Instructor privileges, limitations and responsibilities
This domain tests what an instructor rating lets you do, how solo flights are authorised, what records must be kept, and when you may certify a student's competence.
Privileges and limitations
A flight instructor rating is a rating on a pilot licence. You may exercise only the privileges of the category, type and endorsements you hold, with a current medical and recent experience. Instructors give dual instruction, authorise solo flights and certify competence for licences or ratings within their authorisation. Certification is personal: you must have trained or assessed the student and have personal knowledge of their competence. You cannot certify from someone else's report.
Solo supervision and authorisation
Before first solo the student needs a valid student pilot licence and medical, and the instructor must be satisfied about handling, emergencies, weather, airspace and decision-making. The authorisation should be recorded in the student's logbook and should be specific - aircraft type, conditions, duration and supervision. A solo endorsement is not a licence and does not remove the student's restrictions: no passengers, no night or IMC unless separately authorised, and no operation outside the endorsement. The instructor remains accountable for the decision to send the student solo.
Records and competence
Keep training records and logbook entries accurate and signed. Record dual, solo, exercises covered and endorsements. An ATO must retain training records under its Part 141 manual. Competence certification should follow a defined syllabus and a flight test or assessment, not just accumulated hours.
Worked example
A student is flying well and asks to solo, but the Class 2 medical expired yesterday. Reasoning: no solo authorisation until the medical is current. The instructor checks licence, medical, weight and balance, weather and endorsements, then authorises in writing only when all are satisfied.
Traps
Authorising solo outside your instructor category; treating a logbook signature as a substitute for a medical; certifying competence without personal knowledge; poor records.