Which set of endorsements is required to take a practical test?

• A. All four endorsements: a recommendation on the FAA Form 8710-1 or IACRA equivalent; an endorsement that the applicant has satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas found deficient on the knowledge test; an endorsement that the applicant has received and logged training time within the 2 calendar months preceding the month of the test in preparation for the test; an endorsement that the applicant is prepared for the test
• B. Endorsements that the applicant has satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas found deficient on the knowledge test; an endorsement that the applicant has received and logged training time within the 2 calendar months preceding the month of the test; an endorsement that the applicant is prepared for the test
• C. An endorsement that the applicant has received and logged training time within the 2 calendar months preceding the month of the test in preparation for the test; an endorsement that the applicant is prepared for the test
• D. An endorsement that the applicant is prepared for the test

Answer: (A)

Sitting a practical test requires formal authorization plus proof of readiness from an instructor. The complete set includes four endorsements: a formal recommendation on the FAA Form 8710-1 or IACRA equivalent, which is the official authorization to schedule the test; an endorsement that the applicant has satisfactorily addressed any subject areas found deficient on the knowledge test (remediation of weaknesses if those were identified); an endorsement that the applicant has received and logged training time within the two calendar months preceding the month of the test in preparation for the test (showing recent, active training); and an endorsement that the applicant is prepared for the test (the instructor’s confirmation that the student is ready for the oral and flight portions). Together, these ensure the FAA has a documented, current readiness package before testing. Without any one of these, the test authorization isn’t complete, so the complete four-endorsement set is required.