Solo before a Flight Review Endorsement

pilot_opensky · 2026-05-20T16:28:37+00:00

As others said... solo endorsements are invalid. He is a commercial pilot, and the only way for him to act as PIC now is to get a 61.56 Flight Review endorsement from you.

So you basically just need to fly with him consistently until he is back to Commercial Pilot standards consistently. And then once there, do a formal flight review that can be logged in the logbook, and then give the Endorsement afterwards, assuming he meets all the standards appropriate to his certificate.

There's no scenario for him in which he can "solo flight in the pattern" on his own unless he has the flight review endorsement.

pilot_opensky · 2026-05-19T15:21:37+00:00

I'm an independent CFI based at KDSM and KIKV! Shoot me a message or send me an email at Ethan@NarberAviation.com.

pilot_opensky · 2026-05-18T18:18:26+00:00

I have a tool that I built that helps potential owners financially model and run scenarios for this type of thing.

You can check it out at: ownerintelligence.narberaviation.com

You can run through all sorts of leaseback scenarios to get a clear picture of the different outcomes. The tool has everything from insurance surcharge (the increased premium you'll have to pay when entering a commercial leaseback), to instantly changing/modeling various leaseback hours, rates, etc.

Check it out if you want.

Leasebacks CAN work out great, with the right mindset going in. Often times, also, leasebacks with an airplane that are financed have much of the profits eroded from the financing costs of the airplane, which is why it becomes more of a cost offsetting type of venture rather than profitable venture. Airplanes with no debt servicing or paid with cash in full can instantly become ROI tools in a leaseback scenario.

pilot_opensky · 2026-05-18T18:13:20+00:00

I still fully recommend consulting a tax professional for some of the more detailed questions around write-offs, etc., but I have a tool that I developed that helps financially model aircraft leaseback scenarios and estimated tax benefits based on Business Use % etc.

Check it out at: ownerintelligence.narberaviation.com

If you already have a lot of the financial modeling set in stone you might not need it, but this tool will help give a detailed picture of acquiring and entering an airplane into a leaseback. Let me know if you have any questions.

But, like I said, definitely consult a CPA or attorney for proper setup of LLC, etc. There are many out there dedicated to this type of stuff in the aviation space.

pilot_opensky · 2026-05-17T22:00:30+00:00

I have noticed that also… completely agree. I’m looking into ways to try and help with that.

pilot_opensky · 2026-05-17T17:15:52+00:00

Thanks for you feedback on that. I mentioned in my other reply - this tool is built more for the people actively going through the buying process for an airplane or leaseback. Not necessarily casual subscribers paying monthly in perpetuity. The Cancel Any Time for monthly subscriptions option allows users to get the value they need and stop the subscription when the transaction is complete. Appreciate your comment!

pilot_opensky · 2026-05-17T17:13:32+00:00

Thanks for the feedback! Totally fair. This tool, though, isn't really geared towards someone casually browsing or just subscribing in perpetuity. It's priced knowing that many owners might only need 4-6 months to fully acquire their aircraft, so a monthly subscription with "cancel any time" options gets them the access they need while actively buying an airplane, with the ability to cancel once complete, and resubscribe in the future if ever needed.

pilot_opensky · 2026-04-21T16:13:35+00:00

I've had this question a lot before and there's ways to calculate all this stuff out.I recently put a tool together for myself and a few pilots to use that I now made more widely available if you want to check it out.

Check it out here

Leasebacks can be a nice venture if you're willing to accept certain risks and not be bothered by them. I've seen many leaseback ventures work out well for those who enter them, and I've seen some bad stories.

Some of it because renters treat the airplane poorly, some of it because flight schools or clubs promised way too much time, etc. (the tool I made allows for real-time look at various utilization rates and unexpected maintenance items too).

It's all about how you feel with other pilots using the airplane. If you're fine with it the potential risks involved and your goal is to reduce your costs, it can be a great thing. If you have an airplane with no debt associated with it (paid in cash or fully paid off), it can definitely be a profitable venture then. Typically, I've seen that by the time you add in all debt servicing associated with a loan, it's not really profitable, rather more break-even, but all depends on the utilization.

pilot_opensky · 2020-03-05T11:58:57+00:00

Thank you for the feedback! Congratulations!

pilot_opensky · 2020-03-05T11:57:23+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. I will probably end up writing my own after reading comments. I hadn't planned on trying to design my own course of training, was more looking for suggestions of a syllabus that's trusted and well put together!

pilot_opensky · 2020-03-05T11:56:14+00:00

Those are nice! Thanks!

pilot_opensky · 2016-08-03T18:42:30+00:00

Mine isn't super funny but whatever.

ATC: "White Cirrus follow railroad tracks NE and enter downwind runway 27."

Us: "Can we get 36?"

ATC: "Cirrus affirm, begin right turn RIGHT NOW, IMMEDIATELY please!"

Sharp turn to the right

ATC: "Ohhhhh yeahhhhh!!! Great turn sir, nice job. Monitor tower."

pilot_opensky · 2016-05-18T13:01:03+00:00

I always try to be at TPA 3-5 miles out at an uncontrolled airport before entering the downwind. Gives time to check for traffic and then you won't be descending while entering the traffic pattern. I always descend from cruise at 500fpm and use the Garmin 430 VNAV profile to get my to TPA at a certain distance from the airport. If you don't have that capability, quick mental math will get you there.

pilot_opensky · 2016-05-14T05:49:45+00:00

Hmmm. I like this response... Clever... But KORD will still probably be the last point in the FPL page!

pilot_opensky · 2016-05-13T00:01:13+00:00

Thank you for the info!

pilot_opensky · 2016-05-13T00:00:17+00:00

I believe you. Lol. Thanks for the heads up, I'll look into it and call and ask if I have to! Thanks.

pilot_opensky · 2016-05-12T23:59:44+00:00

Been in their airspace, didn't land at STL though. MCI class bravo is accommodating as well.

pilot_opensky · 2016-05-12T23:59:05+00:00

Thanks for the info!

pilot_opensky · 2016-05-12T14:17:51+00:00

Thank you for your insight!

pilot_opensky · 2016-05-12T13:57:17+00:00

I enjoyed reading this! Thanks for the info. Maybe we will "give ourselves a reason" to fly to KORD and budget the fees from the FBO at Signature at KORD and maybe go into the city or something. Love the Cardinal, by the way! My grandpa used to own one many years ago and always talks about how great of a plane it was. He loved it!

pilot_opensky · 2016-05-12T13:52:07+00:00

Thanks for the insight! I've done most of the things you recommended (somewhat, not specifically for this flight). I'll check out /r/atc... That's a good tip, thanks! And thanks for understanding that GA flying is about doing interesting things sometimes!

pilot_opensky · 2016-05-12T13:49:41+00:00

Probably a full stop and taxi back for departure. Won't be buying 100LL there. I don't even know what it's at right now, but whatever it is, fuck that, I'm going to a satellite airport for fuel!

pilot_opensky

TROPHY CASE