authorization is issued from AFS-610 stating what 

practical tests for each category/class an examiner is 

authorized to administer. 

f. Set of Aircraft. Aircraft that share similar 

performance characteristics (e.g., similar airspeed and 

altitude operating envelopes, similar handling 

characteristics, and the same number and type of 

propulsion systems). 

g. U.S. Driver’s License. Is a current and valid 

driver’s license issued by a State, the District of 

Columbia, or territory or possession of the United States 

(U.S.). 

h. Airmen Medical Certificate. Is a valid 

certificate issued under 14 CFR part 67. 

1-4. HANDBOOK FORMAT. This handbook contains 

both directive and guidance information. 

a. Directive Information. The directive 

information contained in this handbook is mandatory. 

Directive information uses terms such as “shall” and 

“must,” and indicates actions that are imperative. The 

terms “shall not” or “must not” signify actions that are 

prohibited. These terms allow the examiner no flexibility 

or discretionary latitude. The examiner shall follow 

directive guidance unless AFS-610/designating FSDO 

approves the deviation. 

b. Guidance Information. Guidance information 

contains terms such as “should,” “may,” or “need not.” 

These terms indicate actions that are permissible but are 

not mandatory. Guidance information allows the examiner 

flexibility. 

c. Chapter Content. Chapter 1 in this handbook 

contains introductory, general, and administrative 

information. Each succeeding chapter is divided into two 

sections, background and procedures. 

(1) Section 1 (background) contains general 

information and current policy regarding the task that the 

chapter addresses. 

(2) Section 2 (procedures) contains 

prerequisites, references, forms, figures, and an outline of 

the steps that should be taken by the examiner to perform 

the task. 

1-5. thru 1-6. RESERVED 
8710.7 10/14/04 

Chap 1 

Page 1-2 Par 1-7 

SECTION 2. PROGRAM STRUCTURE 

1-7. OBJECTIVE. The sport pilot program provides 

prompt practical testing to applicants for examiner 

certificates. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 

designates examiners to provide this service. 

a. Authority to Designate. The FAA designates 

examiners under the authority of 49 U.S.C. § 44702, as 

implemented by 14 CFR § 183.23. Designated examiners 

are not employees of the FAA. Designees serve without 

pay from the Government but may charge applicants 

reasonable fees for the examiner’s time in conducting 

practical tests and completing the attendant reports. 

b. Need for Service. AFS-610 is responsible for 

ensuring that an adequate number of examiners are 

designated to serve the public. The demand for practical 

tests at various locations determines if the designation of 

an examiner is justified. Examiners are authorized to 

conduct practical tests without regard to FSDO or regional 

boundaries. 

c. Use of the Integrated Airman Certification 

and/or Rating Application (IACRA). All examiners 

should use the IACRA for airmen certification. 

1-8. EXAMINER PRIVILEGES. An examiner is 

authorized to perform the following certification actions 

and responsibilities. 

a. Certification Practical Tests. An examiner 

accepts applications and conducts practical tests leading 

to the: 

(1) issuance of a sport pilot certificate, or;

(2) a flight instructor certificate with a sport 

pilot rating, or;

(3) a private pilot powered parachute or 

weight shift control appropriate to the letter of 

authorization held by the examiner.

b. FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman 

Certificate. An examiner issues FAA Form 8060-4 to an 

applicant after the examiner tests the applicant and finds 

the applicant is qualified for a certificate. 

c. FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval of 

Application. An examiner issues FAA Form 8060-5 to 

an applicant after the examiner tests the applicant and 

finds the applicant does NOT meet the Sport Pilot 

Practical Test Standards. 

d. Letter of Discontinuance. An examiner issues 

a letter of discontinuance when a practical test is 

terminated for reasons other than unsatisfactory 

performance. These reasons are inclement weather, the 

applicant or examiner becoming incapacitated during the 

practical test, aircraft mechanical difficulties after the test 

has begun, or other unforeseen situations.

e. Fees. An examiner may charge each applicant a 

reasonable fee for services. The examiner ensures that the 

applicant understands the amount of the fee for a practical 

test or a retest, as appropriate. The applicant should 

understand this information before the examiner accepts 

an application. 

1-9. TYPES OF DESIGNATION. Examiners may 

perform testing only in aircraft that meet the definition of 

light sport aircraft. An examiner may issue a sport pilot 

certificate, flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot 

rating, or a private pilot certificate with powered 

parachute and/or weight shift control ratings. AFS-610 

will authorize which functions an examiner can conduct. 

1-10. DESIGNATION OUTSIDE THE U.S. An 

examiner may be designated to serve outside the U.S., 

provided the examiner serves U.S. citizens abroad or 

operators of U.S.-registered light sport aircraft, and the 

activities must be supervised by AFS-610. An examiner 

who is designated to serve outside the U.S. or the U.S. 

possessions need not be a U.S. citizen. 

1-11. EXAMINER CURRENCY. Examiners must 

maintain pilot currency and flight proficiency in 

accordance with 14 CFR part 61, section 61.56 and 

14 CFR part 61, section 61.57. Additionally, examiners 

must maintain a current FAA Flight Instructor Certificate 

and a valid U.S. driver’s license or an airman medical 

certificate, if acting as PIC. 

1-12. AVIATION SAFETY PROGRAM SUPPORT. 

The FAA strongly encourages examiners to attend and 

take part in FAA Aviation Safety Program seminars and 

events. The FAA values the participation of examiner as 

counselors in the Aviation Safety Program and urges all 

examiner to support the FAA Aviation Safety Program 

activities. 

1-13. thru 1-16. RESERVED 
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Chap 1 

Par 1-17 Page 1-3 

SECTION 3. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION 

1-17. SUPERVISION. The FAA’s General Aviation 

and Commercial Division (AFS-800) develops national 

policy regarding examiner and the overall supervision and 

evaluation of the examiner program. 

a. AFS-610. An examiner operates under the 

direct supervision of AFS-610. AFS-610 issues and 

maintains the examiner’s certificate of authority and a 

letter of authorization for all aircraft. 

(1) Examiners are required to attend one 

Recurrent Sport Pilot Examiner Standardization Seminar 

(hereafter referred to as the Recurrent Seminar) every year 

to review problem areas, performance standards, and 

procedures. Attendance at this annual Recurrent Seminar 

is mandatory and must be documented. 

(2) All inquiries concerning policy and 

procedures from examiners must be directed to AFS-610. 

(3) The FAA welcomes the opportunity to 

discuss procedures and standards with examiners. An 

FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) qualified in light 

sport aircraft will fly with examiners on request to resolve 

questions on techniques, procedures, and standards. 

Examiners should take the opportunity to forge a strong 

working relationship with the FAA and remain 

knowledgeable of new developments or changes. 

b. Review of Applicants. Any applicant 

recommended by an examiner for a certificate or rating 

may be requested to appear for a recheck by an ASI 

before a permanent airman certificate is issued to the 

airman. ASIs will avoid requiring an arbitrary recheck or 

an inordinate number of rechecks because of the economic 

hardship placed on applicants. Rechecks will be requested 

only on the basis of facts that clearly support the need for 

the recheck. 

c. Examiner Recheck. If the performance of a 

pilot who has been certificated by an examiner is found 

unsatisfactory because of an accident, incident, or other 

significant event; or, if other evidence reveals a deficient 

performance by an examiner, a flight check of that 

examiner may be required by an ASI. 

1-18. DESIGNATION NUMBERING. AFS-610 will 

provide a system of designation numbers that will be used 

to identify examiners. 

1-19. EXAMINER RECORDS. AFS-610 maintains the 

following for each examiner. 

a. Electronic File. The following data may be 

maintained in an electronic file: 

(1) records of satisfactory completion (or 

failure to accomplish satisfactory completion) of the 

Initial Sport Pilot Examiner Standardization Seminar 

(hereafter referred to as the Initial Seminar); 

(2) a record of attendance at the annual 

recurrent seminar meeting; 

(3) records of examiner 

surveillance/inspections; 

b. Paper Copies. The following records will be 

kept in paper copies: 

(1) a copy of the examiner’s FAA Form 

8000-5, Certificate of Designation;

(2) copies of AC Form 8060-31, Airmen 

Records Correction Notice, received by AFS-610 for the 

examiner for the most recent 12-month period;

(3) copies of the examiner’s pilot certificate, 

valid U.S. driver’s license or U.S. airmen medical 

certificate, and or flight instructor certificate or a current 

computer printout verifying that data, and if held, copies 

of pilot and flight instructor certificates; 

(4) copies of the examiner’s initial FAA 

Form 8710-12, Light-Sport Standardization 

Board - Designated Pilot Examiner Candidate 

Application, (available at: http://afs600.faa.gov) and the 

examiner’s most recent letter of request for renewal; and 

(5) copies of all correspondence from the 

public regarding the examiner. 

c. Sport Pilot Examiner Access to File. Upon 

request, an examiner may review his or her file that is 

maintained by AFS-610. 

1-20. DELEGATION/RESCISSION OF AN 

EXAMINER AUTHORIZATION. The Administrator is 

empowered by 49 U.S.C. section 44702 to delegate to 
8710.7 10/14/04 

Chap 1 

Page 1-4 Par 1-20 

private persons any function relating to the examination, 

inspection, and testing of airman applicants, subject to any 

regulation, supervision, and review which the 

Administrator may prescribe. Under this section and FAA 

directives, the Administrator may rescind any such 

delegation at any time for any reason deemed appropriate. 

Also, the Administrator may determine that such a 

delegation should not be renewed for any reason deemed 

appropriate. 

a. Proposed Termination or Non-renewal. 

AFS-610 must give the examiner an opportunity to 

respond to any proposed action effecting that examiner’s 

designation or authority. The provisions of 14 CFR 

sections 183.15(b) and 183.15(d) contain the general 

conditions under which designations are terminated. 

b. Notification. The examiner must be notified in 

writing of the reason(s) for any proposed action. The 

notification must cite any applicable regulations and/or 

handbook guidance. When the reasons are supported by 

examples of unacceptable conduct, those examples must 

be clearly stated. The reasons cited may be supported by 

documented surveillance or the results of other 

investigations; however, supporting documents must not 

be included with the notification to the examiner. 

c. Option to Respond. The written notification 

must give the examiner the option to respond in writing or 

in person. If responding in person, the examiner may elect 

to be accompanied by counsel. A record must be made of 

any meeting held. 

(1) The record of any meeting with the 

examiner may be in the form of notes taken by a secretary 

during the meeting, a summary written by the AFS-610 

staff after the meeting, or another method. 

(2) AFS-610 must send a copy of the record 

to the examiner. The examiner may submit comments or 

propose corrections to the record. 

d. AFS-610 Manager’s Decision. A decision 

from AFS-610’s manager on any action effecting that 

examiner’s designation and/or authority must be given to 

the examiner in writing. The written notification to the 

examiner must indicate the reasons for the action. The 

examiner may request a review of the matter by the 

Regulatory Support Division (AFS-600) manager. If the 

examiner wishes to have the AFS-600 manager review the 

matter, that request must be in writing or in person within 

10 days after the AFS-610 manager’s decision. 

e. AFS-600 Division Manager’s Decision. The 

examiner will be notified of the AFS-600 manager’s 

decision and the reasons for that decision. 

1-21. TERMINATION. Termination of an examiner’s 

designation for reasons other than insufficient need for the 

examiner’s services or the examiner’s inability to meet 

medical standards will be initiated when other means of 

ensuring the examiner’s conformance to standards are 

unsuccessful, not feasible, or inappropriate. 

a. Reasons for Termination. The Administrator 

may terminate the designation for any of the following 

reasons: 

(1) upon the written request of the examiner; 

(2) when there is no longer a need for the 

examiner’s services; 

(3) upon a finding by the Administrator that 

the examiner has not properly performed the examiner’s 

duties; or 

(4) for any reason the Administrator considers 

appropriate. 

b. Examples. The following are some examples 

of not properly performing an examiner’s duties: 

(1) unsatisfactory performance in any phase 

of examiner duties or responsibilities, including the 

inability to accept or carry out the AFS-610’s instructions; 

(2) any actions by the examiner that may 

reflect discredit on the FAA, such as misuse of the 

designation or failure to maintain a reputation for integrity 

and dependability in the industry and the community; 

(3) inability of the examiner to work 

harmoniously with AFS-610 personnel or the public; 

(4) evidence that the examiner’s general 

and/or professional qualifications and requirements, 

including the continued ability to meet the medical 

requirements for the designation held, were not met at the 

time of the original designation or at any time thereafter; 

(5) an examiner’s inability to demonstrate 

satisfactory performance during a knowledge and/or skill 
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 1 

Par 1-21 Page 1-5 (and 1-6) 

evaluation or during an Initial Seminar or an annual 

Recurrent Seminar, or; 

(6) an examiner’s failure to maintain, or 

inability to demonstrate, qualifications for any certificate, 

rating, or examiner designation held. 

c. Documentation. Deficiencies in an examiner’s 

performance must be documented by AFS-610. The 

examiner must be notified of any deficiencies and given 

an opportunity to correct those deficiencies. The examiner 

must be advised by AFS-610 that continued poor 

performance constitutes grounds for termination of the 

examiner’s designation. 

d. Notice to Cease Testing. If the Administrator 

determines the examiner’s actions are unsatisfactory, 

AFS-610 must issue a written notice directing the 

examiner to cease all testing activities immediately. 

e. Voluntary Surrender. If an examiner desires 

to voluntarily surrender his or her designation, the 

examiner must do so in writing to AFS-610. The examiner 

may retain the FAA Form 8000-5. 
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 2 

Par 2-1 Page 2-1 

CHAPTER 2. ACCOMPLISH INITIAL DESIGNATION FOR SPORT PILOT 

EXAMINERS 

SECTION 1. BACKGROUND 

2-1. OBJECTIVE. The objective of this task is to 

determine if a person meets the qualifications for 

designation as a Sport Pilot Examiner (SPE)/Sport Pilot 

Flight Instructor Examiner (SFIE) and, if selected as an 

examiner candidate by the Light Sport Aviation Branch 

(AFS-610), completes the procedures required for initial 

designation. Successful completion of this task results in 

designation as an examiner. 

2-2. GENERAL. Examiner candidates for designation as 

an examiner must be technically qualified and must hold 

all pertinent category ratings or privileges for each aircraft 

for which designation is sought. Any required flight 

instructor certificate must be kept current for the duration 

of the designation. An examiner’s authorizations will be 

issued on the basis of category of light sport aircraft. 

a. General Criteria. In addition to meeting the 

preceding technical qualifications, an examiner candidate 

must: 

(1) Be at least 21 years old. 

(2) Have a good record as a pilot and flight 

instructor in regards to accidents, incidents, and 

violations; a candidate who has had his or her pilot 

certificate revoked for falsification or forgery is ineligible. 

Under unusual circumstances, the manager of the 

Regulatory Support Division (AFS-600) may grant a 

waiver. 

(3) Have a reputation for integrity and 

dependability in the industry and the community. 

(4) Have a history of cooperation with the 

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 

(5) Be serving as a flight instructor in light 

sport aircraft. 

(6) Meet all eligibility and experience 

requirements for the specific designation sought. 

(a) An examiner must have logged at 

least 5 hours of flight time in a make and model of light 

sport aircraft within the same set of aircraft in which he or 

she desires to conduct tests. 

(b) Glider examiners must show 

experience and demonstrate skill in aerotow, ground-tow, 

and self-launch procedures or his or her examining 

activity will be limited to the launch privileges authorized. 

(c) To meet the flight time requirements 

for designation, examiners with balloon designations may 

have flight time in gas balloons, hot air balloons, or a 

combination of the two. If the examiner is restricted to 

balloons with airborne heater or gas balloons only, he or 

she may only conduct practical tests in that kind of 

balloon (e.g., hot air or gas balloon). 

(d) An examiner is not required to be a 

U.S. Citizen. 

b. Sport Pilot Examiner Applications. Examiner 

candidates must send a completed FAA Form 8710-12, 

Light-Sport Standardization Board - Designated Pilot 

Examiner Candidate Application, which is available at: 

http://afs600.faa.gov, and other required supplemental 

documents to the Light Sport Standardization Board 

(LSSB). The LSSB accepts and evaluates applications 

from persons applying for initial designation as an 

examiner under the provisions of this order. The LSSB 

will advise the examiner candidate, by letter, whether or 

not the candidate meets the criteria for the designation 

sought. If the examiner candidate does not meet the 

appropriate criteria, the LSSB will advise him or her how 

the deficiency may be corrected. The examiner candidate 

must retain a copy of all documents submitted to the 

LSSB for the examiner candidate’s personal records. 

(1) The LSSB applies the general 

qualification requirements, technical requirements, and 

experience criteria detailed in this order to determine 

whether candidates meet FAA requirements for the initial 

designation sought. 
8710.7 10/14/04 

Chap 2 

Page 2-2 Par 2-2 

(2) The LSSB in coordination with the 

manager of AFS-610 may approve an examiner candidate 

who does not meet all of the qualification requirements of 

this order for assignment to the examiner registry pool. 

c. Initial Screening and Knowledge Test. If the 

candidate meets the appropriate criteria, the LSSB will 

advise the examiner candidate, in writing, that the 

application has been accepted and the candidate is eligible 

to take the predesignation knowledge test. The cost of the 

predesignation test is borne by the examiner candidate. 

The examiner candidate must forward the test results 

(original with raised seal) to the LSSB within 10 days of 

the date of the test. The examiner candidate must retain a 

copy of the predesignation knowledge test report for his or 

her personal records. The examiner candidate must get a 

grade of 80 percent or higher on the predesignation 

knowledge test to continue the application process. 

d. The LSSB. The LSSB maintains a candidate 

pool that contains the application files of examiner 

candidates who meet the requirements for the designation 

sought. Examiner candidates who are approved for 

assignment to the examiner candidate pool will have his or 

her approved applications retained for a period of 

24-calendar months or until the candidate is selected. 

After 24-calendar months, examiner candidates not 

selected for designation will be removed from the 

examiner candidate pool and must repeat the application 

process in order to apply for reassignment to the examiner 

candidate pool. 

(1) An examiner candidate who is not 

approved for assignment to the examiner candidate pool 

may request a review of the LSSB’s decision by the 

manager of the Regulatory Support Division (AFS-600). 

(2) The LSSB will have at least a total of four 

representatives from AFS-600, or AFS-700 who will be 

assigned to serve on the LSSB to evaluate pilot designee 

applications. At least four representatives MUST be 

present in order to rate pilot designee applications for 

assignment to the LSSB candidate pool. Of the four 

representatives required to be present, at least two ASI 

(Operations) members must be present for pilot designee 

applications. 

e. Practical Test. Each examiner candidate 

considered for designation by AFS-610 must pass a 

practical evaluation by an ASI before an initial 

designation is issued. The practical evaluation assists the 

FAA to determine if the examiner candidate is competent 

to apply current practical test procedures and performance 

standards. 

f. Training. Each examiner candidate must 

successfully complete an Initial Sport Pilot Examiner 

Standardization Seminar (hereafter referred to as an Initial 

Seminar) conducted by AFS-610. 

(1) Examiners must be instructed in 

procedures relating to all levels of pilot/flight instructor 

certification that are pertinent to examiner designation. 

(2) If an examiner candidate fails to 

successfully complete the Initial Seminar, he or she will 

not be reconsidered for designation as an examiner for at 

least 12-calendar months thereafter. 

(3) A former ASI must complete the same 

application procedures, training, and evaluations as is 

required for all other examiner candidates. 

g. Existing Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) 

Designated Under the Latest Revision of FAA Order 

8710.3, Designated Pilot Examiner’s Handbook. An 

applicant who is already a pilot examiner shall contact his 

or her designating FSDO to have SPE/SFIE added to his 

or her authority. Prior to designating the SPE/SFIE, the 

FSDO should coordinate with AFS-610 for support. The 

designating FSDO shall send AFS-610 a letter listing all 

DPEs who have light sport pilot authorizations. This letter 

shall include the following information: 

(1) DPE’s name, address, phone number(s), 

(2) DPE’s certification number, 

(3) type of designation examiner, 

(4) category and class of aircraft authorized to 

administer practical test(s), 

(5) the primary area the DPE will administer 

practical test(s), 

(6) any other area(s) the DPE can provide 

service. 

2-3. ELIGIBILITY AND EXPERIENCE 

REQUIREMENTS. To be eligible for selection and 

designation as an examiner, an examiner candidate must 
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 2 

Par 2-3 Page 2-3 

meet the following requirements appropriate to the 

specific designation sought. 

a. Sport Pilot Examiner-Airplane. The examiner 

candidate must meet the following requirements: 

(1) a sport pilot certificate with airplane 

privileges or private pilot certificate or higher with an 

airplane single-engine land (SEL) category/class rating, 

recreational pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine 

land (SEL) category/class rating, and met the 

requirements of 14 CFR part 61, section 61.101(c). 

(2) a valid flight instructor certificate with a 

airplane single-engine privilege or rating. 

(3) 500 hours as pilot in command (PIC) in 

aircraft, which includes at least 250 hours in light sport 

airplanes, of which 50 hours in light sport airplanes 

accrued within the past year; 

(4) 200 hours as flight instructor in aircraft, 

which includes at least 100 hours flight instruction given 

in light sport airplanes. 

b. Sport Pilot Examiner-Gyroplane. The 

examiner candidate must meet the following requirements: 

(1) a sport pilot certificate with a gyroplane 

privileges or private pilot certificate or higher with a 

rotorcraft-gyroplane rating, or a recreational pilot 

certificate with a rotorcraft-gyroplane rating and met the 

requirements of section 61.101(c). 

(2) a valid flight instructor certificate with a 

gyroplane privilege, or rating. 

(3) 500 hours as PIC in aircraft, which 

includes at least 250 hours in gyroplanes, of which 50 

hours is accrued within the past year; 

(4) 200 hours as flight instructor in aircraft, 

which includes at least 200 hours of instruction given in 

gyroplanes. 

c. Sport Pilot Examiner-Glider. The examiner 

candidate must meet the following requirements: 

(1) a sport pilot certificate with glider 

privileges or private pilot certificate or higher with a 

glider category rating. 

(2) a valid flight instructor certificate with a 

glider privilege or rating. 

(3) 250 hours as PIC in aircraft, which 

includes at least 100 hours in gliders, of which 10 hours 

and 10 flights were accrued within the past year; 

(4) 100 hours as flight instructor in aircraft, 

which includes at least 50 hours of instruction given in 

gliders. 

d. Sport Pilot Examiner-Balloon. The examiner 

candidate must meet the following requirements: 

(1) a sport pilot certificate with balloon 

privileges or private pilot certificate or higher with a 

lighter-than-air category rating and a balloon class rating; 

(2) a flight instructor certificate with a balloon 

privileges or a commercial pilot certificate with a 

lighter-than-air category rating and a balloon class rating; 

(3) 200 hours as PIC in aircraft, which 

includes at least 100 hours in balloons, of which 20 hours 

and 10 flights that were of at least 30 minutes duration 

each flight, were accrued within the past year; 

(4) 50 hours as flight instructor in balloons, 

which includes at least 10 hours of instruction given in the 

last year. 

e. Sport Pilot Examiner-Weight Shift Control. 

