The lowest level of pilot license that can be obtained in the United States is the student pilot certificate. This allows the holder to fly an aircraft solo under certain restrictions, but does not allow them to carry passengers. To understand the student pilot certificate, it helps to have an overview of the various levels of pilot licenses available.
Pilot Licenses in the United States
There are several different types of pilot licenses issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US. These include:
- Student pilot certificate
- Sport pilot certificate
- Recreational pilot certificate
- Private pilot certificate
- Commercial pilot certificate
- Airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate
Each certificate requires progressively more training, experience, and testing to obtain. The student pilot certificate has the lowest requirements, while the ATP certificate is the highest license available.
Student Pilot Certificate
The student pilot certificate is the most basic level of certification. Here are some key facts about the student pilot certificate:
- Minimum age requirement is 16 years old (14 for gliders and balloons)
- No solo flight time minimum requirement
- Allows solo flight under certain restrictions
- Does not allow the pilot to carry any passengers
- Valid for up to 5 years
- Requires a medical certificate and initial flight training
- Requires the supervisor to endorse logbook for solo flight
To obtain a student pilot certificate, one must be at least 16 years old (or 14 for gliders and balloons), obtain a medical certificate, and receive flight instruction from a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). The CFI provides an endorsement in the student’s logbook authorizing solo flight once they are ready.
Privileges and Limitations
The student pilot has the following privileges and limitations:
| Privileges | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Fly an aircraft solo at an airport | Cannot carry passengers |
| Fly cross-country under CFI supervision | No night flying |
| Fly solo to other airports within 25 nm | No flight further than 25 nm from origin |
| Conduct solo practice instrument approaches | No actual or simulated instrument conditions |
| Fly solo during the daytime | No solo flight in Class B airspace |
As you can see, the student pilot has the privilege of flying solo under supervision within a limited operating environment. The limitations ensure they build experience at a safe and controlled pace before advancing to higher levels of licensing.
Upgrading to a Private Pilot License
To upgrade from a student pilot to a private pilot, one must:
- Be at least 17 years old
- Pass a medical examination
- Pass a 60-question FAA knowledge test
- Complete at least 40 hours of flight time
- Have at least 20 hours with an instructor
- Pass an oral exam and practical flight test
This allows the pilot to carry passengers, fly at night, access more airspace, and embark on longer flights. After obtaining a private pilot license, one can go on to pursue more advanced FAA certifications.
Other Beginner Pilot Options
While the student pilot certificate represents the most basic level of licensing, there are two other entry-level options:
Sport Pilot
The sport pilot certificate allows solo flying with these privileges:
- Daytime flying only
- In good weather conditions only
- Carrying one passenger
- Flying light sport aircraft only
The eligibility, experience, and testing requirements for sport pilot fall between student pilot and private pilot.
Recreational Pilot
Similar to the sport pilot certificate, the recreational pilot license allows for limited privileges including:
- Daytime flying only
- No flying in airspace that requires communications
- Carrying one passenger
The recreational pilot requirements are slightly higher than sport pilot but below private pilot standards.
Conclusion
In summary, the student pilot certificate represents the most basic level of pilot licensing issued by the FAA. Holders may fly solo under CFI supervision but cannot carry passengers. By passing an exam, gaining flight experience, and meeting age requirements, student pilots can upgrade to recreational, sport, or private pilot licenses for expanded privileges. While restrictive, the student pilot certificate allows one to safely start flying solo as they progress towards a full private pilot license.