What must a student pilot obtain from their flight instructor before soloing?

A student pilot must obtain an endorsement from their flight instructor before soloing, which is a crucial part of the training process. This endorsement serves as a written authorization stating that the instructor has determined the student is proficient and prepared to operate the aircraft solo.

The endorsement must include specific details, such as the make and model of the aircraft, and it must affirm that the student has received adequate training in the necessary maneuvers and is capable of handling potential in-flight scenarios independently. This requirement is key to ensuring safety and compliance with regulations, as it provides a mechanism for instructors to formally recognize that a student has reached a certain level of competence.

While a written exam might gauge overall understanding of flying principles, and a medical certificate confirms the student's fitness to fly, neither of these are specifically tied to the readiness to solo. A solo flying certificate is not a recognized term in the regulatory framework. Thus, the endorsement is the essential component for a student pilot to legally and safely conduct solo flights.