The examiner candidate must meet the following 

requirements: 

(1) a sport pilot certificate with a weight shift 

control privileges or private pilot certificate with a weight 

shift control rating. 

(2) a flight instructor certificate with weight 

shift control privileges. 

(3) 500 hours as PIC in aircraft, which 

includes at least 250 hours in weight shift control, of 

which 50 hours in weight shift control accrued within the 

past year; 

(4) 200 hours as flight instructor in aircraft, 

which includes at least 100 hours flight instruction given 

in weight shift control. 
8710.7 10/14/04 

Chap 2 

Page 2-4 Par 2-3 

f. Sport Pilot Examiner Powered Parachute.

The examiner candidate must meet the following 

requirements: 

(1) a sport pilot certificate with powered 

parachute privileges or private pilot certificate with a 

powered parachute rating. 

(2) a flight instructor certificate with powered 

parachute privileges. 

(3) 250 hours as PIC in aircraft, which 

includes at least 100 hours in a powered parachute, of 

which 25 hours in a powered parachute were accrued 

within the past year; 

(4) 100 hours as flight instructor in aircraft, 

which includes at least 50 hours flight instruction given in 

powered parachute. 

g. Sport Pilot Examiner-Airship. The examiner 

candidate must meet the following requirements: 

(1) a sport pilot certificate with airship 

privileges or a private pilot certificate or higher with a 

lighter-than-air category rating and airship class rating. 

(2) a valid flight instructor certificate with 

airship privileges, or rating. 

(3) 200 hours as PIC in aircraft, which 

includes at least 100 hours in airships, of which 20 hours 

were accrued within the past year; 

(4) 100 hours as flight instructor in airships. 

2-4. EVALUATION OF COMPETENCY. An 

evaluation of competency as a sport pilot examiner and a 

letter of authorization (LOA) for category of light sport 

aircraft are required for initial authorization to conduct 

practical tests in these aircraft.

2-5. EXCEPTIONS. A recommendation for the 

designation of an examiner candidate who does not meet 

all of the appropriate requirements may be accepted and 

will be forwarded to the LSSB for consideration. The 

recommendation must include a statement of all special 

circumstances affecting the designation. The LSSB’s 

approval is required before any commitment is made or an 

authorization issued. 

2-6. PRACTICAL TEST. The practical test for initial 

examiner designations or issuance of additional 

designations must be conducted in accordance with the 

Sport Pilot Practical Test Standards (PTS). A complete 

pretest, preflight, and postflight briefing must be 

completed for any practical test. 

a. Practical Test Roles. Where the ASI plays the 

role of an applicant during a simulated practical test, the 

simulated practical test will be appropriate to the type of 

designation that the examiner candidate is seeking. 

(1) The ASI will evaluate the examiner 

candidate’s plan of action for completeness and 

efficiency. 

(2) The ASI will play the role of an applicant 

for an oral portion of the practical test. If the ASI answers 

a question incorrectly to test whether the examiner 

candidate recognizes an incorrect answer, the incorrect 

response must be obviously wrong. 

(3) The ASI will test the examiner candidate 

on selected maneuvers in order to assess the candidate’s 

flight proficiency and ability to evaluate an applicant in 

accordance to the sport pilot PTS. 

b. Scheduling. Since an examiner candidate’s 

hours may be incompatible with the FAA’s normal duty 

hours, the ASI will make every effort to be flexible when 

scheduling tests with examiner candidates. 

2-7. ADDITIONAL CATEGORY DESIGNATIONS. The examiner must hold a pilot certificate, 

without limitation appropriate to the additional 

designation sought. Additionally, the examiner must meet 

the appropriate flight experience required for initial 

designation of the sport pilot examining authority desired. 

a. Requirements. Each additional designation 

requires a demonstration of competency appropriate to the 

aircraft designation sought. 

(1) When a designation is added, the 

examiner will be issued a new FAA Form 8430-9, 

Certificate of Authority, showing all designations held. 

The examiner’s current designation number will be used. 

(2) At the time a new designation is added, 

the examiner’s existing designation(s) may be renewed. 
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 2 

Par 2-7 Page 2-5 

b. Test Criteria for Additional Category 

Designations. Although all required maneuvers and 

procedures from the appropriate PTS must be tested for an 

initial designation, testing on the same maneuvers and 

procedures for an additional designation does not need to 

be repeated if the new designation is to be added within 

12 months of the initial evaluation. 

c. Time Limitations on Additional 

Designations. If 12 months or more have elapsed since 

the examiner candidate was evaluated for a category 

designation, he or she must be tested on all maneuvers and 

procedures appropriate to the sport pilot examining 

authority desired in order to qualify for the additional 

designation. 

2-8. EXAMINER LETTERS OF AUTHORIZATION 

(LOAs). An examiner who is authorized to conduct 

practical tests in light sport aircraft will have each 

category of aircraft listed on his or her LOA. The LOA is 

valid only as long as the examiner’s FAA Form 8430-9 is 

current and expires when the examiner’s designation 

expires. 

2-9. thru 2-10. RESERVED 

SECTION 2. PROCEDURES 

2-11. PREREQUISITES AND COORDINATION 

REQUIREMENTS. 

a. Prerequisites. This task requires knowledge of 

the regulations, the ability to apply current FAA policies 

and procedures, the aeronautical knowledge required by 

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 

part 61 for the sport pilot certificate, and the technical 

qualifications and experience/eligibility requirements 

stated in section 1 of this chapter for the specific 

designation sought. 

b. Coordination. This task will require 

coordination with an ASI and may require coordination 

with the examiner candidate. 

2-12. REFERENCES, FORMS, AND JOB AIDS. 

a. References. 

(1) 14 CFR parts 1, 61, 91, and 183. 

(2) Sport Pilot PTS/Private Pilot WSC/PPC 

PTS. 

(3) Pertinent advisory circulars. 

(4) FAA-H-8083-9, FAA Aviation 

Instructor’s Handbook. 

b. Forms. 

(1) FAA Form 8710-12, Light-Sport 

Standardization Board – Designated Pilot Examiner 

Candidate Application.

(2) FAA Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate 

and/or Rating Application – Sport Pilot. 

(3) FAA Form 8430-9, Certificate of 

Authority.

(4) FAA Form 8000-5, Certificate of 

Designation. 

(5) FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman 

Certificate. 

(6) FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval 

of Application.

c. Job Aids. 

•Sample figures. 

2-13. PROCEDURES. Accomplish the following steps. 

a. Obtain and Complete Forms. FAA 

Form 8710-12 is available on the AFS-600 website 

http:afs600.faa.gov. Also, complete FAA Form 8710-11 

and attach a copy (front and back) of all applicable pilot, 

flight instructor, airman medical certificate, or valid U.S. 

driver’s license to this application, as well as any waiver 

authorizations or recommendations from any industry 

organizations you may have. 

b. Forward Form and Attachments. After 

completing FAA Form 8710-12, forward it and all 

attachments to: FAA, Light Sport Aviation Branch 

(AFS-610), ATTN: Light Sport Standardization Board; 

P.O. Box 25082; Oklahoma City, OK 73125. 
8710.7 10/14/04 

Chap 2 

Page 2-6 Par 2-13 

c. Complete Predesignation Knowledge 

Testing. The examiner candidate will be advised to take 

the Predesignation examiner Knowledge Test for the 

appropriate category of aircraft at any FAA computerized 

testing center when he or she meets the requirements for 

designation. Do not take the predesignation test until 

receiving a letter of acceptance from the LSSB. Retain 

a copy of the Predesignation Knowledge Test Report. 

d. Schedule to Attend an Initial Seminar. When 

notified by the LSSB of selection, the examiner candidate 

will schedule to attend the Initial Seminar. The practical 

test for the Sport Pilot Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) 

certificate or logbook endorsement (as required) will be 

administered during the first part of the Initial Seminar at 

the discretion of AFS-610. The examiner practical test 

will be administered during the last part of the Initial 

Seminar. 

(1) Complete FAA Form 8710-11. 

(2) During the examiner practical test, the ASI 

will place emphasis on the examiner candidate’s 

knowledge of the sport pilot practical test procedures. The 

test (knowledge and skill evaluation) will cover tasks 

selected by the ASI from the sport pilot PTS appropriate 

to the type of certification the examiner candidate will be 

authorized upon designation. Emphasis will be placed on 

the examiner candidate’s ability to use the techniques of 

critique and evaluation as outlined in FAA-H-8083-9, 

FAA Aviation Instructor’s Handbook. 

e. Pretest Activities. Present the following 

documents to the supervising ASI for review: 

(1) The examiner candidate’s airman 

certificates; 

(2) The examiner candidate’s current airman 

medical certificate and/or valid U.S. driver’s license, if 

required; 

(3) The examiner candidate’s FAA 

Form 8710-11; 

(4) The examiner candidate’s logbooks; 

f. Examiner Practical Test Briefings. The 

examiner candidate must conduct a pretest, preflight and 

postflight briefing in accordance with the Examiner Test 

Guide. (See chapter 5, figure 5-1.) 

g. Conduct Examiner Practical Tests with an 

ASI Acting as an Airman Applicant. Present to the ASI 

the documents for the aircraft to be used, including the 

aircraft maintenance records and logbooks, the 

airworthiness certificate, and the registration certificate. 

The ASI determines if the aircraft is airworthy and 

suitable for use during the practical test. After review, the 

documents are returned to the examiner candidate. 

(1) The ASI assumes the role of airman 

applicant and instructs the examiner candidate to conduct 

the test as if it were an actual test. 

(2) The examiner candidate must conduct the 

pretest, preflight and postflight briefings. 

(3) During the oral portion of the practical 

test, the ASI will determine: 

(a) whether the examiner candidate asks 

appropriate questions to test an airman applicant’s 

knowledge; 

(b) whether the examiner candidate asks 

questions that have only one correct answer; and 

(c) whether the examiner candidate can 

recognize incorrect answers and take appropriate action, 

(e.g., termination of the practical test and issuance of FAA 

Form 8060-5). 

(4) During the flight portion of the practical 

test, the ASI will determine: 

(a) whether the examiner candidate 

requests maneuvers from the appropriate PTS and applies 

the criteria from the PTS; and 

(b) whether the examiner candidate can 

recognize an airman applicant’s errors and take the 

appropriate action (e.g., termination of the test and 

issuance of FAA Form 8060-5). 

(5) The ASI will ask the examiner candidate if 

the airman applicant has passed or failed and to justify his 

or her decision. 

(a) If the ASI has deliberately not 

performed to the sport pilot standards, the examiner 

candidate must recognize this situation and so inform the 

ASI. 
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 2 

Par 2-13 Page 2-7 (and 2-8) 

(b) If the examiner candidate is 

successful, the ASI will direct the examiner candidate to 

complete an FAA Form 8060-4 or an FAA Form 8060-5, 

as appropriate, and the certification file. 

(c) The ASI ensures that the examiner 

candidate is aware of the correct procedures. 

h. Designation. At the completion of the Initial 

Seminar, AFS-610 issues the successful examiner 

candidate all appropriate materials, FAA Form 8000-5, 

Certificate of Designation, or FAA Form 8430-9, 

Certificate of Authority, if appropriate. This will establish 

the examiner anniversary date. The designation is given 

for 12-calendar months at which time, the examiner will 

need to apply for renewal as outlined in chapter 3. 

i. Training Expenses. The examiner is 

responsible for all costs relating to attending the Initial 

Seminar. 

j. Failure to Complete the Initial Seminar. If 

the examiner fails to satisfactorily complete the Initial 

Seminar, the examiner shall immediately return all 

examiner materials to AFS-610. However, if the failure to 

complete the Initial Seminar is beyond the examiner 

candidate’s control, AFS-610 may continue to work with 

the examiner candidate until that examiner candidate 

completes the Initial Seminar. 

2-14. TASK OUTCOMES. The successful completion 

of this task results in the initial designation as a sport pilot 

examiner. 

2-15. FUTURE ACTIVITIES. Future activities of the 

examiner may include all of the following items. 

a. Record keeping for all airman applicants that 

the examiner tests for airman certificates, ratings, or 

privileges. 

b. The examiner continues to satisfactorily 

perform certification activity. 

c. Application for renewal of designation not 

less than 60 days before the expiration date of the current 

designation. 

d. Participation in aviation safety programs and 

events. 

e. The addition of other examiner authorizations. 
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 3 

Par 3-1 Page 3-1 

CHAPTER 3. ACHIEVE RENEWAL/REINSTATEMENT 

SECTION 1. BACKGROUND 

3-1. OBJECTIVE. The objective of this task is to 

determine if a Sport Pilot Examiner (SPE)/Sport Pilot 

Flight Instructor Examiner (SFIE) meets the requirements 

for renewal or reinstatement and to complete the 

application process. Successful completion of the 

appropriate task results in the renewal or reinstatement of 

the examiner’s designation. 

3-2. GENERAL. An examiner designation may be 

renewed annually if the continuation of the designation is 

justified in order to provide service to the public or if the 

designation is in the FAA’s interest. 

a. Airman Medical Certificate/Valid U.S. 

Driver’s License. An examiner must hold a valid U.S. 

driver’s license or at least a third-class airman medical 

certificate for renewal and throughout the duration of the 

designation. 

b. Instructor Certificates and Aircraft 

Currency. A flight instructor certificate is required for 

initial designation and must be current for renewal and 

kept current for the duration of the designation. All 

examiners must meet the requirements of Title 14 of the 

Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61, 

sections 61.56 and 61.57, as applicable to the 

designation(s) being renewed. 

c. Failure to Meet Renewal Standards. If an 

examiner does not meet the renewal standards, the 

examiner must present a letter requesting his or her 

renewal, justifying his or her retention as an examiner, and 

outlining the special circumstances involved. The Light 

Sport Aviation Branch (AFS-610) manager has the 

authority to determine the final disposition of the 

examiner’s request. 

d. Application. The examiner must apply for 

renewal at least 60 days prior to the expiration of his or 

her current designation. For renewal of an examiner’s 

authority, the examiner must submit the following: 

(1) a letter from the examiner requesting 

renewal and the designation(s) the examiner is requesting 

to be renewed (see figure 3-1); 

(2) a copy of the examiner’s current pilot, 

flight instructor, and valid U.S. driver’s license and/or 

airman medical certificate; and 

(3) a record of the examiner’s practical testing 

activity for the preceding 12-calendar months. 

e. Annual Recurrent Sport Pilot Examiner 

Standardization Seminar (hereafter referred to as the 

Recurrent Seminar). Examiner recurrent standardization 

courses are scheduled and presented by AFS-610. Course 

dates and locations are published on the AFS-610 web site 

http://afs600.faa.gov. A sport pilot examiner designated 

by AFS-610, must attend a Recurrent Seminar provided 

by AFS-610. If an examiner misses the Recurrent Seminar 

given nearest the examiner’s home area, the examiner 

must successfully complete the missed Recurrent Seminar 

at another location within 3-calendar months. The 

examiner’s testing privileges will be suspended until the 

examiner satisfactorily completes the Recurrent Seminar. 

The examiner may go to any location where the Recurrent 

Seminar is given. 

(1) Anniversary Date. When an examiner is 

due for recurrent training, the examiner may complete the 

Recurrent Seminar 3-calendar months before or after the 

anniversary month and the Recurrent Seminar will be 

considered to have been completed in the anniversary 

month. When an examiner elects to complete Recurrent 

Seminar in the 3-calendar month period after the 

anniversary month, the examiner’s testing privileges will 

be suspended until the examiner satisfactorily completes 

the Recurrent Seminar. 

(2) Late Arrival. Normally, when an attendee 

arrives after a Recurrent Seminar has started, that person 

will not be permitted to attend the remainder of the 

Recurrent Seminar. However, if the Recurrent Seminar 

manager determines that the examiner has a legitimate 

reason for being tardy and if the examiner is not more than 

1 hour late, the Recurrent Seminar manager may permit 

the examiner to complete the Recurrent Seminar. After the 

Recurrent Seminar manager accepts a late arrival, the 

examiner must make up the missed instruction outside the 

normal Recurrent Seminar with the Recurrent Seminar 

instructors. Once this has been accomplished, the 

examiner will take the final examination with the 

Recurrent Seminar. 

(3) Course Failure. If an examiner fails the 

Recurrent Seminar, the examiner’s authorization will be 

rescinded. AFS-610 may, with the concurrence of 

AFS-600 division manager, permit the examiner to attend 
8710.7 10/14/04 

Chap 3 

Page 3-2 Par 3-2 

another Recurrent Seminar. In this event, the examiner 

will have 3-calendar months to successfully complete 

another Recurrent Seminar. Testing privileges will not be 

reinstated until the examiner satisfactorily completes the 

Recurrent Seminar. 

(4) Second Recurrent Seminar Failure. If 

attendance at a second Recurrent Seminar is permitted, 

failure of the second Recurrent Seminar will result in 

termination of the examiner’s authority and elimination 

from consideration for reinstatement for at least 

12-calendar months thereafter examiner who are 

eliminated from the program under these circumstances 

may reapply for designation after 12-calendar months and 

must meet all requirements necessary for initial 

designation. 

3-3. RENEWAL CRITERIA. In addition to the general 

requirements outlined in section 1, paragraph 3-2, 

examiners must meet the following specific criteria for 

annual renewal of examiner designations and 

authorizations. 

a. Recurrent Training. Examiners with 

certification authority must satisfactorily complete the 

Recurrent Seminar as addressed in paragraph 3-2.e. 

b. Certification Activity. Specific amounts of 

certification activity are required to show need for the 

renewal of individual designations and authorizations as 

addressed in paragraph 3-4. 

c. Reissuance of Letter of Authorization 

(LOA). An examiner’s LOA is valid only as long as the 

examiner’s FAA Form 8430-9, Certificate of Authority, is 

current. The examiner’s LOA and FAA Form 8430-9 

expire on the same date. The LOA and FAA Form 8430-9 

are reissued when the examiner’s designation is renewed. 

d. Practical Test. Examiners must demonstrate 

knowledge and skill appropriate to the designation and 

authorizations to be renewed by satisfactory completion of 

an annual practical test. 

3-4. ACTIVITY REQUIRED FOR RENEWAL. The 

examiner activity requirements are listed below. An 

examiner who does not meet the activity requirements 

must request a waiver from the AFS-610 manager. The 

examiner has conducted during the previous 12-calendar 

months: 

a. Ten certification tests in airplanes, weight shift 

control, powered parachute, or 

b. Five certification tests in gyroplane, airship, or 

balloon. 

3-5. REISSUANCE OF LETTERS OF AUTHORIZATION (LOAs). Examiners who are authorized to 

conduct practical tests in light sport aircraft are reissued 

an LOA listing the category of aircraft authorized. The 

authorizations conferred by the LOA must be renewed 

annually by a demonstration of competency in each make 

and model of light sport aircraft within the same set of 

aircraft in which the examiner is authorized to conduct 

tests. At the discretion of the supervising ASI, examiners 

that are authorized for multiple groups of aircraft should 

rotate the groups at each reissuance. 

3-6. DESIGNATED PILOT EXAMINERS. The 

supervising Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) 

renews examiners who have additional privileges in light 

sport aircraft categories. The FSDO may request support 

for the annual practical test, if required. 

3-7. PRACTICAL TEST FOR RENEWAL. The 

practical test is normally administered at the end of the 

annual recurrent training course given by AFS-610. At the 

discretion of AFS-610, a practical test of the examiner, 

appropriate to the designations held, satisfactorily 

completed within 3-calendar months before or after the 

renewal of the designation, may be used to satisfy this 

requirement. However, when an examiner elects to 

complete the practical test in the 3-calendar month period 

after the anniversary month, the examiner’s testing 

privileges will be suspended until the examiner 

satisfactorily completes the test. 

3-8. NONRENEWAL. The FAA may elect to not renew 

an examiner designation. If nonrenewal is based on any 

reasons other than lack of activity or the examiner’s 

inability to meet standards, AFS-610 will follow the 

procedures outlined in chapter 1, section 3, 

paragraphs 1-20 and 1-21. 

3-9. REINSTATEMENT. A former examiner whose 

authority has expired, and whose examiner privileges were 

not revoked as a result of enforcement or legal action, 

may apply for reinstatement to the AFS-610 manager 

without applying to the Light Sport Standardization Board 

(LSSB). To qualify for the 
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 3 

Par 3-9 Page 3-3 

reissuance of an LOA, a reinstated examiner must 

demonstrate competency in the appropriate category of 

light sport aircraft. 

3-10. thru 3-12. RESERVED 

SECTION 2. PROCEDURES 

3-13. PREREQUISITES AND COORDINATION 

REQUIREMENTS. 

a. Prerequisites. This task requires a current or 

former examiner to attend an annual Recurrent Seminar 

and pass a practical test. The examiner must possess a 

valid U.S. driver’s license and/or a valid airman medical 

certificate, accomplish at least the minimum acceptable 

pertinent examiner activity level, and have current aircraft 

qualification appropriate to the designation being renewed 

or reinstated. 

b. Coordination. This task requires coordination 

with an operations ASI. 

3-14. REFERENCES, FORMS, AND JOB AIDS. 

a. References. 

(1) Title 14 CFR parts 61, 91, and 183. 

(2) Sport Pilot Practical Test Standards 

(PTS). 

b. Forms. 

(1) FAA Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate 

and/or Rating Application – Sport Pilot. 

(2) FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman 

Certificate. 

(3) FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval 

of Application.

c. Job Aids. 

•None 

3-15. PROCEDURES. 

a. Renew a Current Designation. An examiner 

must accomplish renewal annually. 

(1) Apply for renewal not less than 60 days 

before the expiration of the examiner’s current 

designation. 

(2) Submit a letter from the examiner 

requesting renewal and the designation(s) the examiner is 

requesting to be renewed (see figure 3-1); 

(3) Submit a copy of the examiner’s current 

pilot, flight instructor, and valid U.S. driver’s license 

and/or airman medical certificate; 

(4) Submit a record of the examiner’s 

practical testing activity for the preceding 12-calendar 

months; 

(5) Attend an annual Recurrent on Seminar 

within 3-calendar months before or after the anniversary 

month. 

(6) Provide AFS-610 with a list of the 

examiner’s testing activities for the previous 12-calendar 

months; and 

(7) Schedule and complete a practical test in 

accordance with the procedures that are outlined in 

chapter 2, section 2, paragraphs 2-13 through 2-15, as 

applicable. 

b. Reinstate an Expired SPE/SFIE Examiner 

Designation. Contact AFS-610 to determine whether 

there is a need for designation. 

(1) If the AFS-610 manager confirms there is 

a need for the former examiner’s services that justifies 

reinstatement, that former examiner must complete FAA 

Form 8710-12, Light-Sport Standardization 

Board -- Designated Pilot Examiner Candidate 

Application (available at: http:afs600.faa.gov), and submit 

it to the AFS-610 manager. 

NOTE: Do not send the application to the 

LSSB. 

(2) Proceed with the reinstatement process by 

completing the applicable procedures for initial 

designation in accordance with the applicable 

requirements contained in chapter 2, section 2. 

