What document must a student pilot carry when flying solo?

The requirement for a student pilot to carry a logbook endorsement from a certified flight instructor when flying solo is based on the regulations established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This endorsement serves as formal permission from the instructor, affirming that the student has demonstrated the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct a solo flight safely. It specifies the make and model of the aircraft that the student is authorized to fly solo, effectively ensuring that the flight is conducted within the parameters of their training.

This endorsement is critical because it verifies that the student pilot has met the instructor’s criteria regarding competence and understanding of the aircraft's operations. Essentially, the logbook endorsement acts as a safeguard for both the student and the instructor, underscoring the importance of supervised practice before independent flying.

While a medical certificate can be a requirement for all pilots, and a student pilot certificate is necessary for a student to conduct flights, it is the specific endorsement that directly relates to solo flight privileges. A flight plan, although a good practice, is not legally required for solo flight but might be necessary in flight operations as per certain rules or personal preference.