The FAA has published a final rule changing the way student pilot certificates will be issued. The rule also withdraws plans to require photos on all pilot certificates, which AOPA vigorously opposed. Under the new "Student Pilot Application Requirements," published in the Federal Register, aviation medical examiners (AMEs) will no longer issue student pilot certificates. The majority of future applicants will apply through a flight instructor, but the FAA also has given the option of applying in person through FAA inspectors at their local flight standards district office, designated pilot examiners, or airman certificate representatives from a Part 141 flight school. Those representatives will accept and process applications (primarily through the FAA's Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application system) but not issue the certificates, which will be plastic, similar to other airmen certificates.
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