3-16. TASK OUTCOMES. The successful completion 

of this task results in the reissuance of that examiner’s 

designation and LOAs, as appropriate. 
8710.7 10/14/04 

Chap 3 

Page 3-4 Par 3-17 

3-17. FUTURE ACTIVITIES. Future activities by the 

renewed or reinstated examiner may include the following 

items. 

a. Record keeping for all applicants that the 

examiner tests for airman certificates, ratings, or 

privileges. 

b. The examiner continues to satisfactorily 

perform certification activity. 

c. Application for renewal of designation not 

less than 60 days before the expiration date of the current 

designation. 

d. Participation in aviation safety programs and 

events. 

e. The addition of other examiner authorizations. 
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 3 

Par 3-17 Page 3-5 (and 3-6) 

FIGURE 3-1. SAMPLE OF A RENEWAL LETTER 

[DATE] 

FAA 

ATTN: Light Sport Aviation Branch (AFS-610) 

P.O. Box 25082 

Oklahoma City, OK 73125 

To Whom It May Concern: 

 I am requesting the renewal of my Designated Sport Pilot Examiner authorization (SP-01-05) for the following 

authorization: 

 Sport Pilot Certification 

 Powered Parachute 

 Weight Shift Control 

Sincerely, 

Larry W. Clymer 

5354 Sooner Blvd 

Farmington, NM 55512 

(505) 555-1212 

Enclosures: 

1. A copy of my current Pilot Certificate. 

2. A copy of my Flight Instructor Certificate. 

3. A copy of my valid U.S. driver’s license and/or my current Airmen Medical Certificate. 

4. A copy of my record of practical testing activity for the preceding 12-calendar months. 
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 4 

Par 4-1 Page 4-1 

CHAPTER 4. COMPLETE INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS 

SECTION 1. BACKGROUND 

4-1. OBJECTIVE. The objective of this task is to 

demonstrate that the Sport Pilot Examiner (SPE)/Sport 

Pilot Flight Instructor Examiner (SFIE) continues to meet 

the requirements for original designation and is 

conducting airmen certification duties as authorized. 

Successful completion of this task results in the 

continuation of the examiner’s designation. 

4-2. GENERAL. All examiners must be inspected at 

least once a year for renewal. Inspections must include at 

least one visit every year by a Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA) Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI). 

a. Requirement for Performing Inspections of 

Examiners. In addition to the annual inspections, the 

following circumstances may cause the need for further 

inspections of an examiner during the year. An additional 

inspection should involve observation of the examiner 

administering at least one complete practical test to 

satisfactorily accomplish this additional inspection. 

(1) High activity examiners (e.g., an examiner 

who conducts at least 50 practical tests in a given quarter); 

(2) An examiner’s practical test passing rate 

exceeds 90 percent; 

(3) An examiner’s certification file errors 

exceeds 5 files or more within the preceding 12-calendar 

months; 

(4) An examiner is the subject of a valid 

public complaint; or 

(5) An examiner is involved in an accident, 

incident, or violation of the regulations. 

b. Re-evaluation of Examiners, As Needed. An 

examiner may be tested at any time the Light Sport 

Aviation Branch (AFS-610) deems an examiner’s 

performance indicates that further inspections are needed. 

4-3. METHOD OF EVALUATION. In order of 

preference, an ASI may use any of the following methods 

to evaluate an examiner. 

a. Two Part Testing. The ASI observing the 

examiner conducting the oral part of the practical test with 

an actual applicant, then at a later time complete the 

examiner’s evaluation by acting as a applicant for the 

practical test. 

b. Act as an Applicant. The ASI acts as the 

applicant for a practical test. 

c. Test on Selected Maneuvers. The ASI tests the 

examiner on selected maneuvers to assess the examiner’s 

flight proficiency and ability to evaluate in accordance 

with the Practical Test Standards (PTS). 

4-4. TESTING PROCEDURES. The testing procedures 

used to conduct the examiner evaluation will be in 

accordance with the procedures described for initial 

designation in chapter 2. 

a. Unsatisfactory Performance. If an inspection 

indicates a deficiency in the technique, standards, or 

judgment of the examiner, AFS-610 will develop an 

appropriate training program to correct the deficiency. 

The examiner’s testing privileges must be suspended until 

the examiner accomplishes a satisfactory inspection. 

b. Cancellation of Authority. If an examiner’s 

performance is unsatisfactory to the extent that additional 

training is unsuccessful or is inappropriate, AFS-610 shall 

initiate action to cancel the examiner’s authority. 

c. Lack of Qualification or Competency. If the 

ASI has reason to believe the examiner may not be 

qualified and/or competent to exercise the privileges of 

the examiner’s pilot/flight instructor certificates, ratings, 

or privileges, AFS-610 shall initiate proceedings to 

re-examine the examiner under the provisions of Title 49 

of the United States Code (49 U.S.C.) section 44709. 

d. Recordkeeping. AFS-610 retains reports of 

examiner inspections. 

4-5. thru 4-6. RESERVED 
8710.7 10/14/04 

Chap 4 

Page 4-2 Par 4-7 

SECTION 2. PROCEDURES 

4-7. PREREQUISITES AND COORDINATION 

REQUIREMENTS. 

a. Prerequisites. This task requires knowledge of 

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) 

part 61 and 14 CFR part 91, the ability to apply current 

FAA policies and procedures, and the knowledge and skill 

to conduct airman testing in accordance with the 

applicable regulations and PTS. 

b. Coordination. This task will require 

coordination with the supervising ASI and may require 

coordination with a test applicant. 

4-8. REFERENCES, FORMS, AND JOB AIDS. 

a. References. 

(1) 14 CFR parts 1, 61, and 91. 

(2) Sport Pilot PTS. 

b. Forms. 

(1) FAA Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate and/or 

Rating Application – Sport Pilot. 

(2) FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman 

Certificate. 

(3) FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval of 

Application.

c. Job Aids. 

•None 

4-9. PROCEDURES. The examiner coordinates with the 

supervising ASI to schedule the inspection. If the 

inspection will include the observation of the examiner 

conducting the oral part of the practical test with an actual 

applicant, the examiner schedules the appointment at a 

time agreeable to the applicant. The ASI will make every 

effort to adjust his or her schedule accordingly. The flight 

part of the practical test will be conducted with the ASI 

acting as the applicant. Further steps in the inspection 

should be completed in accordance with the procedures 

described for initial designation in chapter 2. 

4-10. TASK OUTCOMES. The successful completion 

of this task results in the notation of a satisfactory 

inspection in the examiner’s file and the continuation of 

the examiner’s designation. Unsatisfactory performance 

may result in additional examiner training, another 

inspection, suspension of testing privileges, and/or 

possible cancellation of the examiner’s authority. 

Unsuccessful performance could possibly result in 

re-examination or an enforcement investigation. 

4-11. FUTURE ACTIVITIES. Future activities by the 

examiner may include the following items. 

a. Record keeping for all applicants that the 

examiner tests for sport pilot certificates. 

b. The examiner continues to satisfactorily 

perform certification activity. 

c. Participation in aviation safety programs and 

events. 

d. The addition of other examiner authorizations. 

e. Application for designation renewal before 

the annual expiration date. 

f. Accomplishment of other inspections. 
10/14/04 8710.7

Chap 5

Par 5-1 Page 5-1

CHAPTER 5. CONDUCT PRACTICAL TEST/CERTIFICATION FUNCTIONS

SECTION 1. BACKGROUND

5-1. OBJECTIVE. The objective of this task is to perform 

procedures applicable to all sport pilot certification tests 

and functions. This chapter provides guidance pertinent 

to any sport pilot certification function that requires the 

applicant to complete FAA Form 8710-11, Airman 

Certificate and/or Rating Application - Sport Pilot. 

Successful completion of this task results in correctly 

completed certification files and the appropriate exercise of 

the examiner’s authority.

5-2. GENERAL. Examiners must conduct the practical test 

using a written plan of action developed from the Examiner 

Test Guide (see figure 5-1) and the Sport Pilot Practical 

Test Standard (PTS). The examiner must conduct the 

practical test in accordance with, the appropriate 

regulations, PTS, operating limitations of the light sport 

aircraft, and procedures prescribed in the light sport 

aircraft flight manual. The examiners must not use, or 

request that the applicant use procedures contrary to 

those specified by the aircraft flight manual. Under no 

circumstances may an examiner intentionally allow an 

applicant to violate a regulation, fail to comply with an air 

traffic control (ATC) clearance, or create a potentially 

hazardous situation. Practical tests not conducted in 

accordance with the applicable PTS, regulations, and safe 

operating practices may be invalid and may be grounds for 

termination of the examiner’s designation. If an examiner 

becomes aware of a procedure in any aircraft flight manual 

that is potentially hazardous or contrary to FAA policies, 

the examiner should notify the Light Sport Aviation 

Branch (AFS-610).

a. Personal Prejudices. An examiner must not 

allow personal prejudices to interfere with the objective 

evaluation of an applicant. If a personality conflict or 

disagreement develops between the examiner and the 

applicant prior to any unsatisfactory performance by the 

applicant, the examiner or the applicant must discontinue 

the practical test. In this case, the examiner issues a letter 

of discontinuance.

b. Appointments. An examiner is expected to honor 

appointments unless special circumstances warrant 

cancellation or postponement. If the cancellation or 

postponement is at the examiner’s request, it is the 

examiner’s responsibility to reschedule the practical test. If 

an examiner cancels a practical test without rescheduling, 

the examiner should recommend another 

examiner. The AFS-600 website will have a list names of 

other examiners from which the applicant can choose.

c. Test Environment. The examiner must conduct 

the oral portion of the practical test in a private area free 

from distractions. The examiner must give the applicant 

undivided attention during the test and ensure that any 

discussion of test results with the applicant is in private, 

unless, by mutual agreement, a person other that the 

applicant (such as the applicant’s flight instructor) is 

present.

d. English Language Skill Standards. The 

examiner must comply with Advisory Circular (AC) 60-28, 

English Language Skill Standards Required by 14 CFR 

Parts 61, 63, and 65, for ensuring that applicants meet 

regulatory requirements. If the applicant is unable to read, 

speak, write, and understand the English language, the 

examiner must terminate the practical test and refer the 

applicant to the nearest Flight Standards District Office 

(FSDO).

5-3. TESTING APPLICANTS TRAINED BY THE 

EXAMINER. The examiner who trains an applicant for a 

certificate, rating or privilege may only test that applicant 

if another instructor has given the applicant at least 

3 hours of flight instruction in preparation for the practical 

test and is the recommending instructor.

5-4. EXAMINER LIMITATIONS.

a. Alter/Amend Certificate. An examiner must not 

alter or amend any sport pilot or flight instructor 

certificate.

b. Authorized Aircraft. An examiner must not 

conduct a practical test in any aircraft for which the 

examiner does not hold a category/class privilege. The 

examiner must also have at least 5 hours as 

pilot-in-command (PIC) in each make and model of light 

sport aircraft within the same set of aircraft in which the 

examiner is authorized to conduct tests.

c. English Language Requirement. An examiner is 

not authorized to issue an airman certificate with the 

limitations, “Not Valid For Flights Requiring The Use Of 

English.”
8710.7 10/14/04

Chap 5

Page 5-2 Par 5-5

5-5. STATUS OF EXAMINERS DURING PRACTICAL 

TESTS. An examiner conducts a practical test to observe 

and evaluate an applicant’s ability to perform the 

procedures and maneuvers required for the sport pilot 

certificate. The examiner is not PIC of the aircraft during a 

practical test unless the examiner agrees to act in that 

capacity by prior arrangement with the applicant. The 

FAA strongly recommends that an examiner not agree to 

act as PIC of a flight during a practical test.

a. Advice and Help. Except to ensure safety of 

flight, an examiner must not give the applicant advice or 

assistance. If advice or assistance has to be given, the 

applicant will be issued FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of 

Disapproval of Application. However, it is acceptable for 

an examiner to give assistance not caused by the 

applicant’s performance. For example, the examiner 

controls the aircraft to avoid conflicting traffic that the 

applicant could not have seen. Providing advice or

assistance does not change the status of the examiner in 

regard to PIC responsibility. The examiner should discuss 

this issue with the applicant as part of the preflight 

briefing.

b. Physical Location of the Examiner During a 

Practical Test. An examiner must accompany the 

applicant in the aircraft during all practical tests in 

accordance with Title 14 of the Code of Federal 

Regulations (14 CFR) part 61, section 61.45(b)(1)(iii) unless 

the aircraft only has one seat. If the applicant presents a 

single-seat aircraft, the examiner can proceed with the 

practical test. The pilot will have a limitation placed on his 

or her sport pilot certificate, which limits operation to a 

single-seat light sport aircraft, he or she will not be 

authorized to carry passengers. The examiner must refer to 

the appropriate PTS to ensure the required maneuvers are 

performed for single pilot aircraft.

5-6. AIRCRAFT USED FOR PRACTICAL TESTS. An 

applicant for an airman certificate must furnish a light 

sport aircraft in safe condition for flight appropriate for the 

certificate sought.

a. Experimental Aircraft. An applicant may 

request a practical test in an experimental aircraft. The 

aircraft may be certificated as amateur-built or experimental 

light sport. A DPE may conduct a practical test in such 

experimental aircraft provided that following conditions 

are met:

(1) The examiner is willing to conduct the test;

(2) The applicant is not prohibited from 

accomplishing the required tasks by the operating 

limitations issued for the experimental aircraft; and

(3) The aircraft is capable of performing all 

tasks required by the test. If the experimental aircraft is not 

capable of performing all required tasks, another aircraft 

must be provided for those tasks that cannot be 

accomplished in the experimental aircraft.

b. Self-Launching Gliders. Aircraft that have been 

certificated as gliders with self-launching capability 

cannot be used for a practical test for an airplane category. 

There are no dual airplane/glider category designations. 

The examiner can determine the category of an aircraft by 

examining the aircraft airworthiness certificate or type 

certification data sheet.

c. Aircraft with a single-pilot station. In 

accordance with section 61.45(f), a practical test may be 

conducted in a light sport aircraft that has a single-pilot 

station with certain limitations. The practical test for a 

sport pilot certificate can be conducted from the ground 

by an examiner, provided the examiner agrees to conduct 

the single-seat aircraft practical test, is in a position to 

observe the operation of the aircraft, and evaluate the 

proficiency of the applicant. Finally, the examiner must 

ensure that the practical test is conducted in accordance 

with the Sport Pilot PTS for single-seat aircraft. Upon 

successful comp letion of the practical test, the following 

limitation will be placed on the sport pilot certificate: “NO 

PASSENGER CARRIAGE AND FLIGHT IN A 

SINGLE-PILOT STATION AIRCRAFT ONLY.” Only an 

examiner or an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) is 

authorized remove the limitation. This can be 

accomplished when the sport pilot takes a practical test in 

a two-place light sport aircraft and conducts additional 

tasks identified in the PTS. It can also be accomplished if 

the sport pilot completes the certification requirements for 

a higher certificate, rating, or privilege in a two-place 

aircraft. A sport pilot who is issued a certificate with a 

single-seat limitation must complete a flight review, as 

required by section 61.56. If the flight review will be 

accomplished in an aircraft, it must be in an aircraft with a 

minimum of two seats, in which the pilot is rated, and with 

an authorized instructor that is current and qualified to act 

as PIC.
10/14/04 8710.7

Chap 5

Par 5-7 Page 5-3

5-7. AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT. Except as provided by 

section 61.45(b)(2), an aircraft furnished for a practical test 

by an applicant must have the equipment required to 

accomplish each area of operation on the practical test.

a. Adequate Visibility. The aircraft must have pilot 

seats with adequate visibility for safe operation and for 

the examiner to evaluate the applicant’s performance.

b. Required Controls. An aircraft (other than 

lighter-than-air) must have engine power and flight 

controls that are easily reached and operable in a 

conventional manner by both pilots, as provided by 

section 61.45(c), unless the examiner determines the 

practical test can be conducted safely without them.

c. Aircraft with Single-Controls. At the discretion 

of the examiner, an aircraft furnished by the applicant may 

have a single set of controls under the provisions of 

section 61.45(e).

d. Aircraft Instruments. The aircraft must be 

capable of performing all TASKS required by the PTS. The 

PTS for altitude and/or airspeed requires the aircraft to 

have an altitude-indicating system and an 

airspeed-indicating system, as appropriate.

5-8. PRACTICAL TEST STRUCTURE. The practical test 

consists of a demonstration of aeronautical knowledge 

and skill. The two demonstrations are not intended to be 

separate tests. They should be conducted concurrently.

a. Number of Practical Tests Per Day. An 

examiner must not conduct more than two certification 

practical tests (e.g., initial issuance of a sport pilot 

certificate) in any 24-hour period, unless that examiner has 

received written permission from AFS-610. A practical test 

in this paragraph means a certificate action that is 

completed (e.g., FAA Form 8060-4, FAA Form8060-5, or 

letter of discontinuance issued).

b. Demonstration of Aeronautical Knowledge. The 

demonstration of aeronautical knowledge consists of a 

question and answer exchange between the examiner and 

the applicant. The knowledge, which should be tested, is 

identified in the Sport Pilot PTS and part 61. It is a required 

method that the oral portion of the practical test precedes 

the flight portion of the practical test.

(1) Trick questions are not permitted. The 

correct answers to all questions must be available in the 

regulations, aircraft flight manual, or other references 

listed in the applicable PTS.

(2) The examiner should maintain a relaxed 

atmosphere. The examiner must not give the applicant 

instruction during the practical test. If the applicant 

consistently gives incorrect, confused, or unrelated 

answers to the examiner’s questions, the examiner shall 

issue FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval.

c. Airman Knowledge Test Report. An examiner 

conducting a practical test must note the failed areas 

coded on the applicant’s knowledge test report to identify 

possible deficiencies, which may affect the applicant’s 

flight performance. Examiners should have a current copy 

of AC 60-25, Reference Materials and Subject Matter 

Knowledge Codes for Airman Knowledge Testing. The 

instructor must endorse the applicant’s logbook or 

training record attesting that the applicant has received 

the required training.

d. Testing More Than One Applicant at a Time.

Applicants must be tested individually and separately.

e. Demonstration of Aeronautical Skill. The 

demonstration of aeronautical skill is the flight portion of 

the practical test where the applicant demonstrates flight 

proficiency for the certificate.

(1) The PTS details the areas of operation and 

tasks required for the certificate. If the applicant does not 

meet the standards of performance of any task performed, 

the area of operation is failed and; therefore, the practical 

test is failed. The applicant is not eligible for the certificate 

until the failed area of operation and tasks are passed on a 

subsequent test.

(2) The examiner or the applicant may 

discontinue the test at any time when the failure of a task 

makes the applicant ineligible for the certificate, rating, or 

privileges sought. The examiner shall record the 

applicant’s unsatisfactory performance in terms of the 

AREA OF OPERATION and specific TASK(s) not meeting 

the standard appropriate to the practical test conducted. 

With the consent of the examiner, the applicant may elect 

to continue the test after failing a required task. The 

applicant must receive credit only for those areas of 

operations and tasks, which are satisfactorily completed.

f. Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) and 

Risk Management. The examiner shall evaluate the 

applicant’s ability throughout the practical test to use 
8710.7 10/14/04

Chap 5

Page 5-4 Par 5-8

good aeronautical decision-making procedures in order to 

evaluate risks. The examiner shall accomplish this 

requirement by developing scenarios that incorporate as 

many PTS TASKs as possible to evaluate the applicants 

risk management in making safe aeronautical decisions. 

For example, the examiner may develop a scenario that 

incorporates weather decisions and performance planning.

5-9. PRACTICAL TEST DISCONTINUANCE.

Environmental, mechanical, or personal situations can 

occur which could cause the test to be discontinued. In 

such cases, the examiner should assure the applicant that 

he or she has not failed the practical test and should 

attempt to reschedule the test as soon as possible. Some 

of the reasons for discontinuance of a practical test are 

weather, mechanical problems, or incapacitation of 

applicant or examiner after the test has begun.

a. Incomplete Practical Test. On the day of the 

practical test, if extenuating circumstances occur 

(e.g., environmental, mechanical, or personal situations, 

etc.), the examiner may elect, with the applicant’s 

concurrence, to begin the test anyway with the intention 

of completing the test at a later date. However, when the 

test is discontinued, the applicant must be issued a letter 

of discontinuance.

b. Letter of Discontinuance. When a practical test 

is discontinued for reasons other than unsatisfactory 

performance, FAA Form 8710-11 and the knowledge test 

report should be returned to the applicant. At that time, 

the examiner signs and issues a letter of discontinuance 

identifying the portions of the practical test that the 

applicant successfully completed and should retain a copy 

of the letter of discontinuance. The examiner should 

explain to the applicant that the letter of discontinuance 

does not extend the expiration dates on the knowledge 

tests or endorsements. (See figure 5-2.)

(1) Within 60 days of the original date of 

application, the applicant may use the letter to show an 

examiner which portion of the practical test was 

successfully completed. The letter of discontinuance must 

be included in the applicant’s certification file when mailed 

to AFS-610. If using IACRA, this form will be printed 

automatically and does not need to be mailed.

(2) When more than 60 days have elapsed 

since the original date of application, the examiner must 

test the applicant on all areas of operation required for that 

certificate.

c. Examiner Authority to Re-examine. Whenever 

the examiner has reason to doubt the applicant's 

competence in areas for which the applicant received 

credit during a previous practical test, the examiner must 

re-examine the applicant on all areas of operation required 

for that certificate.

5-10. REPEATING MANEUVERS ON PRACTICAL 

TESTS. A maneuver that is not performed to the required 

standards during a practical test must not be repeated 

unless one of the following conditions applies.

a. Discontinuance of the Maneuver. A maneuver 

may be discontinued for a valid safety reason (e.g., an 

approach to a landing is aborted and the applicant 

executes a go-around or other procedure to modify the 

originally planned maneuver).

b. Collision Avoidance. The performance of a 

maneuver may be interrupted due to the applicant’s action 

to avoid other traffic or the examiner’s intervention on the 

flight controls to avoid another aircraft that the applicant 

could not have seen.

c. Misunderstood Requests. A legitimate 

misunderstanding may occur between the applicant and 

the examiner when an applicant does not understand the 

examiner’s request. However, the applicant’s failure to 

understand how to perform the maneuver being requested 

is not grounds for repeating a maneuver.

d. Other Factors. A condition, which distracts the 

examiner so that he or she cannot adequately observe the 

applicant’s performance of the maneuver, such as 

conflicting traffic or ATC instructions, may occur. If in 

doubt, continue testing.

5-11. PRACTICAL TEST BRIEFINGS. The examiner 

must conduct a pretest, preflight and postflight briefing in 

accordance with the Examiner Test Guide (see figure 5-1). 

