Student pilot certificate: Your first official step into aviation

Your student pilot certificate will be the first certificate you earn on your way to becoming a professional pilot. It is the FAA's official approval that allows you to begin your pilot journey and is required to fly solo during training (with your instructor's endorsement). It proves that you have the basic requirements for age, language, identity, and medical review.

What is a student pilot certificate?

A student pilot certificate is an FAA-issued certificate that allows you to operate as pilot-in-command (PIC) during solo training flights (with endorsements and approval of your instructor). Your endorsements reside in your logbook; however, the certificate itself is a singular application that occurs near the beginning of training.

Why is it required?

The FAA requires the student pilot certificate as a means of confirmation and security that any solo student meets the basic requirements for security and identity.

• You must have a student pilot certificate issued to you before your first solo (and the necessary endorsements, plus medical).

Thus, the student pilot certificate is the gateway to solo privileges. Without it, your training is restricted to dual-only operations.

What it allows you to do

Think of this certification as the green light that lets you start developing your confidence and solo hours, under your instructor's limitations, of course.

• Fly solo (act as PIC) of an aircraft, no further than your instructor deems.
• Log PIC time for solo flights.
• With proper endorsements, conduct solo cross‑country flights (Flights in excess of 50nm).

The list of student pilot privileges includes milestones that are required to obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL) (like your first solo and first solo cross-country).

What are the requirements for a student pilot certificate?

Age, language, and medical requirements

There are very few basic requirements necessary to meet; in fact, most students qualify with little additional effort.

• Age: 16 years or older for student solo in an airplane/helicopter/gyroplane (14+ for a balloon/glider).
• Language: read/speak/write/understand English (to an ICAO level 4).
• Medical: For powered craft, a minimum of an FAA third-class medical must be obtained before solo. (Glider/balloon does not require an FAA medical.)

If you plan to pursue commercial or airline work, it's best to obtain a first-class medical early in your training to reveal any issues well before advanced training.

Identity & application

The application process itself is digital and relatively simple, especially when your instructors at Acron Aviation Academy guide you through it.

• Apply electronically through IACRA, FAA Form 8710-1, and select Student Pilot.
• Present proof of identity and citizenship (or non-citizen TSA screening) to an authorized reviewer (CFI/DPE/AME/FSDO).
• The initial temporary certificate issued can be printed and is valid for 120 days. The permanent certificate is a plastic card that will be sent in the mail; IACRA provides notifications on its progress.

Make sure to have a government-issued photo ID, a passport or a birth certificate. Our admissions team provides a checklist of documents needed upon acceptance into the program.

How to get a student pilot certificate

Step-by-step application process

Use this quick checklist so you aren't delayed down the line and your student pilot certificate can arrive before your desired first-solo date.

1. Create your IACRA account & note your FTN (FAA Tracking Number).
2. Start FAA Form 8710‑1 in IACRA and select Student Pilot.
3. See an authorized reviewer to verify identity and submit the application (your instructor here at Acron Aviation Academy can schedule this for you).
4. Complete FAA medical (3rd class or above) exam with an AME prior to solo.
5. Track issuance: The FAA will process your application and mail your plastic card. You may still train dual while waiting. (Until receiving the plastic card, the printed temporary certificate serves as your valid student pilot certificate).

If you're ever uncertain, ask your instructor to confirm any component, especially on identity documents and the examiner/CFI sign-off within IACRA.

What you can and can't do with it

Privileges

Your student pilot certificate authorizes you to participate in a limited number of events designed to develop proficiency safely and efficiently.

• Fly solo with your instructor's written endorsement.
• Log PIC time during approved solo exercises.
• With certain endorsements, students can fly solo cross-country.

Each privilege above operates under instructor oversight and specific endorsements so that you aren't accidentally forced into this precarious decision-making time too soon.

Limitations

The FAA also has limitations for all students to operate safely, focusing on the fundamentals required in training, so they are clear.

• No passengers & no carrying property for compensation or hire.
• No night solo flights unless endorsed and trained per those operations.
• Must comply with any weather minimums established by the instructor as well as airspace minimums/restrictions (for example: Class B is restricted without a specific endorsement).
• No international flights as a student pilot.

These limitations are here to protect you during your first-ever solo experience while building aeronautical decision-making, proficiency, and confidence.

Ready to start flight training?

Your first solo is just around the corner! Book a Discovery Flight or speak with the team from Acron Aviation Academy today, and we'll help you complete your IACRA application, get started on securing your medical exam, and map out pilot training timelines toward your first solo and beyond.