Flight instructor limitations and qualifications

In plain English

Flight instructors have limitations: you may only instruct in aircraft/areas you’re rated and qualified for, may not endorse a student for solo or a test unless you’ve given the required training and found them prepared, and a CFI’s endorsements carry personal responsibility. There are also hour/duty limits in a 24-hour period.

Key points

• Instruct only within your ratings and qualifications.
• Endorse only after giving the training and verifying readiness.
• Limited flight-training hours in a 24-hour period.

Common pitfalls

• Endorsing a student you haven’t personally prepared.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation.*