These briefings must be accomplished regardless of the 

experience and abilities of the participants. The preflight 

briefing must include a discussion of the methods to be 

used to simulate an engine failure for the test. The 

manufacturer’s recommendations must be discussed and 

used.

a. Pilot-in-Command. During the preflight briefing, 

the examiner must ensure that the applicant understands 

that he or she will be evaluated on his or her ability to 

exercise PIC authority.
10/14/04 8710.7

Chap 5

Par 5-11 Page 5-5

b. Performance Criteria. The pretest briefing 

must include a discussion of the applicable parts of the 

Sport Pilot PTS, which the examiner will use to determine 

satisfactory performance.

c. Repetition of Maneuvers. The preflight briefing 

must also include a discussion of the circumstances under 

which a maneuver may be repeated on the test.

d. ADM and Risk Management. During the 

preflight briefing, the examiner must ensure that the 

applicant understands that he or she will be evaluated on 

his or her ability to apply ADM and risk management.

5-12. RETEST IN EVENT OF FAILURE. An applicant 

who fails a practical test may apply for retesting after 

receiving the necessary training from an authorized 

instructor. The applicant must present a logbook or 

training record endorsement by an authorized instructor 

who has given the applicant the necessary additional 

training. The authorized instructor must complete the 

“Instructor’s Recommendation” block on FAA 

Form8710-11, which indicates that the authorized 

instructor has determined the applicant is proficient to 

pass the test. These requirements apply to all retesting 

after failure.

5-13. ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS DURING 

PRACTICAL TESTS. If an accident or incident occurs 

during a practical test, the examiner should ensure that the 

PIC follows the prescribed procedures for reporting the 

occurrence. The safeguarding of lives and property is the 

highest priority. If an accident or incident occurs, the 

examiner must notify the local FSDO and AFS-610 as soon 

as possible.

5-14. PRACTICAL TEST STANDARDS. The regulations 

specify the areas in which an applicant must demonstrate 

knowledge and skill before a certificate can be issued. The 

PTS contains the specific tasks in which knowledge and 

skill must be demonstrated.

a. Practical Test Correlation to Part 61. The 

areas of operation and tasks contained in the PTS 

encompass the areas of operation specified by part 61 for 

a sport pilot certificate. The flight proficiency required by 

the regulations is stated in terms of areas of operation. 

The specific tasks used to ensure competence in the 

required areas of operation are detailed in the Sport Pilot 

PTS.

b. Public Availability. The public may obtain 

copies of the Sport Pilot PTS from the U.S. Government 

Printing Office, Internet: http://afs600.faa.gov, or from 

several of the many commercial vendors that sell the PTS 

to the public.

c. PTS Introduction. The introductory section of 

the PTS gives detailed instructions on the use of the PTS 

for conducting a practical test.

(1) The Sport Pilot PTS are arranged in three 

different books. The Airplane, Glider, and Gyroplane are in 

FAA-S-8081-29. The Airship and Balloon are in 

FAA-S-8081-30. The Weight and Shift Control and 

Powered Parachutes are in FAA-S-8081-31. Each PTS is 

divided into three sections. Section 1 is Sport Pilot 

General, this is the introduction to the PTS. Section 2 is 

the maneuvers for each category of aircraft that are 

required for the test. Section 3 is for the sport pilot 

instructor requirements.

(2) The oral portion of the practical test must 

be accomplished and satisfactorily completed prior to the 

flight portion of the practical test.

(3) Practical tests must be conducted in 

accordance with part 61 and the Sport Pilot PTS.

(4) The examiner must not allow the conduct 

of successive practical tests to degenerate into a 

predictable pattern that can be recognized by applicants or 

instructors.

(5) Evaluation of an applicant’s performance 

must be based on the applicant’s ability to satisfactorily 

meet the objectives of each required task.

5-15. PREREQUISITES FOR PRACTICAL TESTS. To 

be eligible for a practical test, an applicant must meet all 

requirements of part 61 applicable to the sport pilot 

certificate and comply with the following prerequisites.

a. Knowledge Test. Except as provided by 14 CFR 

part 61 section 61.39(b), the applicant must have passed 

the required knowledge test within the 24-calendar months 

preceding the practical test. A sport pilot knowledge test

report must be presented to the examiner at the time of 

application for the practical test.

(1) The FAA has designated industry entities 

to give airman knowledge tests through computer testing. 
8710.7 10/14/04

Chap 5

Page 5-6 Par 5-15

These companies issue a computer test report to the 

applicant upon completion of the test (see figure 5-3). This 

report will have an embossed seal, similar to a notary 

public seal on it, which identifies the computer testing 

company. Examiners must accept this computer test report 

and ensure that the applicant’s name appears on the 

aeronautical knowledge test results and the embossed seal 

is legible. Duplicate copies of the report are not 

acceptable.

b. Airman Medical Certificate. If any portion of 

the practical test is being performed in an aircraft, an 

applicant for sport pilot, or instructor certificate must hold 

at least a third-class airman medical certificate or a valid 

U.S. driver’s license to be a PIC for a practical test.

c. Demonstrated Ability. If an examiner accepts an 

application from an airman who has an FAA Form 8500-15, 

Statement of Demonstrated Ability, the examiner must 

verify the appropriate limitations relating to FAA 

Form8500-15 with the FSDO or AFS-610. Any appropriate 

limitations relating to operational privileges must be 

placed on any airman certificate issued.

d. Complete FAA Form8710-11. The applicant 

must complete FAA Form 8710-11. The applicant must 

complete Section III, Record of Pilot Time. Per 

section 61.39(a)(7), an applicant must have a completed 

and signed application that includes completion of 

Section III. As a special emphasis item, the examiner must 

review the applicant’s aeronautical experience recorded on 

the FAA Form 8710-11 and in the applicant’s 

logbook/training record to ensure compliance with the 

appropriate aeronautical experience requirements for the 

sport pilot certificate.

NOTE: This requirement includes persons who are 

applying for a flight instructor certificate, renewal, or 

reinstatement of a flight instructor certificate.

e. Airman Records/Logbooks. An applicant for a 

sport pilot certificate for which there are aeronautical 

training and experience requirements must present a 

reliable record to the examiner. This record must clearly 

show the accomplishment of those requirements. The 

examiner must verify that the applicant meets all eligibility 

and experience requirements for the sport pilot certificate.

(1) Where required by the rules in part 61, an 

authorized instructor’s endorsement is required in the 

applicant’s logbook or training record. The required 

aeronautical experience/flight training must have been 

logged within the preceding 60 days of the date of the 

application.

(2) An authorized instructor’s endorsement is 

required to show the training time accomplished for each 

session.

(3) If the applicant presents reconstructed 

records, from which the examiner cannot positively 

determine the applicant’s eligibility, the examiner should 

contact AFS-610 for guidance.

(4) After the practical test, the examiner shall 

sign an entry in the applicant’s records. That entry mu st 

show the type of test, the duration of the flight portion, 

the outcome of the test, and the examiner’s designation 

number.

5-16. VERIFICATION OF AN APPLICANT’S 

IDENTITY. The examiner must request positive 

identification from each applicant presenting FAA 

Form8710-11.

a. Deficiencies. The Drug Enforcement Assistance 

Act of 1988 identified the following deficiencies with 

regards to issuance of airman certificates:

(1) The use of fictitious names and addresses 

by applicants for certification.

(2) The use of stolen or fraudulent 

identification in applying for a sport pilot certificate.

(3) The use of a post office box or mail drop 

as a return address for the purpose of evading 

identification of the applicant’s address.

(4) The use of counterfeit or stolen airman 

certificates.

(5) The absence of information concerning 

physical characteristics of holders of airman certificates.

b. Applicant Identification Procedures. To ensure 

proper identification of pilot certificate applicants, and so 

that the FAA may address deficiencies specified in the 

Drug Enforcement Assistance Act, the FAA has 

implemented the following procedures for field offices and 

designated pilot examiners.
10/14/04 8710.7

Chap 5

Par 5-16 Page 5-7

(1) All applicants for airman certificates must 

apply in person and present positive identification at the 

time of application. Such identification must include an 

official photograph of the applicant, the applicant’s 

signature, and the applicant’s residential address, if 

different from the mailing address. This information may 

be presented in more than one form of identification.

(2) An examiner SHALL NOT accept a post 

office address on an airman certificate application unless 

the applicant resides on a rural route, a boat, or in some 

other location that requires the use of a post office box or

rural route number for an address. If this is the case, the 

applicant must disclose this information on a separate 

piece of paper and attest to the circumstances by 

signature.

(3) FAA Form 8710-11 provides a space for 

the examiner to record the type of identification submitted 

and its identifying number (e.g., Virginia Driver’s License 

number xxxx). In addition, the examiner should enter the 

applicant’s telephone number and e-mail address on the 

back page of the application. (If a driver’s license is used,

it must be a valid U.S. driver’s license.)

c. Acceptable Methods of Identification.

Acceptable methods of identification include, but are not 

limited to, driver’s licenses, government identification 

cards, passports, and other forms of identification that

meet the requirements of paragraph b.(1) above. (If a 

driver’s license is used, it must be a valid U.S. driver’s 

license.)

d. Alternative Methods of Identification. Some 

applicants may not possess suitable identification as 

described above. In the case of an applicant under age 21, 

the applicant’s parent or guardian may have to accompany 

the applicant and identify themselves as described above. 

The parent or guardian may then attest to the applicant’s 

identity. For all other applicants, the identification 

procedures employed must be such that the examiner can 

positively identify the applicant in a manner acceptable to 

the examiner. In such cases, the identification procedures 

employed must be disclosed by the examiner on the 

application or, if necessary, in a separate statement. 

Furthermore, if the applicant appears before a designated 

examiner, the examiner must obtain approval from AFS-610 

for the identification procedure employed. If necessary, 

applicants may need to apply in person at an FAA field 

office, complete the required identification procedures, 

and then obtain an authorization to appear before the 

examiner for the practical test.

5-17. ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE CONVICTION. FAA 

Form8710-11, blockZ, states, “Have you been convicted 

for violation of Federal or State statutes relating to 

narcotic drugs, marijuana, or depressant or stimulant 

drugs or substances?” The applicant must check “No” or 

“Yes,” as appropriate.

a. “No” Checked. If “No” is checked, the examiner 

conducts the practical test. If it is determined later that the 

applicant should have checked “Yes,” the FAA would 

take appropriate action.

b. “Yes” Checked. If the applicant checks “Yes,” 

the applicant must indicate the date of final conviction. 

The examiner must determine if the date of final conviction 

was more or less than 1 year from the date of application 

and proceed as follows:

(1) If the date of final conviction is more than 

1 year before the date of application and has been 

previously indicated, the applicant should indicate “No 

Change” in the block. The examiner must conduct the 

practical test and, if appropriate, issue the airman 

certificate as usual.

(2) If the date of final conviction is less than 

1 year before the date of application, the examiner must 

decline the application, take no certificate action, and does 

not test the applicant in accordance with the provisions of 

section 61.15(a)(1).

5-18. COMPLETION OF FAA FORM8710-11, AIRMAN 

CERTIFICATE AND/OR RATING APPLICATION –

SPORT PILOT. Any airman certification activity, which 

affects a sport pilot certificate, requires that the applicant 

requesting the action complete FAA Form 8710-11. The 

FAA’s Integrated Airmen Certificate and/or Rating 

Application (IACRA) system is authorized for use, and 

SHALL be used by ASIs and examiners for processing 

applications. For instructions on the use of IACRA, use 

the following internet site: http://acra.faa.gov/iacra/. When 

an examiner uses IACRA, nothing will be mailed in to 

AFS-610. The process is completely electronic. The 

examiner destroys the superseded certificate by punching 

a hold in the FAA symbol with a hole punch. If a letter of 

discontinuance is involved, IACRA will print it out, the 

examiner completes it and gives it to the applicant. The 

applicant presents the knowledge test to the examiner, the 

examiner then checks in IACRA to see if it is valid and 

attests that he or she has verified the test. IACRA creates 

a written test document directly from the written test data 

and sends that to the Airmen Certification Branch, 

AFS-760, with 
8710.7 10/14/04

Chap 5

Page 5-8 Par 5-18

the application and all other required 

electronically-generated documents. If extenuating 

circumstances does not allow the use of IACRA, contact 

AFS-610 and use paragraphs 5-18.a. and 5-19 to complete 

FAA Form 8710-11 and where to mail the certification file.

a. Instructions. Instructions for completing FAA 

Form8710-11 are included on a perforated preface 

attached to the form. Figure 5-4 contains a sample of a 

correctly completed FAA Form 8710-11. The Airmen 

Certification Branch (AFS-760) may accept an approved 

computer-generated or photo copied FAA Form 8710-11. 

The form should be printed or copied on both sides of a 

single sheet of paper. If printed or copied on two separate 

sheets of paper, the applicant’s name, date of birth, and 

certificate number must be printed on both pages. If a 

computer-generated form is used, it must have the same 

formatting, font, density, and size and must be identical to 

the FAA form in current use. The form cannot be altered 

by any print process or computer system. The software 

program must be identified as a commercial form bearing 

the name and address of the company.

b. Special Emphasis Items. Examiners should pay 

particular attention to the following items.

(1) An applicant must complete FAA 

Form8710-11 when applying for a sport pilot certificate.

(2) In Section I, Block B, the social security 

number (SSN) is optional. If the SSN is unavailable for 

FAA use, the applicant enters, “Do Not Use.” If the 

applicant does not have an SSN, the applicant enters, 

“None.” In either case, AFS-760 will issue a unique pilot 

certificate number that is not the applicant’s SSN; 

however, DO NOT LEAVE THIS AREA BLANK.

(3) In Section I, Block H, the applicant must 

indicate height in inches. No fractions of inches may be 

used. Foreign applicants must convert to U.S. 

measurements (1 inch = 2.54 centimeters; 

1 centimeter = .3937 inches).

(4) In Section I, Block I, the applicant must 

indicate weight in pounds. Fractions of a pound may be 

used. Foreign applicants must convert to U.S. 

measurements (1 pound = .4536 kilograms; 

1 kilogram= 2.20 pounds).

(5) In Section I, BlockZ, the applicant must 

check “Yes” or “No” in answer to the question regarding a 

conviction for violation of statutes relating to narcotic 

drugs or substances. If “Yes” is checked, the applicant 

must supply the date of final conviction. If the applicant 

has been charged, but not convicted, the applicant should 

check “No” in response to this question. (See section 1, 

paragraph 5-17.b.(2).)

(6) In accordance with 14 CFR 

section 61.39(a)(7), the applicant is required to accurately 

and fully complete Section III, Record of Pilot Time, on 

FAA Form 8710-11. The completion of Section III is 

required for all applications.

(a) In some instances, pen-and-ink 

changes in the top or bottom half of the boxes provided 

on FAA Form 8710-11 may be necessary in order to permit 

the applicant to enter the specific aeronautical experience 

required by the regulations. In other instances, it may be 

more appropriate to list the required aeronautical 

experience, certified by the applicant’s signature, on a 

separate sheet, which is then attached to the application.

(b) AFS-760 will accept FAA 

Form8710-11 with either a clearly legible pen-and-ink 

changes to the boxes on the form showing the required 

pilot aeronautical experience or with a legible attachment 

to the form, certified by the applicant’s signature, showing 

the required aeronautical experience.

(7) In the “Designated Examiner or Airman 

Certification Representative Report” section on the 

reverse side of FAA Form 8710-11, the examiner must 

certify, by checking the appropriate box, that the he or she 

has personally reviewed the applicant’s pilot logbook 

and/or training record and certifies that the individual 

meets the pertinent requirements of part 61 for the pilot 

certificate, rating, or privilege sought. The term “logbook” 

means any reliable record.

(a) At the conclusion of a sport pilot 

practical test, the examiner checks the box indicating that 

that he or she has personally tested and/or verified this 

applicant in accordance with the pertinent procedures and 

standards. The pertinent procedures and standards are 

those in the appropriate PTS.

(b) The examiner then checks the 

appropriate box to indicate approval or disapproval of the 

application.

(c) The examiner must complete all 

remaining applicable blocks in the “Designated Examiner 

or Airman Certification Representative Report” section 
10/14/04 8710.7

Chap 5

Par 5-18 Page 5-9

on the reverse side of FAA Form 8710-11. Under 

“Location of Test (Facility, City, State)” section, the term 

“facility” refers to the name of the airport from which the 

test originated or, the name of the town nearest to the test 

site.

(8) The examiner checks the appropriate boxes 

and enters the required information on each line for 

applicant identification in the “Attachments” section 

(reverse side of FAA Form 8710-11).

c. Change of Name. An examiner must compare the 

applicant’s name on FAA Form 8710-11 and the name on 

the applicant’s valid U.S. driver’s license. If the 

applicant’s name has changed since the valid U.S. driver’s 

license was issued, the examiner must not conduct the 

practical test until the name on the valid U.S. driver’s 

license has been corrected. After this is accomplished, the 

examiner may accept the airman’s FAA Form8710-11 for 

the practical test.

5-19. PREPARATION OF THE CERTIFICATION FILE.

The examiner conducting a certification practical test is 

responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the 

certification file. The examiner must not accept FAA 

Form8710-11 until he or she has determined that the 

applicant is eligible for the sport pilot certificate. A 

practical test begins when the examiner accepts the 

airman’s application. At the conclusion of the practical 

test, the examiner must complete the certification file, 

indicating approval or disapproval of the application, as 

appropriate.

a. Approved FAA Form8710-11. The examiner 

must approve FAA Form 8710-11 for a sport pilot 

certificate and issue FAA Form 8060-4 only after the 

examiner determines that:

(1) The applicant meets all the prerequisite 

eligibility requirements and has satisfactorily met the 

standards in the Sport Pilot PTS;

(2) The certification file is accurate and 

complete.

b. Disapproved Application. If the examiner 

disapproves an application, the examiner prepares FAA 

Form8060-5.

(1) A legible original of FAA Form 8060-5 is 

made a part of the certification file.

(2) The examiner ensures that the certification 

file is accurate and complete.

c. Disposition of File. The examiner must mail the 

completed certification file to AFS-610 not later than 

5-calendar days after the completion of the practical test.

5-20. REVIEW OF AN EXAMINER’S DECISION. An 

applicant who is not satisfied with an examiner’s decision 

may get another practical test or appropriate re-evaluation 

from an ASI without prejudice. In such cases, the 

applicant must be given the complete test, including any 

areas of operation already approved by the examiner. The 

applicant must prepare a new FAA Form 8710-11 and the 

ASI must complete a new certification file. Following the 

test, both the examiner’s and the ASI’s certification files 

are forwarded to AFS-760. The ASI’s report determines if a 

certificate is issued. The ASI should discuss the test 

results with the examiner.

5-21. ISSUANCE OF FAA FORM 8060-4, TEMPORARY 

AIRMAN CERTIFICATE (NOT USING IACRA). An 

examiner must issue an FAA Form 8060-4 each time the he 

or she issues or reissues a sport pilot certificate. (See 

figure 5-5.)

a. Preparation of FAA Form 8060-4. Information 

entered on FAA Form 8060-4 must match the information 

contained on the applicant’s FAA Form 8710-11. All 

entries made on FAA Form 8060-4 must be clear. It is 

preferable to use capital letters. FAA Form 8060-4 is 

scanned and a sharp, clear original is essential. FAA Form 

8060-4 is prepared in duplicate. examiners must legibly 

enter his or her pilot certificate number in the “Examiner’s 

Designation No. or Inspector’s Reg. No.” block on the 

original copy of FAA Form 8060-4 that is submitted to 

AFS-760. The typed original becomes part of the 

certification file, and the carbon copy is given to the 

applicant. If there are any entries that might be 

misunderstood, the examiner should write an explanation 

of the entries on a separate sheet of paper and attach it to 

the certification file.

b. Issuance of a Handwritten FAA Form8060-4. If 

an examiner in the field does not have access to a 

typewriter, he or she may issue a handwritten FAA 

Form8060-4 provided the he or she prints all necessary 

information legibly, in ink. The handwritten copy can be 

issued to the applicant, but a typed original, signed by the 

issuing examiner, must accompany the 
8710.7 10/14/04

Chap 5

Page 5-10 Par 5-21

certification file. The applicant must sign the handwritten 

FAA Form 8060-4.

c. Social Security Number. The Airmen 

Certification Branch (AFS-760) no longer assigns Social 

Security Numbers as the certificate number on original 

airmen certificates. AFS-760 will now assign a unique 

certificate number.

5-22. ISSUANCE OF FAA FORM 8060-5, NOTICE OF 

DISAPPROVAL OF APPLICATION (NOT USING 

IACRA). In case of the disapproval of a practical test, the 

examiner completes FAA Form8060-5. (See figure 5-6.)

a. Preparation of FAA Form 8060-5. If an 

examiner in the field does not have access to a typewriter, 

he or she may issue a handwritten FAA Form 8060-5 

provided the he or she prints all necessary information 

legibly, in ink. The handwritten copy can be issued to the 

applicant, but a typed original, signed by the issuing 

examiner, must accompany the certification file.

b. Unsatisfactorily Performed or Not Completed 

Areas of Operation. Tasks that were unsatisfactorily 

performed and those areas of operation not completed 

must be listed on FAA Form 8060-5.

(1) The number of practical test failures by the 

applicant for the certificate or rating sought must be 

placed on FAA Form 8060-5 (e.g., FIRST FAILURE, 

SECOND FAILURE, etc.).

(2) If an applicant fails the practical test 

because of deficiencies listed in 14 CFR part 61 

section 61.43(a) or a PTS special emphasis item, it must be 

tied to a specific task and must be noted on FAA 

Form8060-5.

c. Credit Given for Satisfactorily Completed 

Areas of Operation or Tasks. An applicant for retesting 

may receive credit for those areas of operation 

satisfactorily completed; however, an examiner may 

re-examine an applicant on any area of operation required 

for the certificate sought. If an examiner has reason to 

doubt an applicant’s competence in areas of operation for 

which the applicant received credit during a previous test 

or if more than 60 days have elapsed since the previous 

practical test, the examiner must re-examine the applicant 

on all areas of operation required for that certificate. If an 

applicant does not have his or her FAA Form 8060-5, he or 

she must take the entire practical test. The applicant may 

get a duplicate FAA Form 8060-5 from AFS-760 or the 

issuing examiner.

5-23. BLUE SEAL CERTIFICATES. Not available for 

Sport Pilot certificates.

5-24. LOGGING OF FLIGHT AS AN EXAMINER. Flight 

time accrued by an examiner conducting a test is 

considered other flight time. The time the examiner spends 

in conducting a flight test should not be included as 

“other commercial flying, time” for the purposes of the 

flight time limitations of 14 CFR part 121, 14 CFR part 125, 

or 14 CFR part 135.

5-25. thru 5-26. RESERVED

SECTION 2. PROCEDURES

5-27. PREREQUISITES AND COORDINATION 

REQUIREMENTS.

a. Prerequisites. This task requires current 

designation as an examiner, at least a third-class airman 

medical certificate, or a valid U.S. driver’s license, 

knowledge of part 61 and the Sport Pilot PTS.

b. Coordination. This task may require 

coordination with an operations ASI.

c. The FAA’s Integrated Airmen Certificate 

and/or Rating Application (IACRA) system is authorized 

for use, and SHALL be used by ASIs and examiners for 

processing applications. For instructions on 

the use of IACRA, use the following internet site: 

http://acra.faa.gov/iacra/. When an examiner uses IACRA, 

nothing will be mailed in to AFS-610. The process is 

completely electronic. The examiner destroys the 

superseded certificate by punching a hold in the FAA 

symbol with a hole punch. If a letter of discontinuance is 

involved, IACRA will print it out, the examiner completes it 

and gives it to the applicant. The applicant presents the 

knowledge test to the examiner, the examiner then checks 

in IACRA to see if it is valid and attests that he or she has 

verified the test. IACRA creates a written test document 

directly from the written test data and sends that to the 

Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760, with the application 

and all other required electronically-generated documents. 

