Pilots who are just starting out learning to fly an aircraft are referred to as student pilots. A student pilot is someone who is training under the supervision of an instructor pilot to obtain a pilot’s license or rating. There are specific requirements and stages student pilots must complete in order to progress through their flight training and be able to fly an aircraft independently.
Student Pilot Certificate
Before a student pilot can begin flight training, they must obtain a Student Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This certificate allows the student to fly solo under certain restrictions and is an important step in the learning process. To qualify for a Student Pilot Certificate, the student must:
- Be at least 16 years old to fly a glider or balloon
- Be at least 17 years old to fly an airplane
- Be able to read, write, and understand English
- Obtain an FAA Medical Certificate
- Pass a TSA background check
The Student Pilot Certificate is issued by an FAA-approved flight instructor who has accepted the student for training. Once issued, it is valid for up to 5 years. While training with this certificate, the student must always fly with an instructor present, except for solo flights approved by the instructor. There are also restrictions on carrying passengers and flying in different classes of airspace.
Stages of Training
Flight training occurs in stages, each with important lessons and skills student pilots must master. The key stages are:
Pre-Solo Training
This initial stage covers instruction on aircraft systems, basic flight maneuvers, airport operations, communications, and emergency procedures. The student will learn in both ground school and in-flight with an instructor. This training builds the foundation for being able to fly the aircraft solo. Usually at least 15-20 hours of flight time is completed at this stage.
Solo Flight
The student’s first solo flight is a major milestone in training. It shows the instructor’s confidence in the student being able to fly without assistance. The instructor endorses the student’s logbook, allowing them to fly solo within specific parameters. The first solo is usually done practicing takeoffs and landings at an airport. More solo flights follow to build experience.
Cross-Country Flying
Once comfortable flying solo around the airport traffic pattern, student pilots move on to cross-country flying. This involves planning and conducting longer flights that land at different airports. Cross-country flights help build navigation abilities, decision-making skills, and experience handling in-flight situations. The student’s first solo cross-country flight is another memorable milestone.
Advanced Maneuvers
After gaining cross-country experience, the student pilot moves into learning more advanced flight maneuvers. These include stall recovery, emergency landing procedures, steep turns, and other challenging techniques required for getting a pilot certificate. The flight instructor assists in demonstrating and guiding practice of these maneuvers until the student achieves proficiency.
Checkride Preparation
The final preparation stage involves intensive practice to get ready for the checkride. This oral examination and flight test with an FAA examiner must be passed to obtain a private pilot certificate. The flight instructor will work on review and mock checkrides with the student pilot until they consistently demonstrate the skills and knowledge for passing.
Types of Student Pilots
While the training process is similar for all student pilots, there are some variations depending on the type of aircraft and the pilot certificate they seek:
Fixed-Wing Student Pilots
This is the most common student pilot learning to fly an airplane. They must complete at least 40 hours of flight time, including 20 hours with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flight. These students work towards a private pilot certificate for airplanes.
Rotorcraft Student Pilots
Those learning to fly helicopters and other rotorcraft have additional aerodynamic and operational skills to master beyond fixed-wing flight. More flight hours are required, usually a minimum of 60 to 80 hours with instructors. The result is a private pilot certificate for helicopters.
Glider Student Pilots
Students seeking to fly gliders must take specialized training on launch procedures, thermalling techniques, and unpowered landings. The minimum flight time can be as little as 8 to 10 hours due to the efficiency of gliders. This results in a private pilot certificate for gliders.
Sport Pilot Students
Some student pilots seek to fly light sport aircraft for recreational purposes. The minimum age is lower at 14 years old. Training is also minimum of 20 hours. This results in a sport pilot certificate with lighter restrictions than a private pilot certificate.
Instrument Rating Students
Student pilots pursuing an instrument rating add on to their existing pilot certificate must complete 40 hours of instrument time with an instructor and pass a checkride focused on flight by reference to instruments. This allows flying through clouds and low visibility.
Commercial Pilot Students
These student pilots are on a path towards a career as a professional pilot. In addition to a private pilot certificate, they obtain at least 250 hours of flight time to qualify for a commercial pilot certificate. This opens up opportunities for paid flight instruction, charter flights, and other flying jobs.
Privileges and Limitations
Student pilots must operate within specific privileges and limitations that come with being at an early stage of training. These include:
- Must fly under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), no instrument flying allowed
- No night flying
- Cannot carry passengers except an instructor
- Can only fly specific aircraft make and models authorized by their instructor
- Must stay within designated solo flight areas
- Must have logbook endorsed by instructor for solo flights
- Cannot fly for compensation or hire
As the student pilot gains experience and progresses through training, these restrictions are gradually lifted. But early on, they ensure safety while the pilot is learning.
Transferring Schools
It is not uncommon for student pilots to transfer between flight schools and instructors during their training. The Student Pilot Certificate and logged flight time transfers with the student to the new school. But additional instructor endorsements and solo flight authorizations may need to be recorded in the logbook by the new CFI based on their assessment.
Expiration
The Student Pilot Certificate expires after 5 years. If the pilot has not obtained a private pilot or recreational pilot certificate by that time, they must reapply for a new Student Pilot Certificate. Any flight time or solo endorsements remain valid after expiration. But the required instructor authorizations would need to be redone at the new school.
Renewal
Student pilots can renew their Student Pilot Certificate at any time within the 5 year period by submitting a new application to the FAA. No additional tests or checks are required for renewal. This is a simple process that extends the certificate another full 5 years.
Conclusion
Student pilots have a lot to learn before becoming certified private pilots ready to carry passengers and fly unsupervised. Their training progresses through specific stages under the guidance of instructors to develop skills and experience. A Student Pilot Certificate and formal flight time logging documents their progress. With hard work and diligent practice, student pilots can eventually take the checkride to earn those coveted private pilot wings.