Complex Aircraft Endorsement §61.31

No person may act as pilot-in-command of a complex aircraft unless that person has received and logged ground and flight training from an authorized instructor and received a one-time endorsement certifying the pilot is proficient to operate a complex airplane.

The flight training may be done in a flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of a complex airplane. The pilot-in-command must be proficient in the operation and systems of the airplane.

A complex aircraft is defined as an airplane that has retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable pitch propeller (constant speed). If the aircraft is a seaplane, it must have just flaps and a controllable pitch propeller.

The training and endorsement is not required if the person has logged flight time as pilot-in-command of a complex airplane, or in a flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of a complex airplane prior to August 4, 1997.

An example of the required endorsement is shown below.

To act as PIC in a complex airplane: section 61.31(e).
 
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name), (pilot certificate), (certificate number), has received the required training of section 61.31(e) in a (make and model of complex airplane). I have determined that he/she is proficient in the operation and systems of a complex airplane.
 
/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-05