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Sport pilot applicants take a knowledge test required by 14 CFR part 61, s ection 61.307(a). The regulation requires a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor in order to be able to take the knowledge test. 14 CFR part 61, s ection 61.405(a) requires a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor for sport pilot instructor applicants. A Fundamentals of Instructing test may also apply in accordance with part 61, s ection 61.405(a)(1). 

If the applicant fails a knowledge test, the applicant needs an endorsement from an authorized instructor who gave additional training in $_{ }$accordance with 14 CFR part 61, s ection 61.49(a) in order to retake the test. There is an unsigned endorsement provided on the knowledge test report that may be utilized by the instructor. 

## Additional Training and Endorsements 

Flight instructors may provide training and endorsements for certificated pilots. AC 61-98, Currency Requirement and Guidance for the Flight Review and Instrument Proficiency Check, contains relevant information for certificated pilots and flight instructors for flight review required by 14 CFR part 61, s ection 61.56 or meeting recent flight experience requirements of s ection 61.57. 

The AC includes general guidance in each o f these areas, references to oth er related documents , and sample training plans tha t are pertinent to this type of training. 

## Flight Reviews 

The requirements for a flight review are contained in 14 CFR part 61, section 61.56. The flight review is the aeronautical equivalent of a regular medical checkup and ongoing health improvement program. 

Effective pilot refresher training should be based on specific objectives and standards. The objectives should include a thorough checkout appropriate to the pilot certificate and aircraft ratings held, and the standards should be at least those required for the issuance of that pilot certificate. Before beginning any training, the pilot and the instructor should agree fully on these objectives and standards, and, as training progresses, the pilot should be kept appraised of progress toward achieving those goals. 

A flight review is an excellent opportunity for a flight instructor $_{ }$to review pilot decision-making (ADM) skills. To get the information needed to evaluate ADM skills, including risk management, give the pilot multiple opportunities to make decisions and ask questions about those decisions. For example, ask the pilot to explain why the alternate airport selected for a diversion exercise is a safe and appropriate choice. What are the possible hazards, and what can the pilot do to mitigate them? Be alert to the pilot’s information and automation management skills as well. For example, does the pilot perform regular “common sense crosschecks?” For more ideas on generating scenarios that teach risk management, visit www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/ handbooks_manuals/aviation/pilot_risk/ . 

AC 61-98, Currency Requirement and Guidance for the Flight Review and Instrument Proficiency Check , provides guidance for conducting a flight review. An a ppendi x in the AC includes a $_{ }$sample flight review checklist, which contains portions of 14 CFR part 61, s ection 61.56 and a sample endorsement. At the conclusion of a successful flight review, the logbook of the pilot should be endorsed, as recommended. [Figure C-2] 

## Instrument Proficiency Checks 

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Instrument rated pilots who fail to meet instrument currency requirements of 14 CFR part 61, s ection 61.57(c) for more than 6 calendar months are required by 14 CFR part 61, s ection 61.57(d) to complete an instrument proficiency check (IPC) in order to regain their instrument flying privileges. This does not apply to pilots meeting certain exceptions outlined in s ection 61.57(e). 

14 CFR  part 61, s ection 61.57(d) contains the requirements for an IPC. AC 61-98 contains guidance for the conduct of an (IPC). The Instrument Rating Airman Certification Standards (ACS) provides additional IPC information. 

