For how long must a flight instructor retain records of student pilot endorsements?

A flight instructor is required to retain records of student pilot endorsements for a period of three years. This duration aligns with the regulations set forth by the FAA, which stipulates that instructors must maintain comprehensive records of the endorsements they provide to their students. This retention is crucial as it ensures that the instructor can verify endorsements during that window and helps maintain an organized and detailed log of a student’s training progress. With these records, both the instructor and the student can demonstrate compliance with the necessary training requirements and endorsements associated with obtaining pilot certification.