ASA: Student Pilot FAQ

✈ What is the first step to becoming a pilot ?

First, you should decide what you want to fly (for example airplane, helicopter, glider, powered parachute, balloon, weight-shift control, etc.), and for what purpose (recreation, career, personal transportation, etc.). These decisions will dictate the type of certificate you will need to obtain. Different types of pilot certificates are available depending on the level of certification you are seeking. Pilot certificates include Student, Sport, Private, Commercial, Flight Instructor, and Airline Transport Pilot.

✈ Is it hard to learn to fly ?

No. People of all shapes and sizes, ages and abilities have learned to fly. It's fun, and from the beginning of your training, you get to do most of the actual flying! While it is not a difficult skill to learn, it does require a degree of discipline, patience, and commitment.

✈ Is flying safe ?

Yes. A well-built and well-maintained aircraft flown by a competent and prudent pilot is as safe or safer than many other forms of transportation.

✈ When can I start flying ?

Right away! All you have to do is find a flight instructor and sign up for an introductory lesson. You don't need a student pilot's certificate or a medical certificate to take flying lessons.

✈ When will I need to get a student pilot certificate?

You will need to obtain your student pilot certificate prior to flying solo.

✈ How many lessons do I have to take before I can fly solo ?

Your authorization to fly solo is not based on the number of lessons you have had, but rather on an evaluation given to you by your flight instructor. Basically, you will need to obtain a student pilot certificate and a medical certificate (medical certificate not required for Sport Pilot applicants), pass a written test on aeronautical knowledge, and demonstrate proficiency and safety on the maneuvers and procedures required to make a successful flight on your own. These requirements met, your flight instructor will give an endorsement in your logbook and on the back of your student pilot certificate authorizing solo flight operations.

✈ Am I eligible for a student pilot certificate ?

To be eligible for a student pilot certificate, an applicant must be at least 16 years of age for other than the operation of a glider or balloon, at least 14 years of age for the operation of a glider or balloon, and be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. Inability to meet the language requirement due to medical reasons may force limitations on your certificate, or result in denial of a student pilot certificate.

✈ How do I get a student pilot certificate ?

Contact your local Flight Standards District Office. They will be able to direct you to an FAA designated medical examiner who can complete your physical examination and issue you a combined medical certificate and student pilot certificate. For a Sport Pilot applicant (where a medical certificate is not required), your local FAA Flight Standards District Office can issue the Student Pilot Certificate.

✈ How long is my student pilot certificate valid for?

For student pilots who have not reached their 40th birthday, the student pilot certificate does not expire until 60 calendar months after the month of the date of examination shown on the medical certificate.

For student pilots who have reached their 40th birthday, the student pilot certificate does not expire until 24 calendar months after the month of the date of examination shown on the medical certificate.

✈ If get a new student pilot certificate, will I lose the solo endorsement on my old certificate ?

No, the endorsements are still valid, however, they are not transferred to the new certificate. Keep the old certificate as a record of your endorsements.

✈ Once I have my solo endorsement, can I fly any aircraft I want?

No, you must receive an endorsement from an instructor confirming that you have received flight training in the make and model of aircraft to be flown.

✈ Is there a charge for a student pilot certificate ?

No, not when issued by an FAA Flight Standards District Office. However, an FAA-designated pilot examiner can charge for issuing student pilot certificates. Also, an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner can charge for your physical examination in connection with issuing the combination medical certificate and student pilot certificate.

✈ How do I find an FAA-authorized medical examiner ?

The FAA publishes a directory that lists them by name and address. You can get a copy from any FAA Flight Standards District Office, air traffic control facility, or flight service station. To search online, click here to locate an Aviation Medical Examiner via the FAA's sources.

✈ If I have a physical disability, can I still get a medical certificate ?

Yes. Medical certificates can be issued in many cases where physical disabilities are involved. Depending on the nature of the disability, you may have some operating limitations. If you have any questions, contact an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner before beginning flight training.

✈ Where can I find FAA certification requirements for obtaining a Student Pilot certificate?

Information pertaining to the certification of Student Pilots can be found in the FAR/AIM, Part 61 Subpart C of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

✈ Do I have to stop flying after reaching a certain age ?

In the U.S., there are no FAA age limits for pilots except for commercial airline pilots employed by airlines certified under 14 CFR Part 121. These airlines cannot employ pilots after they reach the age of 65. Otherwise, you may exercise your pilot certificate privileges as long as you have a current medical certificate and maintain the flight currency requirements that apply to the operations you are performing.

✈ How do I renew my student pilot certificate?

An expired student pilot certificate is not renewable. However, you can apply for a new student pilot certificate.

If the medical portion of the combined student pilot/medical certificate is still valid, you can apply for and receive just a student pilot certificate. Make an appointment with a local Flight Standards District Office.

A student pilot certificate expires two years after the date it is issued (on the last day of the 24th month), which means it could outlast your current medical certificate, which would expire during that time. The most convenient option may be to revisit an aviation medical examiner and be issued another combined student pilot/medical certificate.

✈ If engine failure occurs, what will happen ?

Modern aircraft engines are reliable and failure rarely occurs. However, your lessons will cover what to do in this situation, including selecting a good landing area and how to land safely.

✈ Can I carry passengers with my Student Pilot Certificate ?

No. You cannot carry passengers until you have obtained a Recreational or Private Pilot Certificate.

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