What endorsements are required to act as PIC in a complex airplane?

• A. A solo endorsement
• B. A high-performance-airplane endorsement
• C. A complex-airplane endorsement
• D. A type rating

Answer: (C)

Endorsement required to act as PIC in a complex airplane is the complex-airplane endorsement. A complex airplane is defined as one equipped with retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable-pitch propeller. After you complete the necessary training in such an airplane with an authorized instructor, the instructor signs a complex-airplane endorsement in your logbook. This endorsement explicitly authorizes you to act as the PIC in a complex airplane.

Other endorsements exist for different situations, but they don’t replace this one. A solo endorsement relates to solo flight privileges, not the general ability to act as PIC in a complex airplane. A high-performance endorsement covers high-performance aircraft (typically more than 200 horsepower) and is separate from the complex-airplane requirement. A type rating is required for certain large or uniquely certified aircraft and is not universally needed for all complex airplanes.