If IACRA is
10/14/04 8710.7

Chap 5

Par 5-27 Page 5-11

unavailable, paragraphs 5-18.a. through 5-19 contain the 

procedures to complete the certification file and mailing it 

to AFS-610.

5-28. REFERENCES, FORMS, AND JOB AIDS.

a. References.

(1) 14 CFR part 61.

(2) Sport Pilot PTS.

b. Forms.

(1) FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman 

Certificate.

(2) FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval 

of Application.

(3) FAA Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate 

and/or Rating Application – Sport Pilot.

c. Job Aids.

?Sample figures

5-29. PROCEDURES.

a. Verify Applicant’s Identity. Inspect the 

applicant’s valid U.S. driver’s license. Compare the 

applicant’s valid U.S. driver’s license with the personal 

information on FAA Form 8710-11.

(1) Check the airman’s identification box and 

enter the form of identification, the number, and the 

expiration date (if an expiration date exists), on the 

appropriate lines of the attachments section on FAA 

Form8710-11. In addition, the examiner should enter the 

applicant’s telephone number and e-mail address on the 

back page of the application.

(2) An alternate mail delivery service address 

(commercial mailbox provider), flight school, airport office, 

etc., is not acceptable. A post office box or rural route 

number are not acceptable as permanent residence on an 

application unless there are unavoidable circumstances 

that require such an address. An applicant, residing on a 

rural route, in a boat, or mobile (recreational) vehicle, or in 

some other manner that requires the use of a post office 

box or rural route number for an address, must attest to the 

circumstances by signing a statement on a separate sheet 

of paper. The information 

provided must include sufficient details to ensure 

identification of the geographical location of the airman’s 

residence. If necessary to positively identify the place of 

residence, the applicant may be required to provide a 

hand-drawn map that clearly shows the location of the 

residence. When the residence is a boat or other mobile 

vehicle, the registration number, tag number, etc., and 

dock or park location must be provided.

(3) If an alternative method of identification 

must be used, disclose the procedures used on a separate 

sheet of paper, and attach the sheet to the certification file.

(4) If identity cannot be verified due to lack of 

acceptable documents, explain to the applicant what types 

of identification are acceptable. Advise the applicant to 

return with appropriate identification or direct the 

applicant to the local FSDO or AFS-610.

(5) If it appears that the applicant’s identity is 

different than that represented on FAA Form 8710-11 or 

that an attempt at falsification has been made, do not 

continue the process. Notify the local FSDO or AFS-610.

b. Inspect FAA Form8710-11. Check the 

applicant’s FAA Form 8710-11 for accuracy. Ensure that 

the applicant has completed the appropriate portions of 

the application correctly and signed and dated the form. 

(See Special Emphasis Items, section 1, paragraph 5-18.b., 

of this chapter.)

(1) Verify that the data presented corresponds 

to the applicant’s logbook and/or other records.

(2) If a sport pilot instructor endorsement is 

required for the certificate or rating sought, ensure that the 

flight instructor has printed his or her name and signed the 

“Instructor’s Recommendation” block (on the reverse side 

of FAA Form 8710-11) no more than 60 days before the 

application is submitted.

(3) Determine whether the applicant is eligible 

for the sport pilot certificate.

(4) If a discrepancy exists that cannot be 

immediately corrected, return the application to the 

applicant. Inform the applicant of the reasons for 

ineligibility and explain how the applicant may correct the 

discrepancies.

(5) After determining that the applicant is 

eligible and meets all prerequisites for the sport pilot 
8710.7 10/14/04

Chap 5

Page 5-12 Par 5-29

certificate, accept the application and conduct the 

practical test.

c. Issue Letter of Discontinuance. If the applicant 

discontinues the practical test for reasons other than 

unsatisfactory performance, prepare a letter of 

discontinuance. (See section 1, paragraph 5-19.)

(1) Include the date of the test and all 

pertinent applicant, aircraft, and practical test information. 

(See figure 5-2.)

(2) Note the reason for the discontinuance 

and add a brief explanation.

(3) List the areas of operation of the practical 

test that were successfully completed.

(4) State that the letter of discontinuance 

does not extend the expiration date of the knowledge test 

report.

(5) State that the applicant may use the letter 

of discontinuance to show portions of the test that have 

been completed satisfactorily if application is made within 

60 days from the date of the letter.

(6) State the date after which the entire 

practical test must be repeated.

(7) Return the application and all submitted 

documents to the applicant with the original copy of the 

letter of discontinuance.

(8) Retain one copy of the letter.

d. Issue FAA Form 8060-4. When the applicant 

has met all the requirements for the sport pilot certificate, 

issue FAA Form 8060-4.

(1) Prepare FAA Form 8060-4 making all 

entries in the appropriate blocks. Prepare a typed original 

and a typed duplicate or a hand written copy.

(2) Enter the word “PENDING” below line III 

of FAA Form 8060-4 as the certificate number. The FAA 

has begun renumbering all original FAA airman 

certificates.

(3) Enter the applicant’s name as it appears on 

the application on line IV. However, when no middle name 

(NMN) is used on the application, omit the acronym on 

FAA Form 8060-4.

(4) Enter the applicant’s address as it is 

shown on the application on line V of FAA Form 8060-4. If 

the applicant wants the permanent certificate mailed to a 

different address, have the applicant write a note showing 

the address to which the permanent certificate should be 

sent and attach the note to the file.

(5) Enter the date of applicant’s birth. Use an 

eight-digit number in the following order month, day, and 

year (e.g., mm-dd-yyyy).

(6) Enter the applicant’s height in inches 

rounded to the nearest inch.

(7) Enter the applicant’s weight in pounds 

rounded to the nearest pound.

(8) Enter the color of the applicant’s hair. Do 

not use abbreviations. Enter the color as black, red, brown, 

blond, or gray. If the applicant is bald, enter “bald.” If the 

applicant wears a wig or toupee, enter the color of hair 

under the wig or toupee.

(9) Enter the color of the applicant's eyes. Do 

not use abbreviations. Enter the color as blue, brown, 

black, hazel, green, or gray.

(10) Enter the applicant’s gender as “M” 

or “F.”

(11) If the applicant is a citizen of the United 

States, enter the applicant’s nationality as USA. If the 

applicant is a citizen of another country, enter the name of 

that country (e.g., Germany, not German).

(12) Enter “SPORT PILOT” for the pilot 

certificate or “FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR” for the instructor 

certificate below line IX.

(13) Leave line XII blank for the pilot 

certificate, or enter “SPORT PILOT” for the instructor 

certificate.

(14) Leave line XIII blank.

(15) Check the appropriate box to indicate 

whether this is an original issuance or a reissuance of this 

grade of certificate.

(16) Enter the date of the superseded airman 

certificate. This date is the date of issuance on the 

airman’s previous certificate. Use eight-digit numbers in 

the following order: month, day, year (e.g., mm-dd-yyyy).
10/14/04 8710.7

Chap 5

Par 5-29 Page 5-13

(17) Enter the date of issuance below line X in 

the same format as explained in subparagraph (16) above. 

The date of issuance is the date of completion of the 

practical test.

(18) Type the examiner’s name, leaving room 

for the examiner’s signature above the typewritten name.

(19) Enter the examiner’s pilot certificate 

number. If the examiner’s pilot certificate number is the 

same as the examiner’s SSN this number need only be 

shown on the typed original copy that is sent to AFS-760.

NOTE: If the applicant’s SSN is not included on 

an original FAA Form 8060-4, the FAA will 

assign a number.

(20) Enter the date the examiner’s designation 

expires. Use eight-digit numbers in the following order: 

month, day, year (e.g., mm-dd-yyyy).

(21) Ensure that all entered information is 

correct and corresponds to information on the application.

(22) Ask the applicant to verify that all data on 

the certificate is correct and sign the FAA Form 8060-4 on 

line VII in ink.

(23) Sign the FAA Form 8060-4 below line X in 

ink and give the applicant the duplicate copy.

(24) Give the applicant the typed duplicate or a 

hand written copy of the FAA Form 8060-4, and attach the 

typed original copy to the certification file.

e. Issue FAA Form 8060-5. When the applicant’s 

performance is unsatisfactory in the demonstration of 

knowledge and/or skill, inform the applicant of the reasons 

for the disapproval and issue FAA Form 8060-5.

(1) Prepare FAA Form 8060-5 making all 

entries in the indicated blocks. Prepare a typed original 

and a typed duplicate or a hand written copy.

(2) Enter the applicant’s name and address as 

they appear on the application.

(3) Indicate the certificate sought.

(4) Check the box marked “Practical” if there 

were unsatisfactory items on the test. Oral and flight 

blocks are not used.

(5) Enter the make and model of the aircraft 

used for the test.

(6) Enter the applicant’s PIC or solo, 

instrument, and dual flight times as recorded in the 

applicant’s logbook.

(7) Enter all areas of operation and tasks that 

were performed unsatisfactorily to include the specific 

tasks and those areas of operation not completed during 

the practical test. Enter the date the practical test was first 

discontinued, in accordance with 14 CFR § 61.43(f)(1) 

(emphasis on the start of “the 60-day period after the date 

the practical test was discontinued” provision). That date 

will be maintained on FAA Form 8060-5 for all subsequent 

discontinuances. For example, if an applicant fails the oral 

portion of the practical test, that date will be entered on 

FAA Form 8060-5 in the section noted as “Upon 

Reapplication You Will Be Reexamined On The Following” 

and will be maintained on the FAA Form 8060-5 for all 

subsequent discontinuances.

(8) Enter the number of practical test failures 

by the applicant for the certificate or rating sought.

(9) Enter the date of the practical test.

(10) Sign FAA Form 8060-5 in ink.

(11) Enter the examiner’s designation number.

(12) Give the applicant the typed duplicate or a 

hand written copy of FAA Form8060-5 and attach the 

typed original copy to the certification file.

f. Prepare Certification File. At the conclusion of 

the practical test, or if no practical test takes place, at the 

conclusion of the certification function, complete the 

certification file.

(1) Complete the “Designated Examiner or 

Airman Certification Representative Report” section on 

the reverse side of FAA Form 8710-11, entering the 

required information.

(a) Check the box indicating that the 

examiner has personally reviewed the applicant’s 

logbook/training record that certifies that the individual 

meets the pertinent requirements of part 61 for the pilot 

certificate, rating, or privilege sought. This box need not 

be checked for 14 CFR part 141 graduates, because these 

applicants hold a graduation certificate.
8710.7 10/14/04

Chap 5

Page 5-14 Par 5-29

(b) Check all other appropriate boxes and 

enter the required information in all applicable blocks in 

the “Designated Examiner or Airman Certification 

Representative Report” section on the reverse side of 

FAA Form 8710-11. Ensure that the ground, simulator, and 

flight times, as applicable, are noted.

(c) Enter the date of the practical test 

and sign the, “Designated Examiner or Airman 

Certification Representative Report” section on the 

reverse side of FAA Form 8710-11.

NOTE: This must be the date the practical 

test was concluded and must be the same 

date shown on FAA Form 8060-4 or FAA 

Form 8060-5.

(2) Verify that the airman identification 

information entered in the “Attachments” section is 

complete.

(3) Check all of the appropriate boxes in the 

attachments section and add the attachments to the 

completed FAA Form 8710-11.

(4) Mail the completed certification file to the 

AFS-610 no later than 5-calendar days after the completion 

of the practical test.

5-30. TASK OUTCOMES. Successful completion of this 

task results in standard application of general procedures 

for practical tests and certification functions. It also 

results in correct examiner processing of certification files 

and documents.

5-31. FUTURE ACTIVITIES. Future activities by the 

examiner may include the following items.

a. Recordkeeping for all applicants that the 

examiner tests for airman certificates.

b. The examiner continues to satisfactorily 

perform certification activity.

c. Application for renewal of designation not less 

than 60 days before the expiration date of the current 

designation.

d. Participation in aviation safety programs and 

events.

e. The addition of other examiner authorizations.

f. The examiner completes certification files.
10/14/04 8710.7

Chap 5

Par 5-31 Page 5-15

FIGURE 5-1. EXAMINER TEST GUIDE

Pilot Examiners should use the Examiner Test Guide and the appropriate Practical Test Standard(s) to organize their plan of 

action. This guide is not a substitute for a plan of action. You may modify this material to meet your specific needs. Pilot 

Examiners should ensure that they give three briefings to each applicant, Pretest, Preflight and Postflight.

APPOINTMENT

1. Applicant

a. Name _________________________

b. Telephone _________________________

2. Instructor

a. Name _________________________

b. Telephone numbers _________________________

3. Practical Test

a. Certificate, rating, or privilege sought _________________________

b. Retest (Yes/No) Yes – FAX copy

c. Aircraft make and model _________________________

d. Location of test - time and date _________________________

4. Required Documentation

a. Class of airman medical certificate or valid U.S. driver’s license (if applicable) _________________________

b. Valid knowledge test results (if applicable) _________________________

c. Aircraft - certificates, logbooks, and equipment _________________________

d. FAA Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application – Sport Pilot, completed and (if required) signed 

by instructor _________________________

e. Special considerations - drug convictions _________________________

f. Identification - Photo/signature I.D. _________________________

g. Flight time records and requirements _________________________

h. Required endorsements _________________________

5. Practical Test Standards (PTS)

a. Are you familiar with the PTS _________________________

b. PTS checklist of required equipment _________________________

6. Fee _________________________

PRACTICAL TEST FLIGHT PLANNING

1. Cross-country to be planned (if applicable) _________________________

2. Weight-and-balance computations _________________________

3. Aircraft performance computations _________________________

4. Flight planning facilities/FSS telephone numbers _________________________
8710.7 10/14/04

Chap 5

Page 5-16 Par 5-31

FIGURE 5-1. EXAMINER TEST GUIDE (CONTINUED)

DPE - AM I PREPARED? _________________________

SET THE ENVIRONMENT

1. Be on time

2. Physical testing environment

a. Ensure privacy

b. Eliminate possible interruptions

c. Have calls held, etc.

3. Psychological testing environment

a. Show genuine interest in the applicant

b. Be polite, courteous, receptive

c. Manage your prejudices

d. Keep personal or business problems to yourself

PRETEST BRIEFING

1. Put the applicant at ease (small talk, etc.)

2. Advise applicant of available comfort facilities

3. Confirm type of practical test or retest

4. Provide casual overview of the test

5. Collect/Verify the required documents specified during the appointment:

a. FAA Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application – Sport Pilot _________________________

b. Photo/signature I.D. (Note type on FAA Form 8710-11 and return.) _________________________

c. Pilot Certificate (verify against I.D. and FAA Form 8710-11 and return) _________________________

d. Airman Medical Certificate or Valid U.S. Driver’s License (note limitations) _________________________

e. Knowledge test results (if appropriate) _________________________

f. Logbook or training records (verify that the applicant meets all requirements and appropriate 

endorsements) _________________________

g. Aircraft documents (verify location and scheduled availability)

6. Verify that required equipment is available

7. Verify that applicant is aware of PTS requirements and tolerances

8. Advise the applicant that:

a. FAA Practical Test IAW the Sport Pilot PTS

b. Will be using a Plan of Action (used to organize the Practical Test)

c. Will be taking notes for the debrief

d. Perfection is not the standard
10/14/04 8710.7

Chap 5

Par 5-31 Page 5-17

FIGURE 5-1. EXAMINER TEST GUIDE (CONTINUED)

e. Oral questioning will continue throughout the test

f. Three possible outcomes are:

(1) Temporary airman certificate

(2) Notice of disapproval of application

(3) Letter of Discontinuance

9. Any Questions?

10. Collect Fee _________________________

11. Announce “The test has begun!”

ORAL QUESTIONING

1. Access all levels of learning: Rote, Understanding, Application, and Correlation. Correlation should be the objective of 

aviation instruction.

2. Scenario situations are one of the evaluator’s better tools for more comprehensive testing and will, to the greatest 

extent practicable, test the applicant’s correlative abilities. Scenarios also aid in evaluating the pilot’s aeronautical 

decision making, knowledge, and skill. 

3. Characteristics of a good oral test questions. Reliable, Valid, Usable, Objective, Comprehensive, and Nondiscriminating.

4. Did the applicant meet the OBJECTIVE of the TASK?

P Did the applicant complete the procedure described?

T Did the applicant perform the maneuver within the tolerances?

S Did the applicant meet all safety considerations?

If you can answer YES to each of these questions without reservation, the applicant has satisfactorily completed 

the Task.

5. Oral questioning may continue throughout the test.

PREFLIGHT BRIEFING

1. Profile of flight test

2. Pilot-in-Command, 14 CFR part 61 section 61.47

3. Emergencies - actual and simulated

a. Engine failure - takeoff and landing.

b. Other emergencies

4. Transfer of controls (if applicable)

5. Collision avoidance (CFI applicant required to instruct)

a. Looking for reported traffic

b. Clearing the area before maneuvers

6. First preflight – weight-and-balance - VFR option
8710.7 10/14/04

Chap 5

Page 5-18 Par 5-31

FIGURE 5-1. EXAMINER TEST GUIDE (CONTINUED)

7. Advise that oral questioning will continue - Perfection is not the standard

8. Testing with Plan of Action will continue IAW PTS

9. Will continue taking notes

10. Continue/discontinue if task is unsatisfactory

11. Answer any questions

12. Advise applicant to return aircraft documents to the aircraft

13. Begin flight evaluation

FLIGHT TEST

1. Be sure to take plan of action with you to the aircraft

2. Conduct flight test according to the PTS

3. No instruction

4. No second chance when maneuver is unsatisfactory

5. Continue testing if maneuver is incomplete or you need more information to make a decision

6. Unsatisfactory performance:

a. Exceeding aircraft limitations

b. Examiner intervention

c. Inappropriate emergency procedures

d. Outcome of the maneuver being seriously in doubt

e. Poor aeronautical decision making skills

f. Not within practical test standards (PTS)

g. Failure to apply aeronautical knowledge

h. Not being the master of the aircraft

i. Consistently exceeding tolerances

j. Failure to take prompt corrective action when tolerances are exceeded

7. Use realistic distractions during the flight test

EMPHASIS AREAS

As a result of studies into the cause factors of incidents, accidents, and violations, it is imperative that a pilot examiner give 

special consideration and exercise his or her most conservative aeronautical decision making skills in evaluating the 

applicant’s knowledge of the following areas:

1. Preflight

a. Aircraft manuals and documentation

b. Pilot and airman medical certificates or valid U.S. driver’s license 

c. Weather

d. Airport area and surroundings
10/14/04 8710.7

Chap 5

Par 5-31 Page 5-19

FIGURE 5-1. EXAMINER TEST GUIDE (CONTINUED)

2. Preflight inspections

a. Landing gear

b. Engine(s)

c. Adequacy of fuel supply on board the aircraft,

d. ATC communications and airspace considerations, if required

3. Proper use of the flight controls/brakes on the ground

4. Landing flare

5. Avoidance of objects in the air and on the ground

6. Maintenance of adequate flying speed

7. Operations to/from/on suitable terrain for takeoff/approach/landing configurations and procedures

8. Observance of minimum safe altitudes - congested and noncongested areas

9. Use of stabilized approach/flight path procedures

10. Forced landings

POSTFLIGHT

1. General

a. Reaffirm outcome

b. Allow applicant some time to self

c. Prepare temporary airman certificate/disapproval notice/letter of discontinuance

d. Offer to sign applicant’s logbook

2. Temporary Airman Certificate

a. Establish a positive atmosphere

b. Highlight above average performance

c. Debrief using the plan of action

d. Have applicant review and sign temporary airman certificate

e. Examiner signs and issues temporary airman certificate

f. Advise of duration - 120 days

g. Ensure applicant has proper documents

h. Verify that you have the proper documents

i. Brief flight instructor of applicant’s performance

3. Disapproval Notice

a. Establish a positive atmosphere
8710.7 10/14/04

Chap 5

Page 5-20 Par 5-31

FIGURE 5-1. EXAMINER TEST GUIDE (CONTINUED)

b. Highlight above average performance as well as deficient tasks

c. Debrief using the plan of action

d. Use PTS to explain reasons for disapproval

e. Do not criticize the flight instructor

f. Be alert for Denial, Anger, Bargaining, or Depression.

g. Issue disapproval notice

h. Advise retest credit for satisfactorily completed items is 60 days

i. Ensure applicant has proper documents

j. Verify that you have the proper documents

k. Brief flight instructor of applicant’s performance
10/14/04 8710.7

Chap 5

Par 5-31 Page 5-21

FIGURE 5-2. SAMPLE LETTER OF DISCONTINUANCE

[applicant’s name and address]

Dear ____________:

On this date, [enter date], you successfully completed a portion of the practical test 

indicated below:

Certificate/Rating: Sport Pilot

Additional Aircraft Category Privilege: ASEL WSCL PPL Glider Rotorcraft-Gyroplane 

LTA-Free Balloon LTA-Airship

Flight Instructor: Initial/Renewal/Reinstatement

Aircraft Used: Registration #: Make/Model:

The practical test was discontinued because of: [indicate reason]

If application is made by [enter date 60 days from date of test], this letter may be used to 

show the following portions of the practical test which have been completed 

satisfactorily:

[list areas of operation satisfactorily completed]

AFTER [expiration date], YOU MUST REPEAT THE ENTIRE TEST. 

NOTE: This letter does not extend the expiration date(s) for your knowledge test results, 

your graduation certificate, airman medical certificate, or the required instructor 

endorsements.

Sincerely,

[examiner’s signature] Designation Number _______________
8710.7 10/14/04

Chap 5

Page 5-22 Par 5-31

FIGURE 5-3. SAMPLE OF COMPUTER AIRMAN KNOWLEDGE TEST REPORT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

Computer Airman Knowledge Test Report

NAME: Doe, James David APPLICANT ID: 123456789

EXAM: Sports Pilot (SPG) EXAM ID: 50122020004612312

EXAM DATE: 03/04/04 EXAM SITE: LAS12345

SCORE: 92% GRADE: Pass TAKE: 1

Below are subject matter knowledge codes in which questions were answered incorrectly. For code 

descriptions, see the latest version of AC 60-25, Reference Materials and Subject Matter Knowledge Codes 

for Airman Knowledge Testing, available via the Internet: http://afs600.faa.gov. A single code may represent 

more than one incorrect response.

A65, B09

EXPIRATION DATE: 03/31/2006

 S A M P L E

DO NOT LOSE THIS REPORT 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Authorized instructor’s statement. (If Applicable)

I have given Mr./Ms. additional instruction in each subject area shown to be 

deficient and consider the applicant competent to pass the test.

Last Initial__________ Cert. No.____________ Type_________ 

 (Print Clearly)

Signature 

FRAUDULENT ALTERATION OF THIS FORM BY ANY PERSON IS A BASIS FOR SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF 

ANY CERTIFICATES OR RATINGS HELD BY THAT PERSON.

