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5 Answers

Student Pilot Certificate

Asked by: 3411 views FAA Regulations, Flight Instructor, General Aviation, Private Pilot, Student Pilot

I am in the process of applying for scholarships to obtain a PPL. As part of the prerequisites, I need a student pilot certificate along with an FAA medical, among other requirements. My specific question is whether I am obliged to accumulate flight hours through a CFI or if it's possible to obtain a student pilot certificate directly from a FSDO without completing any flight lessons.
Thank you,

 yoni

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5 Answers

  1. Best Answer


    Bryan on Sep 06, 2023

    14 CFR 61.83 – To be eligible, you have to be 16 (except for glider or balloon, then 14) and be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.

    14 CFR 61.85 – To apply, you make the application form to the FSDO, DPE, flight school rep, CFI, or anyone else authorized by the FAA.

    So you can just go to the FSDO. No flight time is required to obtain a student pilot certificate.

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  2. KDS on Sep 06, 2023

    You will probably have more luck going to a flight instructor and there is likely one more available to you.

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  3. yoni on Sep 06, 2023

    @KDS
    I called up all the flight schools in my area and there all booked for the next few weeks at which thine the scholarship deadline would have passed.

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  4. Mark Kolber on Sep 07, 2023

    That’s a shame. Applying for a student certificate is a half hour event. Sounds like BATDs (potential) customer service for which flight schools are known 🙁

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  5. yoni on Oct 09, 2023

    Hey guys,
    Just wanted to update ya’ll
    I received my temp student pilot cert via Teterboro FSDO-They were really great.
    Had a quick zoom meeting to verify ID and was able to sign forms virtually.
    My plastic should be in the mail🥳

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