📘14 CFR §61.89 — General Limitations for Student Pilots
✏️ Plain-English Summary:
Student pilots are not fully certified pilots, so the FAA puts clear limitations on what they can do when flying solo. These rules are designed to keep students safe and prevent them from operating in high-risk environments before they’re trained and endorsed.
✅ Key Takeaways for PPL Students:
Student pilots CANNOT:
❌ Act as Pilot in Command when:
Carrying a passenger
Carrying property for compensation or hire
For compensation or hire
With visibility < 3 SM during the day or < 5 SM at night
Without visual reference to the surface
In a way that violates any FAR
In furtherance of a business
Across international borders
On a solo cross-country or to/from an airport without proper endorsement
In aircraft not endorsed by their instructor
❌ Fly in Class B airspace unless:
They have received both ground and flight training on operations in Class B
They have a specific Class B endorsement
And the airspace is not on the excluded list in Appendix D of Part 91 (e.g., LAX, SFO, ORD, etc.)
✈️ Scenario:
You’re endorsed to solo in the local area and want to fly your friend to lunch at an airport 60 miles away. ❌ That’s not legal — you can’t carry passengers. ❌ You also can’t fly cross-country unless endorsed specifically for it — including each airport you’re visiting.
🎓 CFI Teaching Tip:
Remind students:
“Even if the plane will fly — you can’t.”
Many student pilots assume too much after a few solo flights. Be sure they understand:
Class B endorsements are rare and conditional
Their solo privileges are very limited and expire every 90 days
Everything must be in writing from the CFI (no verbal approvals)
📚 References:
FAR: 14 CFR §61.89
AC 61-65H: Endorsement guidelines
AIM 3-2-3 & 4-3-23: Class B ops and solo flight restrictions
📺 Extra Help:
🎥 Pilot Institute: Student Pilot Limitations – What You Can and Can’t Do
📰 Boldmethod: Where Can Student Pilots Fly Solo?