ISSUED BY: ADMINISTRATOR

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
10/14/04 8710.7

Chap 5

Par 5-31 Page 5-23

FIGURE 5-4. SAMPLE OF FAA FORM 8710-11, AIRMAN CERTIFICATE AND/OR RATING 

APPLICATION – SPORT PILOT (FRONT SIDE)
8710.7 10/14/04

Chap 5

Page 5-24 Par 5-31

FIGURE 5-4A. SAMPLE OF FAA FORM 8710-11, AIRMAN CERTIFICATE AND/OR RATING 

APPLICATION – SPORT PILOT (REVERSE SIDE)
10/14/04 8710.7

Chap 5

Par 5-31 Page 5-25

FIGURE 5-5. SAMPLE OF FAA FORM 8060-4, TEMPORARY AIRMAN CERTIFICATE

I. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION - FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

 II. TEMPORARY AIRMAN CERTIFICATE

III. CERTIFICATE NO.

123456

THIS CERTIFIES THAT IV. JOHN ROBERT RIFFEY

 V. 25555 NW 56TH

 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 55555

DATE OF BIRTH

09/18/1962

HEIGHT

72 IN.

WEIGHT

180

HAIR

BLON

D

EYES

BLUE

SEX

M

NATIONALITY VI.

USA

IX. has been found to be properly qualified and is hereby authorized in accordance with the conditions of 

issuance on the reverse of this certificate to exercise the privileges of

 SPORT PILOT

RATINGS AND LIMITATIONS

XII. 

 S A M P L E

XIII. 

THIS IS x AN ORIGINAL ISSUANCE A REISSUANCE OF

THIS GRADE OF CERTIFICATE

DATE OF SUPERSEDED AIRMAN CERTIFICATE

BY DIRECTION OF THE ADMINISTRATOR EXAMINER’S DESIGNATION NO. OR 

INSPECTOR’S REG. NO.

SO-05-4621

VII. AIRMAN’S SIGNATURE

X. DATE OF ISSUANCE

03-03-2004

X. SIGNATURE OF EXAMINER OR INSPECTOR

John Henry Jones

JOHN HENRY JONES

DATE DESIGNATION EXPIRES

03-31-2005

FAA Form 8060-4 (8-79) USE PREVIOUS EDITION
8710.7 10/14/04

Chap 5

Page 5-26 Par 5-31

FIGURE 5-6. SAMPLE OF FAA FORM 8060-5, NOTICE OF DISAPPROVAL OF APPLICATION

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

NOTICE OF DISAPPROVAL OF APPLICATION

NOTE

PRESENT THIS FORM

UPON APPLICATION

FOR REEXAMINATION

NAME AND ADDRESS OF APPLICANT

TRAYVOR EUGENE COZEE

5412 WILLS COURT

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 55555 S A M P L E

CERTIFICATE OR RATING

SOUGHT

SPORT PILOT

On the date shown, you failed the examination indicated below:

 FLIGHT ORAL X PRACTICAL

AIRCRAFT USED (MAKE AND MODEL) FLT. TIME RECORDED IN LOGBOOK

AIR CREATION GTE582s PILOT-IN-COMM

OR SOLO

 25

INSTRUMENT

 0

DUAL

 20

UPON REAPPLICATION YOU WILL BE REEXAMINED ON THE FOLLOWING:

AREAS OF OPERATION IV, V, VI, VII, VIII

APPLICANT LOST 200 FT WHILE PERFORMING STEEP TURNS

 (FIRST FAILURE)

I have personally tested this applicant and deem his performance unsatisfactory for the issuance of the

certificate of rating sought.

DATE OF EXAMINATION

May 10, 2004

SIGNATURE OF EXAMINER OR INSPECTOR

Ronald Y. Trottz

Ronald Y. Trottz

DESIGNATION OR 

OFFICE NO.

EA-05-8764
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 6 

Par 6-1 Page 6-1 

CHAPTER 6. ISSUE A STUDENT PILOT CERTIFICATE

SECTION 1. BACKGROUND 

6-1. OBJECTIVE. The objective of this task is to 

determine an applicant’s eligibility for a student pilot 

certificate under Title 14 of the Code of Federal 

Regulations (14 CFR) part 61. Successful completion of 

this task results in the issuance of a student pilot 

certificate. 

6-2. GENERAL. There are two types of student pilot 

certificates. An aviation medical examiner issues an FAA 

Form 8420-2, Medical Certificate _____ Class and 

Student Pilot Certificate, to an applicant who meets the 

requirements of part 61, subpart C, for a student pilot 

certificate. FAA Form 8420-2 serves as both a medical 

certificate and a student pilot certificate. Designated Pilot 

Examiners (DPEs) issue FAA Form 8710-2, Student Pilot 

Certificate, to qualified student pilot applicants. This 

certificate serves only as a student pilot certificate. (See 

figure 6-1.) The applicant must complete FAA Form 

8710-11, Airman Certificate and/or Rating 

Application - Sport Pilot, or FAA Form 8710-1, Airman 

Certificate and/or Rating Application, for the issuance of 

FAA Form 8710-2, Student Pilot Certificate. 

a. Applicants with Airman Medical 

Certificates. An applicant may hold FAA Form 8500-9, 

Medical Certificate (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) Class (white copy). 

This certificate does not impart student pilot privileges. 

The applicant must obtain a student pilot certificate from 

an examiner or the Flight Standards District Office 

(FSDO) in order to exercise privileges as a student pilot. 

b. Examiner Authorization. An examiner may 

issue a student pilot certificate to a qualified applicant 

without regard to the category or class of aircraft the 

applicant intends to pilot. Any examiner may issue the 

student pilot certificate regardless of category and class of 

aircraft or grades of certification authorized by the 

examiner’s FAA Form 8430-9, Certificate of Authority. 

6-3. NONRENEWABLE. Student pilot certificates are 

not renewable. Upon expiration of a student pilot 

certificate, the airman may apply for a new student pilot 

certificate, using the same process as for the original 

issuance. The student pilot should keep the original 

certificate bearing all of the endorsements that remain 

valid. The holder of an expired student pilot certificate 

must meet the same requirements as for the original 

certificate. 

6-4. ADDITIONAL AIRCRAFT ENDORSEMENTS. 

If the space for instructor endorsements is full, and the 

student is seeking endorsements for additional types of 

aircraft, a DPE may issue a second student pilot certificate 

clearly marked, For Record Purposes Only. The second 

student pilot certificate will have the same expiration date 

as the original. The original is issued to the student and 

the duplicate copy is destroyed (see figure 6-2). There is 

no requirement for FAA Form 8710-11, Airmen 

Certificate and/or Rating Application – Sport Pilot. 

6-5. thru 6-9. RESERVED 

SECTION 2. PROCEDURES 

6-10. PREREQUISITES AND COORDINATION 

REQUIREMENTS. 

a. Prerequisites. This task requires knowledge of 

part 61 and designation as a DPE. 

b. Coordination. This task requires coordination 

with the FSDO or the Light Sport Aviation Branch 

(AFS-610). 

6-11. REFERENCES, FORMS, AND JOB AIDS. 

a. References. 

•14 CFR part 61, subpart C 

b. Forms. 
8710.7 10/14/04 

Chap 6 

Page 6-2 Par 6-11 

(1) FAA Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate 

and/or Rating Application – Sport Pilot, or FAA 

Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating 

Application. 

(2) FAA Form 8710-2, Student Pilot 

Certificate. 

c. Job Aids. 

• Sample figures 

6-12. PROCEDURES. 

a. Review Application. Verify that the 

information on FAA Form 8710-11 is presented 

accurately, legibly, and is complete. 

(1) In Section I, ensure that the applicant has 

checked the box labeled “Student.” 

(2) Ensure that the remainder of FAA 

Form 8710-11 is filled out according to the guidance in 

chapter 5, section 1, paragraph 5-18. 

NOTE: Sections II and III of FAA 

Form 8710-11 do not have to be completed for 

issuance of an original student pilot certificate.) 

b. Verify Applicant’s Identity. Inspect 

acceptable forms of identification to establish the 

applicant’s identity in accordance with the procedures 

described in chapter 5, section 1, paragraph 5-16. 

(1) Compare the forms of identification with 

the personal information provided by the applicant on 

FAA Form 8710-11. 

(2) When the applicant’s identity is verified, 

continue. 

(3) If the applicant’s identity cannot be 

verified because of lack of identification or inadequate 

identification, explain what types of identification are 

acceptable. Instruct the applicant to return with 

appropriate identification. 

(4) If the applicant’s identity appears to be 

different from the information supplied on FAA 

Form 8710-11, or it appears that an attempt at falsification 

has been made, immediately report the matter to the local 

FSDO and AFS-610 then discontinue the task. 

c. Establish Eligibility. Determine if the applicant 

meets the eligibility requirements for a student pilot 

certificate. (See 14 CFR part 61, section 61.83.) 

(1) Determine which category of aircraft the 

applicant intends to fly. 

(a) If the applicant intends to fly gliders 

or balloons, the applicant must be at least 14 years of age 

and complete Section I. 

(b) If the applicant intends to fly weight 

shift control, powered parachute, airplanes, gyroplanes, or 

airships, the applicant must be at least 16 years of age and 

hold a current airman medical certificate or valid U.S. 

driver’s license. 

(2) If an airman medical certificate is required 

and the applicant does not have one, advise the applicant 

to obtain an airman medical certificate or a student airman 

medical certificate from an aviation medical examiner. 

(3) The applicant must be able to read, speak, 

write, and understand the English language. If there is any 

doubt that the applicant meets this requirement, refer the 

applicant to the FSDO or AFS-610. 

(4) If the applicant is ineligible, inform the 

applicant how the discrepancies may be corrected. An 

FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval of Application, 

is not required and need not be issued. 

d. Applicant Meets Requirements. If the 

applicant meets all of the requirements for a student pilot 

certificate, prepare an FAA Form 8710-2, Student Pilot 

Certificate, sign, and have the applicant sign, in ink, both 

the original and the copy. (See figure 6-1.) 

(1) The FAA Form 8710-2 must be 

typewritten. 

NOTE: The examiner should advise the 

applicant that an airman medical certificate or 

valid U.S. driver’s license is required to solo 

airplanes, airships, weight shift control, 

powered parachutes, and/or gyroplanes. 

(2) The examiner should inform a student 

pilot seeking a sport pilot certificate that he or she shall 

not act as pilot in command: 
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 6 

Par 6-12 Page 6-3 (and 6-4) 

(a) of an aircraft other than a light sport 

aircraft; 

(b) at night; 

(c) at an altitude of more than 10,000 

feet MSL; 

(d) in Class B, C, and D airspace, at an 

airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace, and to, from, 

through, or on an airport having an operational control 

tower without having received the ground and flight 

training specified in section 61.94 and an endorsement 

from an authorized instructor; and 

(e) must comply with the provisions of 

section 61.89(a) and 61.89(b). 

(3) The examiner should issue the original to 

the applicant and inform the applicant that the certificate 

expires 24-calendar months after the date it was issued. 

e. Complete Certification File. Use the 

Integrated Airmen Certification and/or Rating Application 

(IACRA) to complete the Designated Examiner’s Report 

section of FAA Form 8710-11. 

f. Subsequent Issuance. If a student pilot 

certificate has expired, issue a new certificate following 

the same procedures as for an original issuance. The flight 

instructor’s endorsements on the expired certificate may 

not be transferred to the new certificate. The student pilot 

retains the expired certificate as a record of the 

endorsements. 

g. Second Certificate. If there is insufficient 

space for instructor endorsements for additional types of 

aircraft on a valid student pilot certificate, issue a second 

student pilot certificate and clearly mark on the front of 

the second certificate, “For Record Purposes Only.” 

(1) Enter the same expiration date on the 

second certificate as that shown on the original certificate. 

(2) Line out the certificate number on the 

second certificate. 

(3) Issue the original of the second certificate 

to the student and destroy the duplicate copy. 

(4) An FAA Form 8710-11 is NOT required 

for a second certificate. 

6-13. TASK OUTCOMES. Successful completion of 

this task results in the issuance of a student pilot 

certificate. 

6-14. FUTURE ACTIVITIES. 

a. The examiner may issue a new student pilot 

certificate to the holder of an expired student pilot 

certificate. 

b. The examiner may issue the airman a second 

student pilot certificate for record purposes only. 

c. The applicant may return to the examiner for 

a sport pilot or private pilot certification practical test. 
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 6 

Par 6-14 Page 6-5 (and 6-6) 

FIGURE 6-1. SAMPLE OF FAA FORM 8420-2, MEDICAL CERTIFICATE _____ CLASS AND 

STUDENT PILOT CERTIFICATE 
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 6 

Par 6-14 Page 6-7 

FIGURE 6-2. SAMPLE OF FAA FORM 8710-2, STUDENT PILOT CERTIFICATE 

(FRONT SIDE) 
8710.7 10/14/04 

Chap 6 

Page 6-8 Par 6-14 

FIGURE 6-2A. SAMPLE OF FAA FORM 8710-2, STUDENT PILOT CERTIFICATE 

(REVERSE SIDE) 
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 7 

Par 7-1 Page 7-1 

CHAPTER 7. CONDUCT A SPORT PILOT CERTIFICATION 

SECTION 1. BACKGROUND 

7-1. OBJECTIVE. The objective of this task is to 

determine if an applicant meets the requirements for 

certification as a sport pilot under Title 14 of the Code of 

Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61, subpart J. 

Completion of this task results in the issuance of an FAA 

Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman Certificate, an FAA 

Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval of Application, or a 

letter of discontinuance. 

7-2. GENERAL. The sport pilot certificate was 

established in 2004 for persons seeking a certificate to fly 

aircraft that meet the definition of light sport aircraft as 

defined in 14 CFR part 1, section 1.1. 

a. Eligibility Requirements. To be eligible for a 

sport pilot certificate for airplane, gyroplane, weight shift 

control, powered parachute, and airship, an applicant must 

be at least 17 years of age, hold at least a current 

third-class airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. 

driver’s license, student pilot certificate, and meet the 

applicable requirements of part 61, subpart J. The airman 

medical certificate may be an FAA Form 8420-2, Student 

Airman Medical Certificate, or FAA Form 8500-9, 

Airman Medical Certificate. If the airman medical 

certificate bears any limitation, which would make a 

special medical flight test necessary, refer the applicant to 

the FSDO. 

NOTE: If you are applying to operate a balloon or 

glider, you must be 16 years of age, and a valid U.S. 

driver’s license or airman medical certificate is not 

required. 

b. Logbook Endorsements. 

(1) The applicant’s logbook or training record 

must contain an endorsement from an authorized 

instructor who certifies the applicant has received and 

logged 3 hours of flight training within the 60 days 

preceding the date of an FAA Form 8710-11, Airman 

Certificate and/or Rating Application – Sport Pilot, in 

preparation for the practical test. 

(2) The applicant’s logbook or training record 

must contain an endorsement from an authorized 

instructor who certifies the applicant is prepared to pass 

the practical test. In addition, the applicant must have a 

signed FAA Form 8710-11 with the authorized 

instructor’s signature. 

(3) The applicant’s logbook or training record 

must contain an endorsement from an authorized 

instructor that states the applicant has demonstrated 

satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which the 

applicant was deficient on the airman knowledge test. 

(4) An applicant for a sport pilot certificate 

must have logged training and received a logbook 

endorsement from an authorized instructor on the training 

required by part 61, subpart J that is appropriate for the 

sport pilot privilege sought. 

c. Aeronautical Knowledge. The applicant must 

meet the aeronautical knowledge requirements of part 61, 

subpart J. 

(1) The applicant must present a sport pilot 

airmen knowledge test report, if required. 

(2) The holder of a sport pilot certificate is 

not required to take a knowledge test in order to receive a 

logbook entry for a category/class privilege. 

d. Aeronautical Experience. The applicant must 

present acceptable evidence of meeting the minimum 

aeronautical experience requirements of section 61.313 or 

section 61.329, as applicable. 

e. Training. The applicant must have met the 

applicable presolo training criteria required by 

section 61.87 and have received instruction in the flight 

proficiency requirements of section 61.313. The examiner 

must ensure that all required instruction is documented 

and all instructor logbook endorsements are present. 

f. Aeronautical Skill. The applicant must 

demonstrate aeronautical skill by satisfactorily completing 

the practical test prescribed by section 61.307(b). The test 

shall be conducted in accordance with the appropriate 

Sport Pilot Practical Test Standard (PTS). 

g. Category and Class Privileges. The category 

and class of aircraft used for the practical test will not be 

placed on a sport pilot certificate. A logbook entry will be 

required for each category/class and make and model 

privilege. 

7-3. thru 7-7. RESERVED 
8710.7 10/14/04 

Chap 7 

Page 7-2 Par 7-8 

SECTION 2. PROCEDURES 

7-8. PREREQUISITES AND COORDINATION 

REQUIREMENTS. 

a. Prerequisites. This task requires knowledge of 

part 61, familiarity with the Sport Pilot PTS, and 

designation as an examiner in the applicable category and 

class. 

b. Coordination. This task requires coordination 

with the Light Sport Aviation Branch (AFS-610). 

7-9. REFERENCES, FORMS, AND JOB AIDS. 

a. References. 

(1) 14 CFR part 61 and part 91. 

(2) FAA-S-8081-29, Sport Pilot Practical Test 

Standards for Airplane, Gyroplane, Glider, and Flight 

Instructor. 

(3) FAA-S-8081-30, Sport Pilot Practical Test 

Standards for Airship and Balloon, and Flight Instructor. 

(4) FAA-S-8081-31, Sport Pilot Practical Test 

Standards for Weight Shift Control, Powered Parachute, 

and Flight Instructor. 

b. Forms. 

(1) FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman 

Certificate. 

(2) FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval 

of Application. 

(3) FAA Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate 

and/or Rating Application – Sport Pilot. 

c. Job Aids. 

•Sample figures 

7-10. PROCEDURES. 

a. Schedule Appointment. Advise the applicant 

to bring the following documents and records to the 

appointment: 

(1) FAA Form 8710-11 shall be completed 

using the Integrated Airmen Certification and/or Rating 

Application (IACRA). The applicant shall complete 

Section III, Record of Pilot Time. A special emphasis 

item, the examiner must review the applicant’s 

aeronautical experience recorded on the FAA 

Form 8710-11 and in the applicant’s logbook/training 

record to ensure compliance with the appropriate 

aeronautical experience requirements for the certificate 

and/or privilege sought. The completion of Section III, 

Record of Pilot Time, is required to be accurately and 

fully completed by the applicant. Per 14 CFR 

section 61.39(a)(7), an applicant must have a completed 

application and that includes completion of Section III, 

Record of Pilot Time. 

(2) A student pilot certificate. 

(3) An FAA Form 8420-2, Student Airman 

Medical Certificate, FAA Form 8500-9, Airman Medical 

Certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license; 

(4) A sport pilot or sport pilot instructor 

knowledge test report, if applicable; 

(5) A logbook or other records substantiating 

the aeronautical experience shown on the applicant’s FAA 

Form 8710-11; 

(6) The aircraft maintenance records; 

(7) The aircraft airworthiness certificate; 

(8) The aircraft registration; 

(9) An acceptable form of photo 

identification. 

b. Applicant Arrives for Appointment. Collect 

and review the documents and records listed in 

paragraphs 7-10.a.(1) through (9). 

(1) If the applicant has not brought all of the 

necessary documents, explain what is needed and return 

the documents to the applicant. 

(2) Reschedule the appointment, if requested 

to do so. 
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 7 

Par 7-10 Page 7-3 

c. Review Application. Verify that the 

information on the FAA Form 8710-11 is presented 

accurately and is complete. 

(1) In Section I, ensure that the applicant has 

checked “Sport Pilot.” 

(2) Ensure that the remainder of the FAA 

Form 8710-11 is completed in accordance with the 

instructions attached to the form and the information in 

chapter 5, section 1, paragraph 5-18. 

(3) Ensure that the flight instructor has 

electronically signed an endorsement no more than 

60 days before the FAA Form 8710-11 was submitted. 

Review the applicant’s logbook or training record to 

ensure the applicant has received at least 3 hours of 

training within the preceding 60 days prior to the practical 

test. 

d. Verify Applicant’s Identity. Inspect 

acceptable forms of identification to establish the 

applicant’s identity in accordance with the procedures 

described in chapter 5, section 1, paragraph 5-16. 

(1) Compare the identification with the 

personal information provided on the FAA Form 8710-11. 

(2) When the applicant’s identity is verified, 

continue with the practical test. 

(3) If the applicant’s identity appears to be 

different from the information supplied on FAA 

Form 8710-11 or it appears that an attempt at falsification 

has been made, immediately report this to AFS-610 and 

discontinue the task. 

e. Establish Eligibility. Determine if the applicant 

meets the specific eligibility, knowledge, and experience 

requirements for certification as a sport pilot. (See 

sections 61.305, 61.307, 61.309, 61.311, and 61.313, as 

applicable.) 

(1) Ensure that the applicant’s holds at least a 

third-class airman medical certificate or valid U.S. 

driver’s license. 

(2) Inspect the applicant’s airman medical 

certificate, if appropriate, to ensure that it does not bear 

any limitation that would make a special airman medical 

flight test necessary. 

(3) Inspect the applicant’s student pilot 

certificate for current solo and solo cross-country 

endorsements. 

(4) Check the record of flight time in 

Section III of FAA Form 8710-11 to determine if the 

applicant has the minimum aeronautical experience 

required for the certificate and privileges sought. 

(5) Examine the applicant’s logbook and/or 

training record(s) to verify that all aeronautical 

knowledge, aeronautical experience, and required 

instructor endorsements are recorded (see section 2, 

paragraph 7-10.c.). 

(6) Examine the knowledge test report. 

(7) If the applicant has checked the “Yes” box 

of Section IV of FAA Form 8710-11, verify that the 

applicant meets the requirements of section 61.49. 

(8) If the applicant is applying for a test on 

the basis of graduation from an approved training 

program, inspect the applicant’s graduation certificate to 

verify that the applicant is in compliance with the 

requirements of section 61.71. 

(9) If the applicant is a graduate of an 

approved pilot school, the examiner should check the 

applicant’s graduation certificate to ensure that the 

practical test will be able to be passed within 60 days from 

the date on the graduation certificate. If not, the applicant 

must apply for the pilot certificate or privilege under 

part 61 and meet all the applicable aeronautical 

experience requirements under part 61 for the pilot 

certificate or privilege sought. 

f. Aircraft Requirements. Ensure the applicant 

has the proper aircraft maintenance records, logbooks, 

airworthiness certificate, and aircraft registration to 

determine if the aircraft is airworthy and suitable for this 

practical test. After review, return the documents to the 

applicant. 

g. Discrepancies. If a discrepancy that cannot be 

immediately corrected exists in any of the documents, 

return all documents to the applicant. 

