Low Flying "endorsement"
rotaryman - technically you are very correct.
There are provisions in the CAO's, namely 29.10 appendix 1 sub-section 3. This is a syllabus of training required for the mustering rating. This is what the ‘industry’ refers to a low level endorsement.
Whilst there has never been a specific low level endorsement, this training is a log book entry and is often required by some operators for particular types of work.
Its always a good idea to incorporate this 5 hour requirement as specified in the body of same CAO, sub-section 7, 7.1(b), in your licence training as the elements such as quick stops and dusting turns are covered and you have the time in a 100 plus hour course to do it anyway. It’s a bit like doing a turbine rating during your training; yes it’s a bit more costly than the piston machine, but you would have had to do the 5 hours anyway for your cpl in something so why not use it to get a turbine on the ticket. The total cost of that 5 hours will be turbine 5 hours – piston 5 hours = a turbine rating cheaper than doing it after you have your licence.
If you have done all the parts as specified in the syllabus, make sure your CFI has made the necessary log book entry, it just might help one day towards something else.
As for a job, hang in there and don’t give up….it IS worth it in the end.
Geoff