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New Student Pilot Certificate Rules Prevent Solos on 16th Birthday

Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at 08:05 PM ET

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Flying the first solo flight on a pilot's 16th birthday is a time-honored tradition. Drew Gryder

Key Takeaways:

New FAA student pilot certificate requirements, effective April 1, will end the tradition of students soloing on their 16th birthday.
The change is due to a new application process that involves processing time, a TSA background check, and mailing a physical certificate, replacing the previous instant issuance by an examiner.
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is urging the FAA to allow students to apply up to 30 days before their 16th birthday, though concerns remain about the time required for background checks.

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It’s a time-honored aviation tradition that suddenly appears on the brink of elimination.