(1) Inform the applicant of the reasons for 

ineligibility and explain how the applicant may correct the 

discrepancies. 
8710.7 10/14/04 

Chap 7 

Page 7-4 Par 7-10 

(2) Reschedule the appointment, if requested 

to do so. 

h. Conduct Practical Test. After determining that 

the applicant is eligible and meets all prerequisites for the 

certificate sought, accept the FAA Form 8710-11 and 

conduct the practical test in accordance with the guidance 

in the Sport Pilot PTS and chapter 5. 

(1) If the practical test is not completed for 

reasons other than unsatisfactory performance, issue a 

letter of discontinuance to the applicant. (See chapter 5, 

section 2, paragraph 5-29.c.) 

(2) Return all submitted documents to the 

applicant with the original of the letter of discontinuance. 

(3) Explain how the applicant may complete 

the test at a later date and reschedule the test if requested 

to do so. 

i. Unsatisfactory Performance. If the applicant 

did not meet the applicable standards for the certificate 

sought, inform the applicant of the reasons for the 

unsatisfactory performance. 

(1) Prepare FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of 

Disapproval of Application, in accordance with the 

guidance in chapter 5, section 1, paragraph 5-22. 

(2) Sign, date, and check the appropriate 

boxes on the FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval of 

Application. Give the applicant a copy of the FAA 

Form 8060-5. 

(3) Return all other submitted documents to 

the applicant. 

(4) The examiner should sign an entry in the 

applicant’s records after the practical test. That entry must 

show the type of test, the duration of the flight portion, the 

unsatisfactory outcome of the test, and the examiner’s 

designation number. 

j. Satisfactory Performance. When the applicant 

has met all requirements for the certificate sought, prepare 

FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman Certificate, in 

accordance with the guidance in chapter 5, section 1, 

paragraph 5-21. 

(1) Verify that all information on FAA 

Form 8060-4 is correct. Sign the FAA Form 8060-4 and 

direct the applicant to sign line VII of FAA Form 8060-4. 

(2) Give the applicant the copy of the FAA 

Form 8060-4. 

(3) The examiner should sign an entry in the 

applicant’s logbook or training records after the practical 

test. That entry must show the type of test, the duration of 

the flight portion, the successful outcome of the test, and 

the examiner’s designation number. 

k. Complete the Certification File. Complete the 

certification file in accordance with the guidance in 

chapter 5, section 1, paragraph 5-19. 

7-11. TASK OUTCOMES. Completion of this task 

results in the issuance of FAA Form 8060-4, FAA 

Form 8060-5, or a letter of discontinuance. 

7-12. FUTURE ACTIVITIES. 

a. The applicant may return to upgrade the sport 

pilot certificate to a private pilot certificate. 

b. The applicant may return to apply for a flight 

instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating. 
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 8 

Par 8-1 Page 8-1 

CHAPTER 8. CONDUCT A PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATION FOR WEIGHT 

SHIFT CONTROL AND POWERED PARACHUTE, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL 

CATEGORY/CLASS RATINGS AT THE PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATION 

LEVEL 

SECTION 1. BACKGROUND 

8-1. OBJECTIVE. The objective of this task is to 

determine if an applicant meets the requirements for 

certification as a private pilot under Title 14 of the Code 

of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61, subpart E. 

Completion of this task results in the issuance of an FAA 

Form 8420-4, Temporary Airman Certificate, an FAA 

Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval of Application, or a 

letter of discontinuance. 

8-2. GENERAL. The examiner conducting the practical 

test ensures the applicant has the aircraft maintenance 

records, aircraft logbooks, airworthiness certificate, and 

aircraft registration to determine if the aircraft is airworthy 

and suitable for the practical test. 

8-3. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS. The applicant 

must meet the applicable requirements of part 61, 

subpart E. 

a. Graduate of an Approved Training 

Program. Under the provisions of part 61, 

section 61.71(a), an applicant who presents an appropriate 

graduation certificate within 60 days after the date of 

graduation from an approved pilot school, certificated 

under 14 CFR part 141, is considered to have met the 

prerequisite aeronautical experience requirements of 

part 61, section 61.109. 

b. Graduate of an Approved School with 

Examining Authority. Under the provisions of part 61, 

section 61.71(a), an applicant who graduated from an 

approved pilot school that holds examining authority is 

considered to have met the prerequisite eligibility 

requirements for the private pilot certificate if the 

applicant applies within 60 days of graduation and the 

school holds the appropriate examining authority. If not, 

the applicant must apply for the pilot certificate or rating 

under part 61 and meet all the applicable aeronautical 

experience requirements under part 61 for the pilot 

certificate or rating sought. 

c. Not a Graduate of an Approved School. If the 

applicant is not a graduate of an approved pilot school, or 

has not applied for a private pilot certificate 

within the times specified for approved school graduates, 

the applicant must meet all the applicable prerequisite 

eligibility requirements of part 61, subpart E. 

d. Aeronautical Knowledge. A private pilot 

knowledge test report or private pilot test report, from an 

approved school with knowledge test examining authority, 

is the only acceptable forms of evidence that the applicant 

has passed the private pilot knowledge test for a private 

pilot certificate. 

(1) The format of the knowledge test report 

from an approved school or computer testing designee 

(CTD) must include an embossed seal in the lower right 

corner and the testing facility’s name and air agency 

designation number. 

(2) The holder of a category rating for 

powered aircraft is not required to take a knowledge test 

for the addition of another category rating to a private 

pilot certificate. 

e. Aeronautical Experience. The applicant must 

present a pilot logbook or other acceptable and reliable 

record(s) as evidence of having met the required 

aeronautical experience for the certificate and rating 

sought that substantiates the aeronautical experience 

shown on the FAA Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate 

and/or Rating Application – Sport Pilot. 

(1) If the examiner is unable to determine 

whether the records presented show clear evidence of the 

required aeronautical experience, the applicant must be 

referred to the Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or 

the Light Sport Aviation Branch (AFS-610). 

(2) An applicant for a private pilot certificate 

with a weight shift control or powered parachute rating 

must have received at least 3 hours of night flight training 

and an instructor endorsement in accordance with the 

appropriate provisions of section 61.109. Except as 

provided in section 61.110, the applicant’s records must 

indicate that all required night flight training has been 

received. 
8710.7 10/14/04 

Chap 8 

Page 8-2 Par 8-3 

f. Logbook Endorsements.

(1) The applicant’s logbook or training record 

must contain an endorsement from an authorized 

instructor who certifies the applicant has received and 

logged 3 hours of flight training within the 60 days 

preceding the date of the application in preparation for the 

practical test. 

(2) The applicant’s logbook or training record 

must contain an endorsement from an authorized 

instructor who certifies the applicant is prepared to pass 

the practical test. In addition, the applicant must have an 

FAA Form 8710-11 in Integrated Airmen Certification 

and/or Rating Application (IACRA) with the authorized 

instructor’s digital signature. 

(3) The applicant’s logbook or training record 

must contain an endorsement from an authorized 

instructor that states the applicant has demonstrated 

satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which the 

applicant was deficient on the airman knowledge test. 

(4) An applicant for a private pilot certificate 

must have logged training and received an logbook 

endorsement from an authorized instructor on the training 

required by section 61.107(b) that is appropriate for the 

private pilot rating sought. 

(5) Review the applicant’s student pilot 

certificate and logbook have the appropriate solo flight 

endorsement(s). 

(6) Review the applicant’s student pilot 

certificate and logbook have the appropriate solo cross 

country endorsement(s). 

8-4. LIMITATIONS. 

a. Night Flying Limitations. 

(1) In accordance with section 61.110(a) a 

person who receives flight training in and resides in the 

State of Alaska: 

(a) May be issued a pilot certificate with 

a limitation, NIGHT FLYING PROHIBITED. 

(b) Must comply with the appropriate 

night flight training requirements of this subpart within 

12 calendar months after the issuance of the pilot 

certificate. 

(2) In accordance with section 61.110(c) a 

person who does not meet the night flying requirements in 

section 61.109(d)(2), (i)(2), or (j)(2) is: 

(a) issued a private pilot certificate with 

the limit “Night Flying Prohibited,” 

(b) which may be removed by an 

examiner if the holder complies with the requirements of 

section 61.109(d)(2), (i)(2), or (j)(2), as appropriate. 

b. Cross-Country Limitations. The limitation, 

PASSENGER CARRYING PROHIBITED ON FLIGHTS 

MORE THAN 10 NM FROM [the appropriate island], 

shall be entered on the certificate of an applicant whose 

cross-country experience qualifies under the provisions of 

section 61.111(c). The limitation, HOLDER DOES NOT 

MEET THE CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT 

REQUIREMENTS OF ICAO, must be entered on the 

certificate of an applicant whose cross-country experience 

qualifies under the provisions of section 61.111(c). 

Cross-country limitations may be removed by an examiner 

when the certificate holder has complied with the 

applicable solo cross-country requirements and has passed 

a practical test on cross-country flying. 

c. English Language. An applicant is required to 

read, speak write and understand the English language. 

Applicants who are unable to meet one of these 

requirements due to medical reasons must be referred to 

the FSDO. 

8-5. CATEGORIES AND CLASSES. The category of 

the aircraft used for the practical test is placed on a private 

pilot certificate. 

a. Weight Shift Control Class Ratings. The 

following class ratings are originally issued or added to 

private pilot weight shift control certificates. 

(1) WEIGHT SHIFT CONTROL LAND 

(2) WEIGHT SHIFT CONTROL SEA 

b. Powered Parachute Class Ratings. The 

following class ratings are originally issued or added to 

private pilot powered parachute certificates. 

(1) POWERED PARACHUTE LAND 

(2) POWERED PARACHUTE SEA 

8-6. thru 8-9. RESERVED 
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 8 

Par 8-10 Page 8-3 

SECTION 2. PROCEDURES 

8-10. PREREQUISITES AND COORDINATION 

REQUIREMENTS. 

a. Prerequisites. This task requires knowledge of 

part 61, familiarity with the Private Pilot Practical Test 

Standards, and designation as a PE in the applicable 

category and class of aircraft. 

b. Coordination. This task requires coordination 

with AFS-610. 

8-11. REFERENCES, FORMS, AND JOB AIDS. 

a. References. 

(1) 14 CFR parts 61, 91, and 141. 

(2) Appropriate Private Pilot Practical Test 

Standards. 

b. Forms. 

(1) FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman 

Certificate. 

(2) FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval 

of Application. 

(3) FAA Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate 

and/or Rating Application – Sport Pilot. 

c. Job Aids. 

•Sample figures 

8-12. PROCEDURES. 

a. Schedule Appointment. Advise the applicant 

to bring the following documents and records to the 

appointment: 

(1) An FAA Form 8710-11 must be 

completed using the Integrated Airmen Certification 

and/or Rating Application (IACRA). A special emphasis 

item, the examiner must review the applicant’s 

aeronautical experience recorded on the FAA 

Form 8710-11 and in the applicant’s logbook/training 

record to ensure compliance with the appropriate 

aeronautical experience requirements for the certificate 

and/or rating sought have been met. Per 

section 61.39(a)(7), the applicant is required to sign the 

FAA Form 8710-11 and accurately and fully complete 

Section II, “Record of Pilot Time.” 

(2) A student pilot certificate, or an airman 

certificate if for an additional category/class rating; 

(3) At least a third-class FAA Form 8500-9, 

Airman Medical Certificate, or FAA Form 8420-2, 

Student Airman Medical Certificate, if applicable; 

(4) A Private Pilot knowledge test report, if 

applicable; 

(5) An FAA-approved pilot school graduation 

certificate, if applicable; 

(6) The applicant must present a pilot logbook 

or other acceptable and reliable record(s) as evidence of 

having met the required aeronautical experience for the 

certificate and rating sought that substantiates the 

aeronautical experience shown on the FAA 

Form 8710-11; 

(7) The aircraft maintenance records; 

(8) The aircraft airworthiness certificate; 

(9) The aircraft registration; 

(10) The Federal Communications Commission 

(FCC) aircraft station license, if applicable; and 

(11) An acceptable form of photo 

identification. 

b. Applicant Arrives for Appointment. Collect 

and review the documents and records listed in section 2, 

paragraphs 8-12.a.(1) through (11). 

c. Review Application. Verify that the 

information on the FAA Form 8710-11 is complete and 

presented accurately and legibly. 

(1) In Section I on FAA Form 8710-11, 

ensure that the applicant has checked “Private.” If the 

applicant is seeking an additional aircraft rating, ensure 

that the applicant has checked “Additional Aircraft 

Rating” and the appropriate aircraft category/class. 

(2) Ensure the remainder of the FAA 

Form 8710-11 is completed in accordance with the 
8710.7 10/14/04 

Chap 8 

Page 8-4 Par 8-12 

instructions attached to FAA Form 8710-11 and the 

information in chapter 5, section 1, paragraph 5-18. 

(3) Ensure that the flight instructor has signed 

an endorsement no more than 60 days before the FAA 

Form 8710-11 was submitted. 

d. Verify Applicant’s Identity. Inspect 

acceptable forms of identification to establish the 

applicant’s identity in accordance with the procedures 

described in chapter 5, section 1, paragraph 5-16. 

(1) Compare the identification with the 

personal information provided on the FAA Form 8710-11. 

(2) When the applicant’s identity is verified, 

continue with the practical test. 

(3) If the applicant’s identity cannot be 

verified because of lack of identification or inadequate 

identification, explain what types of identification are 

acceptable. Advise the applicant to return with appropriate 

identification. 

(4) If the applicant’s identity appears to be 

different from the information supplied on the FAA 

Form 8710-11, or it appears that an attempt at falsification 

has been made, discontinue the task and immediately 

report the matter to the Flight Standards District Office 

(FSDO) and the Light Sport Aviation Branch (AFS-610). 

e. Establish Eligibility. Determine if the applicant 

meets the specific eligibility, aeronautical knowledge, 

aeronautical experience, and flight proficiency 

requirements for certification as a private pilot. 

(1) If the applicant is applying for a powered 

aircraft rating, ensure that the applicant holds at least a 

current third-class airman medical certificate. 

(2) If the airman medical certificate or a 

Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA), if any, bears 

any limitation that would make a special medical flight 

test necessary, refer the applicant to AFS-610. 

(3) Inspect the applicant’s student pilot 

certificate for current solo and solo cross-country 

endorsements. 

(4) Check the record of aeronautical 

experience on FAA Form 8710-11, Section III to 

determine if the applicant has the minimum aeronautical 

experience required for the certificate and rating sought 

(section 61.109). 

(5) If the applicant is applying for a test on 

the basis of graduation from an approved training 

program, inspect the applicant’s graduation certificate to 

verify that the applicant is in compliance with the 

requirements of section 61.71. 

(6) If the applicant is a graduate of an 

approved pilot school, the examiner should check the 

applicant’s graduation certificate to ensure that the 

practical test will be able to be passed within 60 days from 

the date on the graduation certificate. If not, the applicant 

must apply for the pilot certificate or rating under part 61 

and meet all the applicable aeronautical experience 

requirements under part 61 for the pilot certificate or 

rating sought. 

(7) Examine the applicant’s logbook and/or 

other reliable record(s) to verify that all aeronautical 

knowledge, aeronautical experience, and required 

instructor endorsements are recorded. (See section 1, 

paragraph 8-3.f.) 

(8) If the applicant is located on an island 

from which the required flights cannot be accomplished 

without flying more than 10 nautical miles (NMs) over 

water, refer to section 61.111. 

(9) Examine the knowledge test report or test 

report from an approved school with knowledge test 

authority, as applicable. 

(10) If the applicant has checked the “Yes” box 

of Section IV of FAA Form 8710-11, verify that the 

applicant meets the requirements of section 61.49. 

f. Requirements for an Additional 

Category/Class Rating. The requirements are the same 

as in paragraph 8-12.e., except the knowledge test is not 

required if the applicant already has a powered aircraft 

rating. 

g. Aircraft Requirements. Review the applicant’s 

aircraft maintenance records, logbooks, airworthiness 

certificate, and aircraft registration to determine if the 

aircraft is airworthy and suitable for this practical test, and 

then return the documents to the applicant. 
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 8 

Par 8-12 Page 8-5 (and 8-6) 

h. Discrepancies. If a discrepancy exists in any of 

the document and cannot be corrected immediately, return 

all documents to the applicant. 

(1) Inform the applicant of the reasons for 

ineligibility and explain how the applicant may correct the 

discrepancies. 

(2) Reschedule the appointment, if requested 

to do so. 

i. Conduct the Practical Test. After determining 

that the applicant is eligible and meets all the prerequisites 

for the certificate sought, accept the FAA Form 8710-11 

and conduct the practical test in accordance with the 

guidance in the Private Pilot Practical Test Standards and 

in chapter 5 of this order. 

(1) If the practical test is not completed for 

reasons other than unsatisfactory performance, issue a 

letter of discontinuance to the applicant. (See chapter 5, 

section 2, paragraph 5-29.c., and figure 5-2.) 

(2) Return all submitted documents to the 

applicant with the original of the letter of discontinuance. 

(3) Explain how the applicant may complete 

the test at a later date and reschedule the test, if requested 

to do so. 

j. Unsatisfactory Performance. If the applicant 

did not meet the applicable standards for the certificate 

sought, inform the applicant of the reasons for the 

unsatisfactory performance. 

(1) Prepare FAA Form 8060-5 in accordance 

with the guidance in chapter 5, section 1, paragraph 5-22. 

(2) Sign, date, and check the appropriate 

boxes on the FAA Form 8060-5. Give the applicant a 

copy of the FAA Form 8060-5 and retain the original for 

the certification file. 

(3) Complete the FAA Form 8710-11 using 

the Integrated Airmen Certification and/or Rating 

Application (IACRA) and return all other documents to 

the applicant. 

(4) The examiner should sign an entry in the 

applicant’s records after the practical test. That entry must 

show the type of test, the duration of the flight portion, 

the unsatisfactory outcome of the test, and the examiner’s 

designation number. 

k. Satisfactory Performance. When the applicant 

has satisfactorily met all requirements for the certificate 

sought, prepare FAA Form 8060-4 in accordance with the 

guidance in chapter 5, paragraph 5-21. 

(1) Enter the correct limitations, if 

appropriate. 

(a) Enter “NIGHT FLYING 

PROHIBITED,” if appropriate. 

(b) Enter “PASSENGER CARRYING 

PROHIBITED ON FLIGHT MORE THAN 10 NM 

FROM [the appropriate island],” and “HOLDER DOES 

NOT MEET THE CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT 

REQUIREMENTS OF ICAO,” for an applicant whose 

cross-country aeronautical experience qualifies under 

section 61.111(c). 

(2) Verify that all information on the FAA 

Form 8060-4 is correct. Sign the FAA Form 8060-4 and 

direct the applicant to sign on line VII. 

(3) Complete the process in IACRA and give 

the applicant the copy of the FAA Form 8060-4. 

(4) The examiner should sign an entry in the 

applicant’s records after the practical test. That entry must 

show the type of test, the duration of the flight portion, the 

successful outcome of the test, and the examiner’s 

designation number. 

l. Complete the Certification File. Complete the 

certification file in accordance with the guidance in 

chapter 5, paragraph 5-19. 

8-13. TASK OUTCOMES. Completion of this task 

results in the issuance of an FAA Form 8060-4, an FAA 

Form 8060-5, or a letter of discontinuance. 

8-14. FUTURE ACTIVITIES. 

a. The applicant may return for an added 

category/class. 

b. The applicant may return for an upgraded 

certificate. 
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 9 

Par 9-1 Page 9-1 

CHAPTER 9. CONDUCT A FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR WITH A SPORT PILOT 

RATING PRACTICAL TEST FOR AN INITIAL, RENEWAL, OR 

REINSTATEMENT 

SECTION 1. BACKGROUND 

9-1. OBJECTIVE. The objective of this task is to 

determine if an applicant meets the requirements for an 

initial flight instructor certificate with sport pilot rating, 

renewal of a current flight instructor certificate or the 

reinstatement of an expired flight instructor certificate. 

Completion of this task results in the issuance of an FAA 

Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman Certificate, an FAA 

Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval of Application, or a 

letter of discontinuance, as appropriate. 

9-2. GENERAL. The Light Sport Aviation Branch 

(AFS-610) will authorize Sport Pilot Flight Instructor 

Examiners (SFIEs) to conduct practical tests for the 

original issuance, renewal or reinstatement of a flight 

instructor certificate. 

a. Eligibility Requirements. To be eligible for a 

flight instructor certificate, an applicant must be at least 

18 years of age, hold at least a current third-class airman 

medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license, sport 

pilot certificate or higher, and meet the applicable 

requirements of Title 14 of the Code of Federal 

Regulations (14 CFR) part 61, subpart K. 

b. Airman Medical Certification Requirements.

An applicant for an initial flight instructor certificate with 

a sport pilot rating, renewal or reinstatement of an expired 

flight instructor certificate is required to hold at least a 

current third-class airman medical certificate FAA Form 

8500-9, Airman Medical Certificate or a valid U.S. 

driver’s license, if the practical test is conducted in an 

aircraft in flight (e.g. in an airplane, airship, gyroplane, 

weight-shift, or powered parachute). If the practical test 

does not involve use of an aircraft in flight, the applicant 

is not required to hold an airman medical certificate or a 

valid U.S. driver’s license. 

(1) If the applicant does not hold an airman 

medical certificate or valid U.S. driver’s license and the 

practical test will be conducted in an aircraft 

(e.g., airplane, airship, gyroplane, weight-shift, or 

powered parachute), the applicant must request the 

examiner to agree to be the pilot in command (PIC). 

However, the examiner is not required to agree to be the 

PIC. In fact, the FAA strongly discourages examiners 

from agreeing to perform PIC duties during the practical 

test. Examiners who agree to perform PIC duties during a 

practical test are advised to review section 61.47. 

Examiners must understand that there are possible legal 

liability and ramifications when agreeing to perform PIC 

duties during the practical test. 

(2) If the airman medical certificate or valid 

U.S. driver’s license bears any limitation, which would 

make a special airman medical flight test necessary, refer 

the applicant to AFS-610. 

c. Category and Class Privileges. A flight 

instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating does not list 

aircraft category ratings. When the practical test for a 

flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating is 

successfully passed, a logbook entry will be required for 

all category privileges authorized. 

9-3. GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR INITIAL 

CERTIFICATION. 

a. Logbook Endorsements. An applicant for a 

flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating must 

present a logbook with the following endorsements, as 

appropriate from an authorized flight instructor. The 

endorsement should be similar to the sample endorsement 

provided in AC 61-65, Certification: Pilots and Flight and 

Ground Instructors. 

(1) Except as provided in section 61.407(c), 

an applicant for a flight instructor certificate must have 

logged training and received a logbook endorsement on 

the fundamentals of instruction listed in section 61.407(a). 

(2) The applicant’s logbook or training record 

must contain an endorsement from an authorized 

instructor who certifies the applicant has received and 

logged some training within the 60 days preceding the 

date of the application in preparation for the practical test. 

(3) The applicant’s logbook or training record 

must contain an endorsement from an authorized 

instructor who certifies the applicant is prepared to pass 
8710.7 10/14/04 

Chap 9 

Page 9-2 Par 9-3 

the practical test. In addition, the applicant must have an 

FAA Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate and/or Rating 

Application – Sport Pilot, with the authorized instructor’s 

signature in Integrated Airmen Certification and/or Rating 

Application (IACRA). 

