Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

What class of medical certificate is required for a student pilot to solo, and how long is it valid?

1. First Class, valid for 12 months

2. Second Class, valid for 24 months

3. Third Class, valid for 24 months

4. Third Class, valid for 60 months

The correct answer is: Third Class, valid for 24 months

A student pilot must hold at least a Third Class medical certificate in order to solo. This requirement is in place to ensure that the student pilot meets the basic health standards necessary to operate an aircraft safely. The Third Class medical certificate is valid for 24 months for individuals under the age of 40. For those over 40, the validity of the Third Class certificate is reduced to 24 months as well, but once they turn 40, it does not extend to 60 months in this context because the validity reverts to the shorter timeframe. The importance of the duration of the medical certificate is that it ensures that the pilot's medical fitness is regularly assessed, which is critical for safety in aviation operations. Thus, option C accurately reflects the necessary class of medical certification and its duration for a student pilot to solo.