Birthday Solos Are Back

When the FAA changed its certification process in April to include TSA security vetting, one unintended consequence was that the tradition of student pilots flying their first solo on their birthday fell by the wayside — until today. Acting on a request from GA advocates including AOPA and EAA, the FAA said today it has adjusted the application process so pilots in training can apply for a temporary certificate that will allow them to fly as soon as they turn 14, for gliders or balloons, or 16, for all other aircraft.

"Soloing on their birthday is a huge milestone for many young pilots, the same way getting a driver's license on their birthday is for many American teenagers," said Justin Barkowski, AOPA's director of regulatory affairs. "We asked the FAA to restore this rite of passage, and we appreciate the agency's willingness to accept many of our recommendations."

The FAA said that starting today, a student pilot can submit a paper application up to 90 days before his or her eligible birthday, allowing time for the application to be processed and the student to be vetted by TSA before their birthday. Once approved, the FAA will provide the student with a temporary authorization to exercise the privileges of a student pilot certificate, through the Airmen Online Services section of its website. The temporary authorization will be available on the student's birthday and remain valid for 60 days. The FAA will mail a permanent certificate to the student pilot within that 60-day window.