Actions Required Prior to Student Solo Flight at CSP
These items are required to solo at CSP. They can be accomplished in any order and do not necessarily need to be accomplished at CSP or by a CSP flight instructor. Copies are required of each document. There are additional aeronautical knowledge and flight requirements that will be certified by your instructor prior to solo. The items below can generally be performed by the student (assisted by the flight instructor where noted or desired).
Student Pilot Certificate:
- Student pilots must apply for a pilot’s certificate at https://iacra.faa.gov
- Create an account using your full name.
- This will be your “official” name with the FAA for all documents.
- Your iacra.faa.gov account will be used for your written and practical tests for all licenses you earn with the FAA—so remember the login information and WRITE DOWN YOUR FTN.
- You will need a flight instructor to verify documents and English proficiency.
- It is usually easiest to sit with your instructor and accomplish this at a computer.
- A government issued photo ID is also required.
- When you have completed the application with your instructor, print out the temporary certificate, which is good for 60 days, adequate for solo flight, and must be carried in the aircraft.
- You can discard the temporary certificate when your permanent plastic certificate arrives.
SFRA Course Certificate
- Create an account at https://faasafety.gov
- This account will be used for many future FAA activities, such as the Wings program, seminars, etc.—so remember the login information.
- Login to your account and take the DC SFRA Course offered on the front page of faasafety.gov.
- Print out the completion slip and give to your instructor to insert into your training folder.
- Retain a copy of the completion slip and/or the wallet card (electronic or paper)
- If requested, you will be required to provide a copy.
- It is not required to carry the completion slip, but many consider it to be a good idea.
PreSolo Written Exam (graded and corrected)
- This is on the CSP website. Coordinate with your flight instructor for taking and grading this exam.
Medical Certification
- If you are pursuing a Sport Pilot rating, a valid state driver’s license is sufficient.
- A learner’s permit or a suspended license is not
- If you are pursuing a recreational or private license or if you are pursuing a sport pilot rating but do not have a valid state driver’s license, then you must have an FAA medical certificate or Basic Med
- An FAA medical certificate must be obtained from an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). A recommended local examiner is provided at the end of this document, but you may use any FAA approved AME.
- Basic Med may be used. However, to qualify for Basic Med you must have had a valid FAA medical certificate after 16 July 2006, and that certificate must not have been denied or revoked. You must also have a valid state driver’s license. If you think you can use Basic Med, please discuss this with one of the instructors at CSP. There are advantages and disadvantages for Basic Med.
Some local AMEs we recommend:
Dr. Leon Sheer
Fort Meade, MD
410-924-6728
Dr. Beth Cunningham
Annapolis, MD
410-268-6464
Dr. Aatif Hayat
(We especially recommend him for deaf pilots.)
Baltimore, MD
(410) 332-9240
Please complete an online application before you go at:
https://medxpress.faa.gov/
STOP: If you are not certain if you will pass a medical, do not make an appointment for a medical to find out. This could cost you thousands of dollars is medical tests not covered by your insurance or worse yet, disqualify you completely from getting a pilot certificate. Instead, call the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association for a free, off the record consultation about your ability to get a medical certificate. Some common things that may disqualify you include many over the counter allergy meds, diagnosis of ADHD, anti-anxiety or depression medications, and heart history.
800.872.2672
Aircraft Renter’s Insurance
- Prior to solo, you must have a valid renter’s insurance policy. This policy must have liability insurance and also have at least $60,000 “hull” insurance. A recommended company is provided below, but you may use any company that provides this insurance. A copy of an insurance binder must be provided prior to solo and be placed in your training folder.
- Note: Although renter’s insurance is not required prior to solo, you may want to activate a policy even before you solo. Even though CSP’s insurance covers you during presolo flights, subrogation can be an issue. Discuss this with whoever does your insurance coverage (e.g., for your home, car, etc.).
A Recommended Aircraft Insurance Agent:
CSP requires renters and solo students to carry at least $60K in hull insurance.
Contact Tim Sudduth or Tahsha Brady with Symphony Aerospace
Starr Personal Non-Owned Annual Policies
Phone: 972-202-3922
Email: Aerospacedirect@symphonyrisk.com
NOTE: ALL renter's insurance policies must be annual policies. CSP not not accept month-to-moth policies.