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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 application requirements, effective April 1, will prevent aspiring pilots from soloing on their 16th birthday.
The change stems from a new process requiring applicants to be 16 and obtain a physical student pilot certificate via mail, including a TSA background check, which adds processing time.
AOPA is urging the FAA to allow applications up to 30 days prior to a student's 16th birthday, though concerns remain about the duration of the required TSA background check.

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