Definition
An airplane with an engine of more than 200 horsepower, as defined by the FAA in 14 CFR 61.31(f). Acting as pilot in command of such an aircraft requires a one-time logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying the pilot has received and demonstrated proficiency in ground and flight training specific to high-performance airplanes.
Plain English
An airplane whose engine produces more than 200 horsepower. To fly one as pilot in command, a pilot must first get a special sign-off in their logbook from an instructor, showing they have been trained on the differences these airplanes bring.
Context Anchor
Seen when pilots transition from basic trainers to more powerful airplanes, and in FAA rules about what training and endorsements are required before flying them as the responsible pilot.
Why Pilots Care
A pilot must receive specific ground and flight training and obtain a logbook endorsement before acting as pilot in command of a high-performance airplane.
Intuition Check
Do not read “high-performance” as just “fast,” “expensive,” or “advanced.” In this FAA context, it has a specific cutoff: an airplane with an engine rated at more than 200 horsepower.
Example Sentence 1
Before her first flight in the Cessna 182, the instructor reviewed the engine, propeller, and fuel system, then provided the high-performance airplane endorsement in her logbook.
Example Sentence 2
Before flying the high-performance airplane solo, the student obtained the required endorsement from a certified flight instructor.