Who can issue a student pilot certificate besides an FAA designated aviation medical examiner?

A student pilot certificate can be issued by a Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) in addition to an FAA designated aviation medical examiner. The FSDO is responsible for administrating the FAA regulations and can issue certificates directly as part of their functions. This ensures that the applicant is evaluated under the appropriate federal regulations.

While a certified flight instructor can provide training and recommend a student for solo flight, they do not have the authority to issue a student pilot certificate. Likewise, a designated pilot examiner primarily conducts practical tests and does not issue student certificates; rather, they evaluate a pilot's qualifications. Although a training school may facilitate the process of obtaining a student certificate through endorsement or by assisting with applications, it does not possess the authority to issue this certificate directly.