Are Student Pilots Prohibited From Doing Stalls on Solo Flights?

It’s really a matter of checking on whether your CFI will allow them.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

A student pilot being guided through flight by an instructor. [Credit: Unsplash]

Key Takeaways:

Student pilots can perform stalls and ground reference maneuvers during solo flights if they have received the required training and the appropriate endorsement under 14 CFR § 61.87.
These solo privileges are not restricted by the Part 141 modernization initiative.
Instructors and pilot schools may establish additional limitations on solo activities beyond FAA minimums based on curriculum, safety, or student proficiency.
Any additional instructor-imposed limitations are documented in the student's logbook endorsement.

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Question: I am a student pilot who just soloed. My CFI told me I could practice everything we’d done together except for stalls and ground reference maneuvers. Is this because the FAA doesn’t allow student pilots to do them solo as part of the Part 141 modernization initiative?

Answer: According to the FAA, “this is not related to the Part 141 modernization initiative. Students can conduct stalls and ground reference maneuvers during solo flight if they have received the required training and hold the appropriate endorsement from an authorized instructor under 14 CFR § 61.87.”