SPC Regulations and Pilot Limitations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student pilot must have their logbook endorsed by a certificated flight instructor before flying solo in which airspace?
- Class G airspace only
- Class B airspace (Correct answer)
- Class D airspace only
- Any airspace below 1,200 AGL
Correct answer: Class B airspace
FAR 61.95 requires a specific logbook endorsement from a CFI before a student pilot may conduct solo flight in Class B airspace.
Question 2: Under what condition may a student pilot carry passengers during a solo flight?
- With a current medical certificate
- With a CFI endorsement specifically authorizing passengers
- Never — student pilots may not carry passengers (Correct answer)
- Only when flying dual with the instructor
Correct answer: Never — student pilots may not carry passengers
FAR 61.89 explicitly prohibits student pilots from carrying passengers during solo flights.
Question 3: How long is a solo cross-country endorsement valid for a student pilot?
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 90 days (Correct answer)
- Until the student pilot certificate expires
Correct answer: 90 days
Per FAR 61.93, a solo cross-country endorsement is valid for 90 days from the date of the instructor's signature.
Question 4: A student pilot is planning a solo flight. The weather forecast shows a 25-knot crosswind at the destination. What must the student do?
- Proceed if the student feels comfortable
- Cancel the flight, as all crosswinds are prohibited for students
- Check their CFI endorsement for the maximum crosswind limitation (Correct answer)
- File an IFR flight plan instead
Correct answer: Check their CFI endorsement for the maximum crosswind limitation
A CFI endorsement must specify the maximum crosswind component the student is authorized to fly solo, per FAR 61.87.
Question 5: Which of the following documents must a student pilot have in their personal possession during solo flight?
- Pilot's Operating Handbook only
- Student pilot certificate and a current medical certificate (Correct answer)
- FAR/AIM and student pilot certificate
- Radio operator's permit
Correct answer: Student pilot certificate and a current medical certificate
FAR 61.3 requires a student pilot to carry their student pilot certificate and a valid medical certificate (which also serves as their student certificate if issued after April 2016).
Question 6: A student pilot receives a CFI endorsement for a solo cross-country flight to Airport XYZ. The student instead decides to fly to Airport ABC. Is this permitted?
- Yes, if Airport ABC is within the same state
- Yes, if the weather conditions are better at ABC
- No, the endorsement is specific to the planned route and destination (Correct answer)
- Yes, if the student calls the CFI first
Correct answer: No, the endorsement is specific to the planned route and destination
Solo cross-country endorsements under FAR 61.93 are specific to the authorized route; deviating to a different destination requires a new endorsement.
Question 7: What is the minimum age to apply for a student pilot certificate to fly airplanes?
- 14 years
- 15 years
- 16 years (Correct answer)
- 17 years
Correct answer: 16 years
FAR 61.83 requires an applicant for a student pilot certificate in an airplane to be at least 16 years of age.
SPC Regulations and Pilot Limitations 2
A student pilot must have their logbook endorsed by a certificated flight instructor before flying solo in which airspace?