Student Pilot Certificate: Your First Step to Taking Flight

Applying for a student pilot certificate is an exciting step towards achieving your dreams of flying! This article will cover who needs a student pilot certificate, eligibility requirements, privileges and limitations of a student pilot, and how to successfully complete the student pilot application with the help of a certified flight instructor.

What is a Student Pilot Certificate?

The student pilot certificate is your ticket to the skies! It allows a student in training to operate an aircraft solo under the supervision of a certified flight instructor (CFI) and with certain restrictions. The training you’ll do as a student pilot lays the groundwork for future flying endeavors.

Who Needs a Student Pilot Certificate?

A student pilot certificate allows a student to operate an aircraft under the supervision of a certified flight instructor. While student pilots may fly solo, there are also rules they must follow. There are further restrictions specific to student sport pilot applicants.

Student Pilot Certificate Eligibility Requirements

To obtain a student pilot certificate, there are certain prerequisites you must meet:

Age: You must be at least 16 years old to receive a student pilot certificate for powered aircraft, such as airplanes.
English Language Proficiency: Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
Medical Certificate (or compliance with BasicMed): To act as pilot in command of an aircraft, along with a student pilot certificate, you must have a valid aviation medical certificate or comply with the FAA BasicMed Program. An aviation medical certificate can be obtained from a designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Student pilots who want to become airline pilots may want to ensure they can pass a first-class medical, as its requirements are more stringent. This is a good idea; however, only a third-class medical is required for student pilots and private pilots. Medical certificates each have their own expiration guidelines.

Medical Certificate Classes and Validity

The FAA issues three classes of medical certificates: first, second, and third. A medical certificate is not permanent, and it’s valid for only a limited time depending on its class.

First Class: 60 months for a student pilot certificate if you’re under age 40; 24 months if you’re 40 years old or older.
Second Class: 60 months for a student pilot certificate if you’re under age 40; 24 months if you’re 40 years old or older.
Third Class: 60 months for a student pilot certificate if you’re under age 40; 24 months if you’re 40 years old or older.

To get your medical certificate, you’ll use the FAA’s MedXPress system. Next, you’ll have to schedule an appointment with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Take note that you have to complete the exam within 60 days of your application. You’ll need to have your confirmation with you on exam day. Also, do you have any current or past medical conditions? Do you take medication? Look up the requirements for medical certification in the Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners. There will be tests for your vision, ENT, medical history, and mental health. Be honest and complete when the AME asks questions.

The Application Process

Getting a student pilot certificate is easy! Then, with the approval of a FAA-authorized individual (usually a Certified Flight Instructor), you’ll submit the application. Depending on your method of training, this process may vary slightly. At a Part 61 flight school, a CFI will assist you with your application. At a Part 141 school or a collegiate flight training program, a designated member of the training department may act as the authorized individual for this process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying

Find a Local Flight School: If you're starting from zero knowledge, find a local flight school. Typical steps are: you go to a local flight training facility and have an introductory ride. If you're still smiling 2 hours after the flight, you might have to start flight training.
Create an FTN: Use the IACRA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) system. First, you sign up and create your FTN (Federal Tracking Number). We suggest that you screenshot your Application ID and FTN right away.
Fill Out the Application: Log back into IACRA under your FTN. Click on “Start New Application” and select “Student Pilot”. The Application Process page will open, and the Personal Information section will be open. This section will be prepopulated with the information you entered when you registered. The Certificate Held section will open. Answer the English Language and Drug Conviction questions. If you have a medical certificate enter it, but it is not required for Student pilots. The Basis of Issuance section will open. The Pilot Time section will open. You must view the Privacy Act and Review your application before you can submit your application. Your application is NOT complete at this point.
Meet with a Recommending Instructor (RI): You have to meet with your CFI (in this context called a Recommending Instructor). You’ll want to show up with a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. The certifier will make sure your ID matches your application and that you meet the eligibility criteria. You’ll electronically sign the application, then the RI will complete their portion. The RI will verify your identity and enter ID information.
Application Submission and Processing: The authorized individual will process your application and submit the required documents to the Airmen Certification Branch.

Alternative Application Method

Is your internet access too unreliable? Then you can use the paper method, but only as a last resort. You can download FAA Form 8710-1 (Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application) from the official FAA site.

Fees

If you turn your application in to a Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), there will be no charge for the identity verification and application submission. However, authorized parties like a CFI, DPE, or ACR may charge a reasonable fee for their administrative work.

