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15 – 1/2 year old medical

Asked by: 5855 views FAA Regulations

I have a student who wants to solo on his 16th birthday.  The way I read the regs, an AME can't issue a student pilot license/medical until the 16th birthday.  Am I wrong?  Can he get his medical prior to the birthday so he can focus on the solo without having to visit the doctor the same day?

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2 Answers



  1. Lance on Mar 20, 2011

    He can get his medical before his 16th birthday, but it will have to be just a medical certificate, and no student pilot certificate.  Then on his birthday, he would have to go into your local FSDO and get a student pilot certificate.  I have heard that DPE’s can give out the student pilot certificates as well, but I’m not entirely sure on that, and if all DPE’s can or if only certain ones can.

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  2. MaggotCFII on Mar 20, 2011

    Check out the Category for “Student Pilot” and look for “Student Pilot Certificate” from mid-January.  Several answers to a similar question should be of assistance for you!
    Nice to see you have a really motivated student!

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