How long is the solo endorsement valid? First-time student pilots are governed primarily by the regulations in Part 61, Subpart C, sections 61.81 through 61.95. Solo flight endorsements generally are not valid beyond 90 days. Solo cross-country endorsements generally are valid only after an instructor has checked the student’s preparation for the particular flight, and reviewed the current and forecast weather conditions for the flight. The FAA clarified that the solo flight time requirements, and endorsements for pilots who hold a higher level of pilot certificate and are seeking an additional category and/or class rating, are included in FAR 61.63. That regulation does not limit the effectiveness of an instructor’s endorsement in time. The express language of the subpart for student pilots “applies only to those persons who are seeking or hold a student pilot certificate. Unlike solo endorsements for student pilots, [FAR] 61.31(d) does not contain any time limitation for the endorsement.” A pilot in Alaska had a multiengine solo endorsement from his flight instructor, who was going to be out of the state for the winter months. He was concerned the solo endorsement would expire before the instructor returned. He does not have to worry about that solo endorsement running out. Questions? Call the Pilot Information Center (800-872-2672) or (www.aopa.org).
As you consider the purchase price, consider too the cost of maintaining an older airplane. Typically, the maintenance costs are going to be higher—and the downtime of the airplane will be longer. Then there’s the bright, shiny new airplane. There’s plenty to recommend buying a new airplane, including warranty coverage and reduced maintenance. You can specify your own panel with all the latest avionics and accessories. However, you get hit with depreciation early with a new airplane.
The staff of AOPA Finance wants to make your purchase experience as smooth as possible, and that starts with being able to speak aviation. The AOPA Finance specialists at 800-62-PLANE (800-627-5263) are standing by ready to serve you. Or, go online to begin the process.
Membership. Modify your student trial membership or take the next step and become an official member of AOPA. You’ll continue receiving all of the following great benefits, services, and discounts while supporting the organization protecting your right to fly. Student members can join AOPA at a special reduced rate of just $35 (www.aopa.org/membership/membership-options.aspx).
Flight Training helpline. Dedicated toll-free number (888-232-7456) for student pilot members to call for support, advice, and answers to help you reach your flight training goals.
Advocacy. Taking on regulatory and legislative threats to GA at national, state, and local levels has remained the association’s primary focus for 75 years (www.aopa.org/advocacy).
Magazines. As a student member you’ll receive Flight Training magazine (print or digital). When you renew your membership, you’ll have the option of selecting AOPA Pilot (flighttraining.aopa.org).
Newsletters. Customizable weekly email newsletters offer aviation industry news, information, and tips. Sign up online (www.aopa.org/news-and-video/newsletters.aspx).
AOPA Air Safety Institute. A wide array of interactive online courses, safety quizzes, webinars, and seminars to help you increase your knowledge and become a safer pilot (www.airsafetyinstitute.org).
AOPA Live. Weekly webcast show recaps the week’s news and showcases aviation feature stories (www.aopa.org/aopalive).
Car rental discounts. AOPA members save on car rentals with our strategic partners: Enterprise, National, and Alamo (www.aopa.org/cars).
AOPA Lifestyles Collection. Save money with exclusive members-only discounts and special offers from top aviation and nonaviation companies (www.aopa.org/lifestyles).
Renter’s insurance. A renter’s policy with AOPA Insurance Services provides comprehensive coverage (www.aopainsurance.org/nonowned).
CFI insurance. Whether you’re an instructor/owner, borrowing or renting aircraft, full-time or part-time, we can provide comprehensive coverage for both professional and personal use (www.aopainsurance.org/cfi).
Life insurance. We also protect you and your loved ones in the air and on the ground with term life insurance, emergency assistance, and AD&D insurance (www.aopainsurance.org/life).
Pilot Information Center. Experienced pilots and CFIs are available on our toll-free helpline (800-872-2672). You can also go online (www.aopa.org/pilot-resources/pilot-information-center.aspx) for access to information most often requested by our members.
Flight planning. Robust flight- planning capability; airport directory information; and aviation weather for your smartphone, iPad, or computer (www.aopa.org/flightplanning).
Weather. Online graphical real-time aviation weather information (www.aopa.org/wx).
Airport information. Online directory with vital preflight information, updated daily (www.aopa.org/airports).
Legal and medical help. AOPA Pilot Protection Services helps safeguard pilot and medical certificates from FAA action (www.aopa.org/pps).
AOPA Foundation. Your tax-deductible donation provides funding for important work that membership dues alone cannot support: safety, education, growing the pilot population, preserving airports, and providing support for good work being done in general aviation (www.aopafoundation.org).
AOPA Aviation FinanceCompany. Whether you’re purchasing an airplane for personal travel or your business, we can help you find the right financing for new and used general aviation aircraft (www.aopafinance.com).
Aviation Job Board. Find your career in aviation or the best candidates to complete your team (http://jobs.aopa.org).
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