Timeline

In approximately three weeks. For U.S. citizens, that vetting often takes about 3 to 7 days.

Read also: Guide to UC Davis Student Housing

Privileges and Limitations of a Student Pilot

Each pilot certificate comes with limitations, and the student pilot certificate is no different.

General Limitations on Student Pilots Operating an Aircraft in Solo Flight

A student pilot may not operate an aircraft in solo flight unless that student has met the requirements of 14 CFR § 61.87.A student pilot must obtain an endorsement from an authorized instructor to make solo flights from the airport where the student pilot normally receives training to another location.

Specific Limitations

No Passengers: Let’s start with the obvious: no passengers.
Weather Restrictions: You’re also bound by weather restrictions. Every flight as PIC must stay under visual flight rules. The minimum visibility is three statute miles in the daytime and five statute miles at night.
Geographic Limitations: Another limit is geography. There’s one tiny carve-out in Alaska for flights between certain towns and Whitehorse, Canada.
Instructor's Restrictions: Your instructor’s word is law, too.
Airspace Restrictions: Airspace restrictions round out the list.

Solo Flight Endorsements

Your flight instructor must make this endorsement before you solo in each make or model of aircraft. All solo endorsements are placed in the student logbook and are no longer required to be on the student pilot certificate. You’ll also need a separate endorsement for certain flight operations.

Solo Cross-Country Flight Endorsements

For each cross-country flight, the authorized instructor who reviews the cross-country planning must make an endorsement in the person's logbook after reviewing that person's cross-country planning, as specified in paragraph (d) of this section.

Pre-Solo Flight Training: Required Maneuvers and Procedures

The specific maneuvers and procedures required for pre-solo flight training are detailed in 14 CFR § 61.87. These vary depending on the type of aircraft being flown:

Read also: Investigating the Death at Purdue

Single-engine airplane
Multiengine airplane
Helicopter
Gyroplane
Powered-lift
Glider
Airship
Balloon
Powered parachute
Weight-shift-control aircraft

Cross-Country Flight Training: Required Maneuvers and Procedures

The specific maneuvers and procedures required for cross-country flight training are detailed in 14 CFR § 61.93. These also vary depending on the type of aircraft being flown.

For example, maneuvers and procedures for cross-country flight training in a single-engine airplane include:

Control and maneuvering solely by reference to flight instruments, including straight and level flight, turns, descents, climbs, use of radio aids, and ATC directives.

Solo Flight in Class B, C, or D Airspace

Ground and flight training for the specific Class B, C, or D airspace for which the solo flight is authorized, if applicable, within the 90-day period preceding the date of the flight in that airspace. Ground and flight training for the specific airport located in Class B, C, or D airspace for which the solo flight is authorized, if applicable, within the 90-day period preceding the date of the flight at that airport.

Maintaining Your Student Pilot Certificate

After April 1, 2016, Student pilot certificates do not expire; the certificate will be surrendered and superseded upon successful completion of the higher certification. Treat your student pilot certificate and your medical certificate as you would your driver’s license. Keep this number somewhere safe- it will stay with you for the longevity of your flying career.

Tips for a Smooth Application Process

Can you squeeze in a few shortcuts to save hassle and cost? For example, try to schedule your flight physical exam and your CFI identity-verification session on the same day at the same airport. Another tip: if your flight school has an Airman Certification Representative (ACR), they could process student certificate applications in a batch.

Sport Pilot Certificate and Driver’s License

You might have heard how some pilots use their driver’s license in place of their medical. Well, the short answer is: it depends. There are some special cases, however. If you’re training for a sport pilot certificate in a light-sport aircraft (other than a glider or balloon), then yes! Just keep in mind that it comes with certain conditions. If you’ve ever applied for an FAA medical in the past, you must have been found eligible for at least third-class. That’s why many people who plan to be a sport pilot just don’t apply for a medical at all. There’s no risk of being denied.

What's Next After Receiving Your Student Pilot Certificate?

Soloing is one of the biggest milestones in your flight training. Well, it’s up to you! If this is your next target, we suggest that you schedule your knowledge test early, even before finishing all your flight hours. The scary part of the phrase “flying solo” is that second word, but that doesn’t mean you have to go through it alone. Some online ground schools have study groups where you can learn with other pilots. You can also connect with youth or outreach programs like EAA Young Eagles. And who knows? There could be networking opportunities just nearby. Having a community can open all sorts of doors for your career.

tags: #student #pilot #certificate #application #requirements