Student Pilot Limitations and Solo Flight Requirements

Student pilots must operate under specific limitations and meet certain requirements before conducting solo flights. These rules ensure the safety of the student, the aircraft, and others in the airspace. This guide explains the key limitations, regulations, and procedures for student pilots during training and solo operations.

1. Student Pilot Limitations

Per FAR 61.89, student pilots are subject to several restrictions to ensure safety while they build essential skills.

1.1 General Limitations

• **No Passengers:** Student pilots are prohibited from carrying passengers during any flight.
• **No Compensation or Hire:** Flights cannot be conducted for compensation or hire.
• **No International Flights:** Student pilots may not operate flights outside the United States unless specifically authorized by the FAA.
• **No Flight in Furtherance of a Business:** Flights cannot be conducted for business purposes.
• **Visibility and Cloud Clearance Requirements:** Student pilots may only operate in weather conditions with at least:
  • 3 statute miles visibility during the day.
  • 5 statute miles visibility at night.
  • Visual contact with the ground must always be maintained.
• **No Flight with Inoperative Equipment:** The aircraft must meet all airworthiness requirements, and no inoperative equipment can be onboard unless allowed by FAR 91.213.

1.2 Additional Restrictions

• Student pilots may not act as pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft carrying property for compensation or hire.
• They may not operate an aircraft in furtherance of any business.
• They may not act as PIC of an aircraft on flights requiring multiple crewmembers by the type certificate.

2. Solo Flight Requirements

Before a student pilot can conduct solo flights, they must meet specific regulatory requirements and receive endorsements from a certified flight instructor (CFI).

2.1 Pre-Solo Flight Training Requirements

• **Aeronautical Knowledge:** The student must demonstrate knowledge of the following topics to their instructor:
  • Airspace rules and airport operations.
  • Applicable sections of the FARs.
  • Flight characteristics and operational limitations of the aircraft to be flown.
• **Pre-Solo Written Test:** The CFI must administer and review a written exam covering the topics above, as well as any incorrect answers.
• **Dual Training:** Students must receive and log dual flight training in the specific make and model aircraft intended for solo flight. Training must include takeoffs, landings, taxiing, and operations at the airport where the solo will occur.

2.2 Required Endorsements

A CFI must provide the following endorsements before a student pilot can legally fly solo:

• **Student Pilot Certificate Endorsement:** Endorses the student for solo flight privileges.
• **Logbook Endorsement:** The instructor must endorse the student’s logbook for solo flight in the specific make and model of aircraft.
• **90-Day Endorsement:** The solo endorsement is valid for 90 days and must be renewed by the CFI if additional solo flights are to be conducted beyond that period.

3. Solo Flight Limitations

Once authorized for solo flight, student pilots must adhere to specific limitations:

• Solo flights are only permitted in the specific make and model of aircraft for which the student is endorsed.
• Solo operations are limited to airports and areas approved by the CFI.
• Night solo flights require additional training and a specific endorsement for night operations.
• The student must comply with any restrictions or limitations placed by the CFI (e.g., weather minimums or crosswind limits).

4. Night Solo Flight Requirements

To conduct solo flights at night, student pilots must meet the following additional requirements:

• Receive night flying training, including takeoffs, landings, and operations at the intended airport.
• Be familiar with airport lighting, night navigation, and emergency procedures.
• Obtain a specific night solo endorsement from the CFI.

5. Personal Minimums

While regulations set the minimum requirements, student pilots should work with their instructor to establish personal minimums tailored to their skill level and experience. Examples include:

• Maximum allowable crosswind component.
• Minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements.
• Weather conditions suitable for solo flight.

6. Conclusion

Student pilot limitations and solo flight requirements are designed to ensure a safe learning environment while building confidence and proficiency. By understanding and adhering to these regulations, student pilots can work toward their private pilot certificate while maintaining the highest safety standards.