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In order to take the CFI/FOI and ATP written test do you need an endorsement from an instructor?
Ref. §61.35 and §61.183. There was no change in policy. Although there was a major revision of Title 14 CFR part 61 effective August 4, 1997, the requirements for taking the ATP, flight instructor (CFI & CFII), fundamentals of instruction (FOI), military competency (MC), foreign pilot instrument (IFP) or the certificated ground instructor (CGI) knowledge test did not change. Unlike the requirements for some airmen certifications under §§ 61.65(a)(4), 61.96(b)(5)(ii), 61.103(d)(2), and 61.123(c)(2) that clearly require for eligibility an endorsement certifying the applicant is prepared for the appropriate knowledge test, applicants are not required to provide an instructor endorsement of preparation to take the ATP, CFI & CFII, FOI, MC, IFP or the CGI knowledge tests. Section 61.183(d) states that to be eligible for a flight instructor certificate or rating a person must have “a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor on the fundamentals of instructing listed in §61.185(a)(1) of this part appropriate to the required knowledge test.” The regulation does not require that the endorsement state that the applicant is “prepared” for the test; instead it simply requires a certification that instruction has been received. When the applicant applies for an initial flight instructor practical test, an examiner must ensure that the applicant has received the logbook endorsement required under § 61.83(d), but the logbook endorsement does not need to be presented to take the knowledge test. However, we do note that in accordance with § 61.49, if an applicant is reapplying to take the knowledge test after failing, an instructor endorsement is required. Paragraph 5. b. of the Advisory Circular (AC) 61-65D also relates this information.