As of April 1, 2016 a new rule by the FAA which changes the way student pilots are issued their pilot certificates. No longer will a student pilot get their certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner, but will instead apply either through a FAA-designated pilot examiner, a CFI, an airman certification representative associated with a Part 141 flight school, or in person at FSDO. If you’re interested in becoming a student pilot with our one-on-one flight training, it’s important to know what requirements are needed and how you can pick the best flight school for you!
Student Pilot’s Certificate Requirements
When do I need a student pilot certificate?
You will need a Certificate before you can fly solo. You can still start the learning beforehand.
Am I eligible for a student pilot certificate?
You are eligible for one-on-one flight training if you are 16 years old or older. If you plan on flying Glider or balloon, you must be at least 14 years old for teenage flight training. You also must read, speak, and understand English.
How do I get a student pilot certificate?
Go online and complete an application through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website. You may also use PAPER (So 1900’s) using FAA form 8710-1 and submit it to a Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), an FAA-designated pilot examiner or a certificated flight instructor.
How long will it be before I receive my student pilot certificate by mail?
About three weeks you will receive a Plastic card in the mail.
How do I get a medical certificate?
Call Aero-Sphere Flight Training or Aviation Medical Examiners (AME) will continue issuing aviation medical certificates. Visit here for more info.
How long are my student pilot certificate and my medical certificate valid?
Student pilot certificates do not expire; the certificate will be surrendered and superseded upon successful completion of the higher certification. Student pilot certificates issued prior to April 1, 2016, will expire according to their expiration date, either 24 or 60 months from the date of issuance.
Can I renew my student certificate or medical certificate?
No, you need to apply for a new one is expired.
If I solo in more than one make or model of aircraft, must I have an endorsement for each on my logbook?
Yes. Your flight instructor must make this endorsement before you solo in each make or model of aircraft. A list of endorsements can be found in the current addition of Advisory Circular 61.65.
Does the endorsement to solo allow me to make solo cross-country flights?
No. You also have to get a cross-country flight endorsement from your flight instructor.
When should I carry my student pilot certificate and medical certificate with me?
When you are piloting an aircraft in solo flight, you should have your certificates handy.
Is there a charge for the student pilot certificate?
There is no charge for application made directly to the Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).
Ready to become a pilot?
You need to make an informed decision on which flight training school is right for you. To help with your decision get some experience – contact multiple schools to see what feels right for you.
5 Questions to ask yourself when considering a flight training school
- How far are you willing to travel to the airport.
Make sure the airport is close enough that you can make the trip at least two times per week. - How is the facility’s condition?
Clean, organized, and welcoming offices, hangars, and bathrooms say a lot about how a company operates. - Do they have a good fleet?
Take a look at the school’s aircraft. Do they look maintained, or run down? The condition of the aircraft often indicates the overall quality of flight training you’ll receive. - Are the instructors experienced?
Try to meet as many of the instructors as possible before making a purchasing decision. Often, you’ll “click” with a certain instructor, and that can really pay off down the road. - What are the payment options?
Credit Cards, On-Line payment options, Cash, check or loans… Aero-Sphere does all those options. Avoid schools that require you to “pay 100% up front” as this is a huge red flag.
There are many things to consider when becoming a pilot! Aero-Sphere Flight Training is leading the way in the Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins area on Student Pilot Certificate Issuance. With our Cessna 172N, 180HP ADS-B Equipped, Leather interior, low air-framed trainers, your one-on-one flight training will take you to new heights. Contact us today to find out if our training is right for you!
