Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

Which endorsement allows a CFI to supervise the solo flight of a student pilot at night?

1. Pre-solo aeronautical knowledge

2. Pre-solo flight training at night

3. Solo flight (each additional 90-day period)

4. Initial solo cross-country flight

The correct answer is: Pre-solo flight training at night

The endorsement required for a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) to supervise the solo flight of a student pilot at night is specific to pre-solo flight training conducted at night. This endorsement ensures that the student has received the necessary training and demonstrated proficiency in night operations, which are distinctly different from daytime flying due to factors such as visibility limitations and the use of instruments. Students must complete specific flight training at night, including night flight operations and navigation, to develop their skills and become familiar with how to operate under these conditions. This endorsement reflects that the student has the competencies and knowledge necessary to fly solo at night safely. Other endorsements, such as the pre-solo aeronautical knowledge or solo flight endorsements, pertain to general solo flight capabilities but do not specifically cover the requirements for night flight. An endorsement for initial solo cross-country flight also does not address night operations directly. Therefore, the requirement for direct training and endorsement for night solo flight distinguishes this option as the correct one.