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 Requirements: Medical and Student Pilot Certificates

1. Q: When do I need a student pilot certificate?

A: Prior to solo flight.

2. Q: How do I obtain a student pilot certificate?

A: An application for a student pilot certificate may be processed by an FAA Inspector or Technician, an FAA- Designated Pilot Examiner, a Certificated Flight Instructor, or an Airman Certification Representative (ACR) associated with a part 141 flight school. The authorized person will submit the application to the Airman Certification Branch in Oklahoma City, OK. Once the application is processed, the student pilot certificate will be mailed to the address provided on the application. The applicant will receive the student pilot certificate by mail at the address provided on the application.

3. Q: If I only want to be a sport pilot how do I obtain a student pilot certificate?

A: Sport pilot applicants who intend to fly without attaining a medical, but who will fly on the basis of a valid driver's license will make application in the same manner as an applicant for any other certificate.

4. Q: If I have had a medical certificate denied can I just get a sport pilot certificate and fly on the basis of my driver's license?

A: No, The only way to fly as a sport pilot on the basis of a driver's license in lieu of a medical certificate is if your last FAA-medical was not denied.

5. Q: Where can I get more information about the sport pilot arena?

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

6. Q: What are the requirements for a student pilot certificate?

A: To be eligible for a student pilot certificate, a person must: (1) be at least 16 years of age, except for the operation of a glider or balloon, in which case the applicant must be at least 14 years of age; and (2) be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.

7. Q: How long is my student pilot certificate valid?

A: The student pilot certificate are no longer issued with an expiration date. Any previously issued student pilot certificates will remain valid until the expiration date on the certificate.

8. Q: How long is my third-class medical certificate valid?

A: A third-class medical certificate is valid for 60 months if you haven't reached your 40th birthday by the issue date. If issued after age 40, it is valid for 24 months.

9. Q: Can my student pilot certificate be renewed?

A: No. However, there is no longer an expiration date for a student pilot certificate. If a student pilot still has a paper certificate, the student may submit an application can to be issued a new one.

10. Q: Now that the plastic student pilot certificate is being issued, how will my instructor endorse me for solo and cross country flights??

A: All required endorsements from an authorized instructor are now required to be entered into the student pilot's logbook.

11. Q: If I solo in more than one make and model aircraft, must I have an endorsement for each?

A: Yes. Your flight instructor must make this endorsement prior to the first solo flight in each make and model aircraft in your pilot logbook.

12. Q: Does the endorsement to solo permit me to make solo cross-country flights?

A: No. Your flight instructor must specifically endorse your logbook to permit cross-country flights.

13. Q: Must I carry my student pilot certificate when I am piloting an aircraft in solo flight?

A: Yes. The certificate should be in your physical possession or readily accessible.

14. Q: Is there a charge for the student pilot certificate?

A: When the student pilot certificate application is processed by a FSDO there is no charge. An FAA-Designated Pilot Examiner, a Certified Flight Instructor, and an Airman Certification Representative associated with a part 141 flight school are allowed to charge a reasonable fee for processing the application for student pilot certificates, and processing the necessary reports..

15. Q: When do I need a medical certificate?

A: Except for sport pilot applicants, you will need a medical certificate prior to solo flight if you are operating an airplane, helicopter, gyroplane, or airship. It is suggested you obtain your medical certificate prior to beginning flight training. This will assure you are aware of any condition that could prevent you from obtaining a medical certificate prior to making a financial investment in flight training.

16. Q: If required, how do I get a medical certificate?

A: By passing a physical examination administered by a doctor who is an FAA-Authorized Aviation Medical Examiner.

17. Q: Where do I get my medical certificate?

A: From any FAA-Authorized Aviation Medical Examiner. There are numerous doctors who are FAA-Authorized Aviation Medical Examiners.

18. Q: Where can I get a list of FAA-Authorized Aviation Medical Examiners?

A: The FAA lists a directory on the Internet on the Civil Aeromedical Institute's website.

19. Q: When required, what class of medical certificate must a student pilot have?

A: Third-class, although any class will suffice. Medical certificates are designated as first-class, second-class, or third-class. Generally, the first-class is designed for the airline transport pilot; the second-class for the commercial pilot; and the third-class for the student, recreational, and private pilot.

20. Q: If I have a physical disability, is there any provision for obtaining a medical certificate?

A: Yes. Medical certificates can be issued in many cases where physical disabilities are involved. Depending upon the certificate held and the nature of the disability, operating limitations may be imposed. If you have any questions, contact an FAA-Authorized Aviation Medical Examiner prior to beginning flight training.

21. Q: Must I have my medical certificate, when I am piloting an aircraft in solo flight?

A: Yes. The certificate should be in your physical possession or readily accessible.

   
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