What is a high performance endorsement?
To fly any aircraft that has an engine greater than 200 horsepower, a student or licensed pilot must obtain an endorsement from a certified instructor verifying that he/she has received flight and ground training.
The length of time required to obtain the high performance endorsement depends on the student’s ability to learn and apply all the new information. On average, this endorsement requires a 1-2 hour ground lesson and two 1.5 hour flight lessons.
Why would I get a high performance endorsement?
Getting the high performance endorsement opens a pilot’s world up to a broader spectrum of aircraft. It is one less limitation on your license and permits you to rent aircraft that has this higher horsepower. Being able to fly these more powerful aircraft will allow you to take farther trips in a shorter amount of time. The travel time for that day trip out to the coast will be cut substantially flying a 235 horsepower Cessna 182 rather than a 145 horsepower Cessna 172.
The requirements for obtaining a high performance endorsement are set by Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) and are stated as follows.
Additional training required for operating high performance airplanes (FAR Part 61.31(f))
- Receive flight and ground training from an authorized instructor.
The FAA allows the authorized instructor to oversee what is specifically taught for this training. At Classic Wings, the primary focus will be as follows:
- Aircraft Systems.
- Weight and Balance.
- Preflight Procedures.
- In-Flight Procedures.
- Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds.