STUDENT PILOT GUIDE
2006 (Change 1, February 2016)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
Flight Standards Service

MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Student Pilot Flight Training

1. Q. What are the eligibility requirements for a student pilot?

A. The specific aeronautical experience requirements are outlined in 14 CFR part 61. For the student pilot certificate requirements, refer to subpart C section 83.

2. Q. Where can I obtain my ground and flight school training?

A. Most airport operators can furnish this information, or you may contactthe nearest FSDO.

3. Q. Is there a set number of flight instructional hours I will receive before I solo?

A. No. The instructor will not allow you to solo until you have learned to perform certain maneuvers. These maneuvers include safe takeoffs and landings. You must be able to maintain positive control of the aircraft at all times and to use good judgment.

4. Q. What should I know about Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) prior to my first solo?

A. Your flight instructor will determine that you are familiar with appropriate portions of 14 CFR part 61, the general and visual flight rules of 14 CFR part 91, and will administer and grade a presolo written test prior to solo endorsement. The presolo written test will also include questions on the flight characteristics and operational limitations of the make and model aircraft to be flown.

5. Q. What does an appropriate logbook endorsement for solo mean?

A. It means a verification by an authorized flight instructor showing that on the date specified, the student was given dual instruction and found competent to make solo flights.

6. Q. When is the first solo endorsement required?

A. A student pilot must have a first solo endorsement dated within 90 days prior to any solo flight.

7. Q. What is the difference between a recreational pilot certificate and a private pilot certificate?

A. The recreational pilot has fewer privileges than the private pilot. The holder of a recreational pilot certificate is allowed to fly an aircraft within 50 nautical miles from the airport where instruction was received and cannot operate in airspace where communications with air traffic control are required. Since qualification training in these areas is not required, a person should be able to obtain a recreational pilot certificate in fewer flight hours than required for a private pilot certificate. All privileges and limitations of the recreational pilot certificate are listed in 14 CFR part 61, section 101.

8. Q. Where can I get information about the Sport Pilot Program?

A: Sport pilot enthusiasts may find information on the FAA's website.

9. Q. Does a student pilot automatically have the privilege of cross-country flying after soloing?

A. No. An instructor must have reviewed the pilot’s preflight planning and preparation for solo cross-country flight and determine that the flight can be made safely under the known circumstances and conditions. The instructor must endorse the student pilot’s logbook prior to each cross-country flight, stating the pilot is considered competent to make the flight. Under certain conditions, an instructor may authorize repeated solo flights over a given route.

10. Q. As a student pilot, am I permitted to carry passengers prior to receipt of my recreational pilot certificate or private pilot certificate?

A. No.

11. Q. Must I have a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) radiotelephone operator’s permit to operate an aircraft radio transmitter?

A. No.

12. Q. For the purpose of obtaining an additional certificate or rating, may the holder of a recreational pilot certificate act as pilot in command on flights: (1) between sunset and sunrise; and (2) in airspace which requires communication with air traffic control?

A. Yes, provided an authorized flight instructor has given the recreational pilot the required ground and flight training in these areas, and endorsed the pilot’s logbook. The recreational pilot will be required to carry the logbook with the required endorsements on such flights.

13.Q. How can the holder of a sport or recreational pilot certificate ensure that no inadvertent entry is made into airspace requiring communication with air traffic control?

A. The pilot must select readily identifiable landmarks that are well beyond the boundaries of the airspace requiring communication with air traffic control. During training, instruction in identification of airspace requiring communication with air traffic control will be provided.

   
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