Did you just have your discovery flight and are wondering about the temporary student pilot certificate?
One of the first tasks for a student should be to get their name into the system and start working with the FAA by getting your very own student pilot certificate.
We are getting ahead of ourselves! This article will be on the step prior to a student pilot certificate and aims to answer the questions you all have regarding this item.
If you are curious about getting a student pilot certificate or have questions about it, check out our article here!
Introduction
A temporary student pilot certificate is a document issued by the FAA that allows a student pilot to fly solo under certain conditions. In this section, we will discuss the basics of temporary student pilot certificates.
What is a temporary student pilot certificate?
A temporary student pilot certificate is a certificate issued by the FAA that allows a student pilot to fly solo under specific conditions. This certificate is usually issued to a student pilot who has completed the required flight training and passed the FAA knowledge test but has not yet received their permanent pilot certificate.
A temporary student pilot certificate is the certificate awarded to an applicant that has been approved for a student pilot certificate and is awaiting the physical card to arrive via mail.
Why do you need a temporary student pilot certificate?
A temporary student pilot certificate is necessary to legally fly solo during flight training. It allows the student pilot to practice their skills without the supervision of an instructor. This certificate is valid for a limited time and has specific limitations and requirements that must be followed to maintain its validity.
How to Obtain a Temporary Student Pilot Certificate
Obtaining a temporary student pilot certificate is a necessary step in obtaining a private pilot license. In this section, we will discuss the process of obtaining a temporary student pilot certificate and the different ways to obtain it.
How to get a temporary student pilot certificate?
To obtain a temporary student pilot certificate in the United States, you will need to follow these steps:
Complete an application for a student pilot certificate using the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website.
Provide the required documentation, which includes proof of age and citizenship (such as a passport or birth certificate).
Schedule an appointment with an FAA-designated aviation medical examiner (AME) for a physical exam and obtain a medical certificate.
Once the medical certificate is obtained, the AME will sign your application electronically in IACRA.
The FAA will review your application and may issue a temporary student pilot certificate within a few days, which will be available for you to print from the IACRA website.
It’s important to note that a temporary student pilot certificate is valid for 120 days from the date of issuance, and cannot be renewed. You will need to apply for a regular student pilot certificate before the temporary certificate expires if you wish to continue your flight training.
How long does it take to get a temporary student pilot certificate?
The processing time for a temporary student pilot certificate can vary depending on the method used to obtain it. If you apply for the certificate online using IACRA, the processing time is typically faster than applying through paper-based methods. However, the processing time can take up to several weeks.
How long does it take to get a student pilot certificate?
The time will vary but on average it will take roughly 3 weeks.
Filling out the application on IACRA rather than the FAA Form 8710-1 and being proactive with submitting the application will minimize the time.
In any case, it is best to apply as early as possible so you aren’t crunched for time when it comes time to actually needing it.
IACRA
The Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) is an online portal that allows you to apply for and manage your FAA certificates. IACRA can be used to apply for a temporary student pilot certificate, and the processing time is typically faster than paper-based methods.
Requirements and Limitations of a Temporary Student Pilot Certificate
A temporary student pilot certificate is a valuable tool for student pilots to gain experience and confidence while flying solo. However, there are specific requirements and limitations that come with holding this certificate. In this section, we will discuss these requirements and limitations.
Can you solo with a temporary student pilot certificate?
Yes, you can solo with a temporary student pilot certificate. The FAA allows student pilots to fly solo once they have completed the required flight training and have passed the FAA knowledge test.
Assuming you have all of the other requirements to solo such as a proper medical certificate, your endorsement, and the proper training, you may solo an aircraft with a temporary student pilot certificate.
What are the limitations of a temporary student pilot certificate?
A temporary student pilot certificate has specific limitations that must be followed to maintain its validity. These limitations include:
- The temporary student pilot certificate is valid for 120 days from the date of issuance.
- The student pilot can only fly solo within a specific geographic area.
- The student pilot cannot carry passengers or cargo.
- The student pilot must carry their temporary student pilot certificate and government-issued photo identification while flying solo.
Appearance and Printing of a Temporary Student Pilot Certificate
A temporary student pilot certificate is a document issued by the FAA to student pilots that allows them to fly solo under specific limitations. In this section, we will discuss the appearance and printing of a temporary student pilot certificate.
What does a temporary certificate look like?
A temporary student pilot certificate has a blue border and contains information such as the student pilot’s name, certificate number, and expiration date. It also includes the limitations of the certificate, such as geographic restrictions and solo flight only.
How to print a temporary student pilot certificate?
To print your temporary student pilot certificate, you’ll need to log in to the IACRA website and go to the “Temporary Certificate” section.
After receiving a message via email that your certificate is ready, log in to IACRA and click on the green “Temporary Certificate” button in your Applicant Console.
Ensure that you have access to a printer and click the “Print” button. This will allow you to obtain a physical copy of your temporary student pilot certificate, which you should carry with you while flying solo.
Why is it important to have a printed copy of your temporary certificate?
It is important to have a printed copy of your temporary student pilot certificate because it is a legal document that proves your eligibility to fly solo.
If you are stopped by law enforcement or FAA officials, they may ask to see your temporary student pilot certificate as proof of your qualifications.
Additionally, having a printed copy ensures that you have the necessary information and limitations with you while flying solo.
Validity and Renewal of a Temporary Student Pilot Certificate
Temporary student pilot certificates are valid for a limited time and must be renewed if the student pilot has not completed their training within the allotted time frame. In this section, we will discuss the validity and renewal of a temporary student pilot certificate.
How long are temporary certificates valid for?
Temporary student pilot certificates are valid for a period of 120 days from the date of issuance. During this time, student pilots are allowed to fly solo under the limitations specified on their certificate.
(a) A temporary pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate or rating is issued for up to 120 days, at which time a permanent certificate will be issued to a person whom the administrator finds qualified under this part.
(b) A temporary pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate or rating expires:
- On the expiration date shown on the certificate;
- Upon receipt of the permanent certificate; or
- Upon receipt of a notice that the certificate or rating sought is denied or revoked.
Since it takes roughly 3 weeks for a physical student pilot certificate to arrive in your mailbox, a good rule of thumb would be to start asking the FAA and/or the person you submitted your application to, about any updates on it.
How can you renew a temporary student pilot certificate?
To renew a temporary student pilot certificate, the student pilot must meet the requirements for a new certificate and apply through the FAA’s IACRA system.
The student pilot will need to complete and submit a new application, pass the required tests and medical exams, and pay the appropriate fees. It is important to note that renewing a temporary student pilot certificate does not extend the 120-day validity period of the original certificate.
If a student pilot has not completed their training within the 120-day validity period, they must apply for a new temporary student pilot certificate and start the process over again.
Overall, temporary student pilot certificates are an important step in the training process for student pilots. Understanding the requirements, limitations, and validity of these certificates is crucial for safe and successful solo flying.
Final Words
We hope the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Temporary Student Pilot Certificates were helpful!
If you have a burning question that was not answered in this article please reach out to us and we will get you the answer or point you in the direction that you need to go to find out!
As always, do not be nervous to do more research on the FAA website.
Cheers!
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