This particular chapter and verse comes from the secret handshake that CFIs
get when they become CFIs.

Actually the use of limitations is entirely up to the instructor. AC61-65
has "recommended endorsements," some of which use the phrase "subject to the
following conditions." If you look at the AC, the recommended endorsement
for a transition pilot is #35...

"35. To act as PIC of an aircraft in solo operations when the pilot who
does not hold an appropriate category/class rating: § 61.31(d)(3)
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the training as
required by § 61.31(d)(3) to serve as a PIC in a (category and class of
aircraft). I have determined that he/she is prepared to serve as PIC in that
(make and model of aircraft). "

Note that the transition pilot is not a student pilot. Also note that
unlike the student pilot endorsement (under 61.87), there is no stated
expiration in the regs. Therefore a licensed airplane pilot with an solo
endorsement in gliders could fly a single seat glider for the rest of their
life without ever getting a checkride. Should that pilot have an accident,
he or she is "flying on the instructors certificate." A smart instructor
adds a time limit to protect themself from such an occurrence.

Similarly, you will often see restrictions put on the student solo pilot
endorsement limiting the student pilot to fly in winds under X knots or in
less than X cross-wind. Experienced instructors are not cavalier with the
endorsements. They are betting all their assets (house, car, retirement,
stock portfolio) everytime they endorse a pilot's logbook.

Sorry I can't provide a more detailed chapter and verse. The more you fly,
the more you learn that the FARs (CFRs to be technically correct) are only a
small part of flying an aircraft.

Paul

"Michael" wrote in message
om...
"Paul Lynch" wrote
We recently went throught the requirements for a "transition pilot"
argument
at our club. The CFIs all agreed (including our DPE) that the
transition
pilot is not a student pilot. The club's board did not agree with the
CFIs.
The FSDO and insurance company settled it quickly as they agreed with
the
instructors. The instructors who did not already understand the reasons
for
limiting the solo endorsement quickly learned they needed to add the
limitation lest the transition pilot be flying on the CFIs certificate
indefinitely.

And on what basis is the transition pilot required to comply with the
limitation on the solo endorsement?

Chapter and verse, please.

Michael