FOI Written Endorsement(s)
 

Got a question that I'd like to see opinions on......

Basically I started my CFI training at a farm county airport back in February (Strike One). The owner was the one doing my CFI training and I should have immediately known this place was bad. He basically told me that we don't need much ground and he'll sign me off to go take the checkride after just flying with him for the 3 hours within 60 days rule. No preparation, no SOPs, no AC61-65E info, nothing. He also had very poor use of the FOI skills (Strike Two). He said that he used the FOI and FAI tests as the only test of knowledge he needed. So I went about studying FOI and wanted to really embrace the concepts, not just memorize answers. Especially since FOI is common sense stuff.

Anyway, he then had me take the FOI at his FBO and I busted it (because I guess my software prep didn't have the 2011 changes). He really was no help with FOI in the first place either (Strike Three).

Right after this event, I stopped going to him because it was really bad, as you can see. Nice guy who meant well but it was a very poor quality product.

Now to my question.......

My new instructor and I were going over AC61-65E yesterday and we came to the FOI endorsements. I said, wait a second..... he never signed me off for either endorsement to take the test. Either could work but the way I did my studying, it really should have been the second one about reviewing the candidates home study material.

Since I was never signed off, does the first test count? My current CFI said yes but I wanted to see other opinions as well.

Thanks!

I believe you have slightly misinterpreted the endorsement as shown in AC61-65E. Reference FAR 61.183(d) under Eligibility Requirements.

In this case you must have the endorsement when you take the practical test (present it to the FAA inspector or DPE); however the endorsement is not required to take the FOI written exam.

Here is an FAA document from CATS: http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/...ing_matrix.pdf. Scroll to page 7 and you will see:

In sum, the FOI endorsement is required to be in your logbook for the practical test but not to take the written. Best of luck in passing the test this time!

Thanks for the clarification!