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3 Answers

Can a student pilot fly solo without a medical?

Asked by: 2958 views FAA Regulations, Private Pilot, Student Pilot

I've always understood that student pilots need a medical before they can solo. But reading through Part 61.23(c)(1)(v), it seems to say that student pilots (not just sport pilots) can fly solo with just a driver's license. Here's the wording: "A person must hold and possess either a medical certificate issued under part 67 of this chapter or a U.S. driver's license when -Exercising the privileges of a student, recreational or private pilot certificate if the flight is conducted under the conditions and limitations set forth in § 61.113(i);"

Am I reading this incorrectly? 

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3 Answers

  1. Best Answer


    Russ Roslewski on Jun 09, 2021

    The last few words in that quote require compliance with 61.113i. 61.113i, and further embedded references, is the Basic Med rules. So, correct, a medical is not needed if you can comply with Basic Med.

    However, to operate under Basic Med, you must have previously held a medical certificate already. So this will not really apply to many student pilots, unless it’s been more than 2 years (or 5 years if under 40) since you got your original medical.

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  2. Dustin on Jun 10, 2021

    Thank you Russ, that’s what I thought 67.113(i) was, but wasn’t sure. And I knew the limitation for qualifying for Basic Med (must have held a medical cert in the last 10 years). I was just confused how that could ever apply.. Thanks for clarifying!

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  3. LTCTerry on Jun 19, 2021

    Yes, student pilots may fly w/o a medical.

    Future glider private pilots use their student certificate w/o a medical.

    Future sport pilots use their student certificate w/o a medical (or at least a drivers license in lieu of a medical).

    However, if by “student pilot” you mean “future private pilot flying an ASEL that is not a light sport airplane” then Russ hits the nail on the head above.

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