Early on in your flight training, you should apply for a student pilot certificate. This pilot certification is a requirement to fly a powered aircraft by yourself, known as “soloing” in aviation. While you do not need the student pilot certificate to begin flight lessons, it is advised to begin the application early on to ensure there are no delays once reaching the solo stage of flight training.
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To be eligible you must be at least 16 years of age (or 14 years of age if you intend to operate a glider or balloon), and be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
To earn a student pilot certificate, a pilot must:
Reference 14 CFR §61.83 for a complete listing of all requirements.
As previously mentioned, the student pilot certificate, while easy to obtain, is a necessary item that allows you to complete the required solo flight time for your private pilot certificate. Although it is considered an actual pilot certificate, there are specific limitations student pilots must adhere to.
A student pilot may not act as pilot in command of an aircraft:
Reference 14 CFR §61.89 for a complete listing of all limitations.
For most pilot certificates you will also need to obtain and hold an FAA Medical Certificate prior to flying solo. In order to exercise the privileges of a student pilot license, you must hold, at a minimum, a third-class medical certificate, which can be obtained through an aeromedical examiner (AME). Certificates must be renewed periodically. If you are under the age of 40, this is every 60 months. While if you are over the age of 40, you must renew your medical cerficate every 24 months.
Once the Student Pilot Certificate, FAA Medical Certificate, required training, and proficiency have been obtained, you will be allowed to partake in one of the most memorable moments you’re likely to have in aviation: flying an aircraft completely alone while your authorized instructor supervises from the ground.
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Private pilots are trained to navigate small aircraft by themselves. Flight training includes aircraft maneuvers, navigation, emergency procedures and cross-country flight planning.
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