Originally Posted by
SomedayRJ
It also has something to do with the fact that the quickly scribbled endorsement 'OK for pattern solo' has now been replaced with "I certify that First Middle Last has received adequate solo flight training in a <Type> and is competent to operate that airplane in solo flight at the Anytown Airport, subject to the following limitations... /s/ John Alan Doe 12345123CFI Exp 11/08." (or something along those lines
.)
That's not really a recent development. 61-65 has been around the block a few times. Easiest way to do the endorsement, plus it's an easy way to check to make sure all the endorsements are set before sending a student for any kind of checkride.