Regulation Text
§ 61.419 How do I obtain privileges to provide training in an additional category or class of light-sport aircraft?
If you hold a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating and seek to provide training in an additional category or class of light-sport aircraft you must—
(a) Receive a logbook endorsement from the authorized instructor who trained you on the applicable areas of operation specified in § 61.409 certifying you have met the aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency requirements for the additional category and class flight instructor privilege you seek;
(b) Successfully complete a proficiency check from an authorized instructor other than the instructor who trained you on the areas specified in § 61.409 for the additional category and class flight instructor privilege you seek;
(c) Complete an application for those privileges on a form and in a manner acceptable to the FAA and present this application to the authorized instructor who conducted the proficiency check specified in paragraph (b) of this section; and
(d) Receive a logbook endorsement from the instructor who conducted the proficiency check specified in paragraph (b) of this section certifying you are proficient in the areas of operation and authorized for the additional category and class flight instructor privilege.
Research Notes
Research Notes — § 61.419 Additional Category/Class Privileges
Process for Adding Category or Class Privileges
§ 61.419 establishes how an existing sport pilot instructor adds privileges to instruct in an additional aircraft category or class. This is analogous to how a traditional CFI adds a new rating category — the process requires meeting the knowledge, experience, and proficiency standards for the new category/class and completing a practical test or receiving an endorsement.
Practical Test vs. Endorsement Pathway
Unlike traditional CFI category add-ons (which require a full practical test), § 61.419 allows for an endorsement-based pathway for additional sport pilot instructor privileges in certain circumstances. This is more flexible than the traditional instructor add-on process. The specific requirements are set out in the regulation and cross-referenced in AC 61-65K Appendix D.
Record Keeping
When additional privileges are added, the flight instructor certificate is reissued with the new category/class endorsement. The applicant must retain documentation of the qualifying training and endorsement in their logbook. This serves as the backup documentation if the certificate itself is later questioned.
AOPA Guidance
AOPA's Sport Pilot resources include guidance on the sport pilot instructor certificate process and pathways for adding category/class privileges. While not regulatory, AOPA's practical guides are useful supplements to the AC language.
Amendment History
AOA Notes
These notes correspond to the highlighted phrases in the regulation text above. Each one flags something worth knowing — a common misread, a checkride gotcha, or a practical pro tip.
CFI Commentary
Highlighted phrases in the regulation text above link to instructor notes at the bottom of this page. Look for the amber or blue highlights — each one flags a gotcha or a pro tip worth knowing.