Question: I know student pilots aren’t supposed to carry passengers, but can two student pilots fly together? Since both hold a student pilot certificate, doesn’t that make them both a crewmember and not a passenger?
Answer: No and no. Per FAR 61.89, which covers the limitations on student pilots, a student pilot may not act as pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft carrying a passenger. Unless the aircraft, by type rating, is certified as requiring a crew of two (or more), that means one of the people on board is a passenger.
A student pilot can’t participate as a required member of the crew unless they are receiving instruction that indicates a CFI is on board.
