Definition
A signed and dated statement written in a pilot or student pilot's logbook (or training record) by an authorized flight or ground instructor, certifying that the holder has met a specific requirement of the regulations — such as eligibility to take a knowledge test, take a practical test, fly solo, or operate under particular privileges.
Plain English
A short, signed note an instructor writes in your logbook saying you have met a specific rule or are cleared to do a specific thing, such as take a test or fly solo.
Context Anchor
You will see this when an instructor signs you off for a Federal Aviation Administration knowledge test, solo flight, flight review, certificate, or rating requirement.
Derivation
Endorsement comes from the Latin 'in dorsum' meaning 'on the back,' originally referring to a signature written on the back of a document to approve or vouch for it. In aviation, the instructor's signature 'vouches for' the pilot having met a specific requirement.
Why Pilots Care
An instructor's logbook endorsement is required by regulation before a pilot may take most FAA knowledge tests or advance to the practical test for a certificate or rating.
Intuition Check
Do not read endorsement here as casual praise or a general recommendation. In this context, it means a specific signed approval that satisfies a Federal Aviation Administration requirement.
Example Sentence 1
Before scheduling the private pilot knowledge test, the student obtained a logbook endorsement from her instructor stating she had completed the required ground training.
Example Sentence 2
Before the instrument rating exam, the pilot obtained a logbook endorsement verifying the required aeronautical knowledge training had been completed.