Definition
A specific federal regulation that sets out what an applicant must do after failing an FAA knowledge or practical test before they are eligible to retake it. It requires the applicant to obtain an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the instructor gave the applicant additional training in the areas shown deficient on the failed test, and that the instructor considers the applicant ready for retesting.
Plain English
If you fail an FAA written or checkride test, this rule says you can't just sign up and try again. First, an instructor has to give you more training on the parts you got wrong, then sign a statement saying you've worked on those weak areas and are ready to try the test again.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA training and testing discussions, especially after an unsuccessful knowledge test or practical test.
Derivation
14 CFR means 'Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations,' the section of U.S. federal law that covers aeronautics and space. 'Part 61' covers the certification of pilots and instructors. Section 61.49 is the specific paragraph dealing with retesting after failure. The lettering breaks the regulation into smaller pieces, with '(a)' being the first subsection.
Why Pilots Care
It prevents repeated testing without addressing knowledge gaps, supporting safer pilot preparation.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as just a handbook reference or page number. It is a legal rule citation: Title 14, Part 61, Section 61.49, paragraph (a).
Example Sentence 1
After her student failed the private pilot knowledge test, the instructor reviewed the deficient subject areas, provided focused training, and gave the endorsement required by 14 CFR part 61 section 61.49(a) before the retest.
Example Sentence 2
Per 14 CFR part 61 section 61.49(a), the instructor documented the additional training and signed the endorsement so the student could schedule the next knowledge test immediately.