(4) The applicant’s logbook or training record 

must contain an endorsement from an authorized 

instructor that states the applicant has demonstrated 

satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which the 

applicant was deficient on the airman knowledge test, as 

appropriate. 

(5) An applicant must have received flight 

instruction and a logbook endorsement by a flight 

instructor meeting the requirements of section 61.409 in 

the subjects appropriate to the flight instructor with a sport 

pilot rating. 

(6) An applicant for a flight instructor 

certificate must have logged training and received an 

logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor on the 

training required by section 61.411 that is appropriate to 

the flight instructor with a sport pilot rating. 

(7) An applicant for a sport pilot flight 

instructor-airplane privileges or sport pilot flight 

instructor-glider privileges must present a logbook 

endorsement from an authorized instructor indicating that 

the applicant is competent and possesses instructional 

proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin 

recovery procedures in an airplane or glider, as 

appropriate. 

(a) Except in the case of a retest after a 

failure for the deficiencies stated in section 61.49(b), the 

examiner may either accept the logbook endorsement or 

require the applicant to demonstrate competency and 

instructional proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, 

spins, and spin recovery procedures. 

(b) If a notice of disapproval was issued 

due to deficiencies in competency and instructional 

proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin 

recovery procedures, the applicant is required to spin the 

aircraft and demonstrate competency and instructional 

proficiency in stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin 

recovery procedures on the retest. 

(c) The examiner and the applicant are 

not required to wear parachutes for spin task 

demonstration during a flight instructor practical test. 

b. Aeronautical Knowledge. The applicant must 

meet the aeronautical knowledge requirements of 

section 61.405(a). The flight instructor knowledge 

examination consists of two tests: Fundamentals of 

Instructing (FOI) and a test appropriate to the category 

privileges sought. 

(1) FOI Test Alternate Criteria. An applicant 

for the original issuance of a flight instructor certificate 

need not take the FOI test if the applicant meets certain 

alternate criteria. However, the applicant must present 

appropriate documentation to the Flight Standards District 

Office (FSDO) or AFS-610 and obtain an authorization to 

use either of the following in lieu of the FOI test: 

(a) A current teacher’s certificate issued 

by a state, county, or city authorizing the applicant to 

teach at an educational level of the 7th grade or higher; or 

(b) Evidence of regular employment as a 

teacher at an accredited college or university. 

(2) Test for Flight Instructor With Sport Pilot 

Rating. If the applicant seeks to provide training in 

light-sport aircraft, the applicant must receive a logbook 

endorsement from the authorized instructor who trained 

him or her on the applicable areas of operation specified 

in section 61.409 certifying the applicant has met the 

aeronautical knowledge for the category and class flight 

instructor privilege sought. 

(a) Aeronautical Experience. The 

applicant must present acceptable evidence of meeting the 

minimum aeronautical experience requirements of 

sections 61.411. 

(b) Aeronautical Skill. The original 

issuance of a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot 

rating shall be issued by an SFIE. The applicant must 

demonstrate aeronautical skill by satisfactorily completing 

the practical test prescribed by section 61.405(b). The test 

shall be conducted in accordance with the appropriate 

Sport Pilot Practical Test Standard (PTS). The examiner 

may also require the applicant to demonstrate knowledge 

and skill from other PTS’s that may include sport pilot 

certificate or private pilot certificate, if appropriate. 

9-4. GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR RENEWAL 

OR REINSTATEMENT. An SFIE is authorized to 

conduct the renewal or reinstatement of a flight instructor 

certificate with a sport pilot rating. However, the basis for 
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 9 

Par 9-4 Page 9-3 

issuing the renewal or reinstatement of a flight instructor 

certificate shall be based on the applicant satisfactorily 

accomplishing a practical test (e.g., the oral and flight 

portions) as required by section 61.197(a)(1). The 

examiner may require an applicant for the renewal or 

reinstatement to complete all or any portion of the flight 

instructor practical test that the examiner deems necessary 

to determine the applicant’s competence to hold a flight 

instructor certificate. But as a minimum the examiner shall 

evaluate the areas of operation and task designated in the 

appropriate Sport Pilot PTS. 

a. Endorsement Not Required. A flight 

instructor endorsement is not required for the renewal or 

reinstatement of a flight instructor certificate except in 

accordance with the provisions of section 61.49 for a 

retest. 

b. Expiration Date. A flight instructor certificate 

is renewed or reinstated with an expiration date 

24-calendar months after the date of the renewal or 

reinstatement. 

c. Examiner Qualifications for Renewal or 

Reinstatements of Applicants with Multiple Category 

Privileges. In order to conduct a practical test for the 

renewal or reinstatement of a flight instructor certificate 

with more than one aircraft category privilege, an 

examiner must be designated in at least one of the 

categories of aircraft to be renewed and hold SFIE 

authority. 

d. Renewal of All Flight Instructor Privileges. 

An applicant may renew all privileges for current flight 

instructor certificate by satisfactorily completing one 

practical test. The satisfactory completion of a practical 

test for an additional flight instructor privilege constitutes 

the renewal of all flight instructor privileges listed on the 

certificate. 

e. Renewal of Category Privileges by Other 

Than a Practical Test. An SFIE may renew holders of 

current flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating 

provided that the renewal only involves an administrative 

process and no practical test is involved. An SFIE’s 

authority permits renewal of a current flight instructor 

certificate with a sport pilot rating in accordance with the 

flight instructor renewal provisions set forth in 

section 61.197(a)(2)(i) and section 61.197(a)(2)(iii) or in 

accordance with the FAA’s Pilot Proficiency Awards 

Program (WINGS) Program as set forth in the Flight 

Standards Handbook Bulletin (Procedures for Renewing a 

Flight Instructor Certificate on the Basis of Participation 

in the FAA's Pilot Proficiency Awards Program 

HBGA 00-18). Specifically, an SFIE’s authority to renew 

holders of current flight instructor certificate with a sport 

pilot rating involves the following renewal procedures 

only: 

(1) Flight Instructors who make application to 

renew their flight instructor certificate on the basis of 

having trained and endorsed, during the preceding 

24-calendar months at least five students for a practical 

test for a certificate, rating, or privilege and at least 

80 percent of those students passed that test on the first 

attempt (e.g. section 61.197(a)(2)(i)). 

(2) Flight Instructors who make application to 

renew their flight instructor certificate on the basis of a 

graduation certificate that shows, within the preceding 

3-calendar months prior to the date of application, the 

applicant has successfully completed an approved flight 

instructor refresher course in accordance with 

section 61.197(a)(2)(iii). 

(3) Flight Instructors who make application to 

renew their flight instructor certificate on the basis of 

having participated as a flight instructor in a phase of the 

FAA’s WINGS Program in accordance with the flight 

instructor renewal provisions set forth in HBGA 00-18. 

9-5. DENIAL OF RENEWAL OR REINSTATEMENT. If an applicant is unable to meet the requirements 

for renewal or reinstatement of a flight instructor 

certificate by satisfactorily completing the applicable 

practical test, the examiner issues the applicant FAA Form 

8060-5. If renewal or reinstatement has been denied on 

the basis of the applicant’s piloting proficiency, the 

examiner should document the deficiencies and contact 

AFS-610. AFS-610 may consider the need for possible 

re-certification action. 

9-6. GOLD SEAL FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR 

CERTIFICATES. A qualified flight instructor may 

request the issuance of a gold seal flight instructor 

certificate when renewing his or her flight instructor 

certificate or at any time the flight instructor makes 

application upon meeting the requirements. 

a. Gold Seal Requirements. A gold seal 

certificate may be issued to a flight instructor who holds a 

ground instructor certificate with a basic ground instructor 

rating; and has met ONE of the following criteria within 

the past 24-calendar months: 
8710.7 10/14/04 

Chap 9 

Page 9-4 Par 9-6 

(1) Trained and recommended at least 10 

applicants for an original certificate with at least 80 

percent of those applicants recommended passing the 

practical test on his or her first attempt; 

(2) Conducted at least 20 certification 

practical tests as an examiner or conducted 20 

certification graduation tests as a chief flight instructor for 

an approved pilot school course; or 

(3) A combination of the training and testing 

requirements listed in section 1, paragraphs 9-9. (Two 

tests conducted equal one applicant trained and 

recommended.) 

b. Renewal of a Gold Seal Certificate. The 

holder of a gold seal flight instructor certificate is not 

required to meet the criteria for the gold seal again. A 

flight instructor who qualifies for a gold seal certificate is 

entitled to receive another gold seal certificate on all flight 

instructor certificate renewals and/or reinstatements. 

9-7. CATEGORY AND CLASS PRIVILEGES FOR 

A FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE WITH A 

SPORT PILOT RATING. The following privileges are 

by logbook endorsements for flight instructor certificate 

with sport pilot rating where applicable: 

a. Aircraft Categories. 

(1) AIRPLANE 

(2) GYROPLANE 

(3) WEIGHT-SHIFT CONTROL 

(4) POWERED PARACHUTE 

(5) LIGHTER THEN AIR 

(6) GLIDER 

b. Airplane Classes. 

(1) AIRPLANE LAND 

(2) AIRPLANE SEA 

c. Weight-Shift Classes. 

(1) WEIGHT-SHIFT CONTROL LAND 

(2) WEIGHT-SHIFT CONTROL SEA 

d. Powered Parachute Classes. 

(1) POWERED PARACHUTE LAND 

(2) POWERED PARACHUTE SEA 

e. Lighter-Than-Air Classes. 

(1) AIRSHIP 

(2) BALLOON 

9-8. LIMITATIONS. There is no provision for an 

examiner or an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) to 

issue operating limitations on a flight instructor certificate. 

9-9. thru 9-13. RESERVED 

SECTION 2. PROCEDURES 

9-14. PREREQUISITES AND COORDINATION 

REQUIREMENTS. 

a. Prerequisites. This task requires knowledge of 

part 61, subpart K, familiarity with the PTS for sport pilot 

flight instructor practical tests, and designation as an 

SFIE. 

b. Coordination. This task requires coordination 

with AFS-610. 

9-15. REFERENCES, FORMS, AND JOB AIDS. 

a. References. 

(1) 14 CFR parts 61, 91, and 141. 

(2) FAA-S-8081-29, Sport Pilot Practical Test 

Standards for Airplane, Gyroplane, Glider, and Flight 

Instructor. 
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 9 

Par 9-15 Page 9-5 

(3) FAA-S-8081-30, Sport Pilot Practical Test 

Standards for Airship and Balloon, and Flight Instructor. 

(4) FAA-S-8081-31, Sport Pilot Practical Test 

Standards for Weight Shift Control, and Flight Instructor. 

(5) Other applicable PTS. 

(6) AC 61-65, Certification: Pilots and Flight 

and Ground Instructors. 

b. Forms. 

(1) FAA Form 8060-4, Temporary Airman 

Certificate. 

(2) FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval 

of Application. 

(3) FAA Form 8710-11, Airman Certificate 

and/or Rating Application – Sport Pilot. 

c. Job Aids. 

•Sample figures 

9-16. PROCEDURES. 

a. Schedule Appointment. Advise the applicant 

to bring the following documents and records to the 

appointment: 

(1) An FAA Form 8710-11 must be 

completed. As a special emphasis item, the examiner must 

review the applicant’s aeronautical experience recorded 

on the FAA Form 8710-11 and in the applicant’s 

logbook/training record to ensure compliance with the 

appropriate aeronautical experience requirements for the 

certificate, rating, or privilege sought have been met. Per 

section 61.39(a)(7), the applicant is required to sign the 

FAA Form 8710-11 and accurately and fully complete 

Section II, “Record of Pilot Time.” If the applicant is 

retesting after a failure, the FAA Form 8710-11 must be 

endorsed on the back side of the form by the applicant’s 

flight instructor. 

(2) A pilot certificate; 

(3) A current or expired flight instructor 

certificate, if for renewal/reinstatement; 

(4) A current airman medical certificate or a 

valid U.S. driver’s license, if acting as PIC; 

(5) Knowledge test report(s) or authorization 

to use alternate criteria for the FOI test, if applicable; 

(6) An FAA-approved pilot school graduation 

certificate, if applicable; 

(7) The applicant must present a pilot logbook 

or other acceptable and reliable record(s) as evidence of 

having met the required aeronautical experience for the 

certificate, rating, or privilege sought that substantiates the 

aeronautical experience shown on the FAA Form 8710-11; 

(8) The aircraft maintenance records; 

(9) The aircraft airworthiness certificate and 

operating limitations or approved flight manual for each 

aircraft to be used; 

(10) The aircraft registration; 

(11) The Federal Communications Commission 

(FCC) aircraft station license, if required; and 

(12) An acceptable form of photo 

identification. 

b. Applicant Arrives for Appointment. Collect 

and review the documents and records listed in section 2, 

paragraphs 9-16.a.(1) through (12). 

c. Review Application. Verify that the 

information on the application is presented accurately and 

completely. 

(1) On the FAA Form 8710-11, Section I, 

ensure that the applicant has checked “Sport pilot flight 

instructor,” and noted “Initial,” “Renewal,” or 

“Reinstatement,” as appropriate to the practical test being 

requested. 

(2) Ensure that the remainder of the FAA 

Form 8710-11 is completed in accordance with the 

instructions attached to the form and the information 

provided in chapter 5, section 1, paragraph 5-18. 

(3) If the applicant is applying for the original 

issuance of a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot 

rating, ensure that an authorized flight instructor has 
8710.7 10/14/04 

Chap 9 

Page 9-6 Par 9-16 

signed an endorsement within 60 days prior to the 

practical test. 

d. Verify Applicant’s Identity. Inspect 

acceptable forms of identification to establish the 

applicant’s identity in accordance with the procedures 

described in chapter 5, section 1, paragraph 5-16. 

(1) Compare the identification with the 

personal information provided on the FAA Form 8710-11. 

(2) When the applicant’s identity is verified, 

continue. 

(3) If the applicant’s identity cannot be 

verified because of lack of identification or inadequate 

identification, explain what types of identification are 

acceptable. Advise the applicant to return with appropriate 

identification. 

(4) If the applicant’s identity appears to be 

different from the information supplied on the application, 

or it appears that an attempt at falsification has been 

made, discontinue the task and immediately and report the 

matter to the local FSDO and AFS-610. 

e. Establish Eligibility. For the original issuance 

of a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating, 

determine if the applicant meets the general eligibility, 

aeronautical knowledge, and flight proficiency 

requirements for the flight instructor certificate 

(sections 61.403,61.405,61.407, 61.409, and 61.411). 

(1) Determine if the applicant holds at least a 

sport pilot certificate or higher with the appropriate 

category/class privilege or rating sought. 

(2) Verify that the applicant holds at least a 

current third-class airman medical certificate or a valid 

U.S. driver’s license, if applicable. If the applicant does 

not hold an airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. 

driver’s license, decide whether to accept PIC 

responsibility in order to conduct the test. 

(3) Determine whether the applicant is able to 

read, speak, write and understand the English language. 

(4) If the applicant is applying for a test on 

the basis of graduation from an approved pilot school, 

inspect the applicant’s graduation certificate to verify that 

the applicant meets the requirements of section 61.71(a) 

which requires the applicant’s graduation certificate is 

dated within 60-days of completion of the practical test. 

(5) Examine the applicant’s logbooks and/or 

other reliable record(s) to verify that all aeronautical 

knowledge and flight proficiency requirements are 

recorded. Verify the required endorsements for ground 

and flight instruction have been certified by an authorized 

flight instructor. 

(6) Have the applicant present evidence of 

satisfactory completion, of a course of instruction in the 

subjects listed in section 61.407 and 61.409 or an 

acceptable equivalent. 

(7) As applicable to the flight instructor 

privilege sought, inspect the applicant’s knowledge test 

report(s), test report(s) from an approved school with 

knowledge test examining authority, or authorization to 

use acceptable alternative criteria in lieu of the FOI test. 

(8) If a flight instructor is applying for 

renewal of his or her flight instructor certificate, determine 

whether the flight instructor certificate is still current. If 

the certificate is not current, advise the applicant that the 

flight instructor certificate is no longer current and that he 

or she must submit to a re-instatement practical test, in 

accordance with section 61.427. 

(9) If the applicant has checked the “Yes” box 

of Section IV of FAA Form 8710-11 entitled “HAVE 

YOU FAILED A TEST FOR THIS CERTIFICATE OR 

RATING,” verify that the applicant meets the 

requirements of section 61.49, if appropriate. 

f. Aircraft Requirements. Review the aircraft’s 

airworthiness certificate, aircraft registration, and aircraft 

maintenance records or logbooks for the last annual 

condition inspection, 100-hour inspection, if applicable, 

and compliance with applicable Airworthiness Directive 

(AD) and safety directives to determine if the aircraft is in 

a safe condition for flight and suitable for this practical 

test. Verify that the aircraft (airplane or glider) to be used 

is certificated for spins, if required. Aircraft used must 

meet the definition of light sport aircraft in accordance 

with 14 CFR, section 1.1. After reviewing the documents, 

return them to the applicant. 

g. Discrepancies. If a discrepancy that cannot be 

immediately corrected exists in any of the documents, 

return the application and all documents to the applicant. 
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 9 

Par 9-16 Page 9-7 (and 9-8) 

(1) Inform the applicant of the reasons for 

ineligibility and explain how the applicant may correct the 

discrepancies. 

(2) Reschedule the appointment, if requested 

to do so. 

h. Conduct the Practical Test. After determining 

that the applicant is eligible and meets all prerequisites for 

the flight instructor certificate and associated rating(s) or 

privilege(s) sought, accept the FAA Form 8710-11 and 

conduct the practical test in accordance with the guidance 

in the appropriate PTS and chapter 5 of this order. 

(1) If the practical test is not completed for 

reasons other than unsatisfactory performance, issue a 

letter of discontinuance to the applicant. (See chapter 5, 

section 2, paragraph 5-29.c., and figure 5-2.) 

(2) Return the application and all submitted 

documents to the applicant with the original of the letter 

of discontinuance. 

(3) Explain how the applicant may complete 

the test at a later date. 

i. Unsatisfactory Performance. If the applicant 

does not meet the applicable standards for the certificate 

or rating sought, inform the applicant of the reasons for 

the unsatisfactory performance. 

(1) Prepare FAA Form 8060-5 in accordance 

with the guidance in chapter 5, section 1, paragraph 5-22. 

(2) Sign, date, and check the appropriate 

boxes on the FAA Form 8060-5. Give the applicant a 

copy of the FAA Form 8060-5. 

(3) Complete the process in IACRA, and 

return all other submitted documents to the applicant. 

j. Satisfactory Performance. When the applicant 

has satisfactorily met all requirements for the flight 

instructor certificate, prepare FAA Form 8060-4 in 

accordance with the guidance in chapter 5, section 1, 

paragraph 5-21. 

(1) Endorse the appropriate flight instructor 

privilege in the applicant’s logbook. 

(2) Place the following notation on line XIII 

of the FAA Form 8060-4. “VALID ONLY WHEN 

ACCOMPANIED BY PILOT CERTIFICATE NO. 

[ enter number ]. EXPIRES [ enter date ]”. 

(3) If the applicant is eligible for a gold seal 

flight instructor certificate, enter the notation “GOLD 

SEAL CERTIFICATE” in the block containing the 

“Original Issuance/Reissuance” boxes on the FAA 

Form 8060-4. (See figure 9-1.) 

(4) Verify that all information on the FAA 

Form 8060-4 is correct. Sign the FAA Form 8060-4 and 

direct the applicant to sign Line VII. 

(5) Retain the original FAA Form 8060-4 for 

the certification file, and give the applicant a copy of the 

FAA Form 8060-4. 

k. Complete the Certification File. Complete the 

certification file in accordance with the guidance in 

chapter 5, section 1, paragraph 5-18. 

9-17. TASK OUTCOMES. Completion of this task 

results in the issuance of an FAA Form 8060-4, an FAA 

Form 8060-5, or a letter of discontinuance. 

9-18. FUTURE ACTIVITIES. 

a. The applicant may return for a flight 

instructor renewal or reinstatement practical test. 

b. The applicant may return for an additional 

flight instructor privilege. 

c. The applicant may return to apply for a gold 

seal flight instructor certificate. 
10/14/04 8710.7 

Chap 9 

Par 9-18 Page 9-9 (and 9-10) 

FIGURE 9-1. SAMPLE OF A GOLD SEAL FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE WITH A 

SPORT PILOT RATING 

I. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ─ FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION 

 II. TEMPORARY AIRMAN CERTIFICATE

III. CERTIFICATE NO. 

5562454CFI 

THIS CERTIFIES THAT IV. SANDRA GAIL RIFFEY

 V. 11255 TERRY JOE DRIVE

 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73156

DATE OF BIRTH 

09/15/1972 

HEIGHT 

70 IN. 

WEIGHT 

120 

HAIR 

BROWN 

EYES 

BROWN 

SEX 

F 

NATIONALITY VI. 

USA 

IX. has been found to be properly qualified and is hereby authorized in accordance with the conditions of 

issuance on the reverse of this certificate to exercise the privileges of 

 FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR 

RATINGS AND LIMITATIONS 

XII. SPORT PILOT S A M P L E

 VALID ONLY WHEN ACCOMPANIED BY PILOT CERTIFICATE 

 NUMBER 5562454 EXPIRES 03/31/2006

XIII. 

THIS IS AN ORIGINAL ISSUANCE X A REISSUANCE OF 

THIS GRADE OF CERTIFICATE 

GOLD SEAL CERTIFICATE

DATE OF SUPERSEDED AIRMAN CERTIFICATE 

03/01/2002 

BY DIRECTION OF THE ADMINISTRATOR EXAMINER’S DESIGNATION NO. OR 

INSPECTOR’S REG. NO. 

WP-07-9810 

VII. AIRMAN’S SIGNATURE Sandra Gail Riffey

X. DATE OF ISSUANCE 

03/16/2004 

X. SIGNATURE OF EXAMINER OR INSPECTOR 

Tom A. Jones 

TOM A. JONES

DATE DESIGNATION EXPIRES 

05/31/2005 

FAA Form 8060-4 (8-79) USE PREVIOUS EDITION 
Directive Feedback Information 

Please submit any written comments or recommendations for improving this directive, or suggest new 

items or subjects to be added to it. Also, if you find an error, please let us know. 

Subject: Order 8710.7 

To: FAA 

 ATTN: Light Sport Aviation Branch, AFS-610 

 P.O. Box 25082 

 Oklahoma City, OK 73125 

NOTE: AFS-610 will coordinate all changes with the General Aviation and Commercial Division, AFS-800. 

(Please check all appropriate line items.) 

___ An error (procedural or typographical) has been noted in paragraph ______ on page _____. 

___ Recommend paragraph _____ on page _____ be changed as follows: (Attach separate sheet if 

necessary.) 

___ In a future change to this directive, please include coverage on the following subject: (Briefly 

describe what you want added.) 

___ Other comments: 

___ I would like to discuss the above. Please contact me. 

Submitted By: _______________________ Date: _________

FTS Telephone Number: ______________ Routing Symbol: ___________

FAA Form 1320-19(8-89)