FAR 61.95 — Student Solo Class B
FAR 61.95 explains the ground training, flight training, and 90-day logbook endorsements a student pilot needs to solo in Class B airspace.
FAR 61.95 sets the rules a student pilot must meet before flying solo in Class B airspace or to/from an airport inside Class B.
For solo flight in Class B airspace, the student must:
- Receive both ground and flight training from an authorized instructor for that specific Class B airspace area.
- Have a logbook endorsement from that instructor, dated within the preceding 90 days.
- Have the endorsement state that the student received the required training and is proficient to fly solo in that specific Class B area.
For solo operations to, from, or at an airport located within Class B airspace (under § 91.131(b) — typically the busiest airports listed in appendix D), the same three requirements apply, but the training and endorsement must be specific to that airport.
This section does not apply to students seeking a sport pilot or recreational pilot certificate. Operationally, this rule ensures students aren't dropped into the FAA's most complex airspace without targeted training and a current sign-off proving they can handle it.
Five FAA-written-style questions. Instant explanations, every answer cites its source — no account needed.
You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?
Q1What does a student pilot need before flying solo in Class B airspace?
Q2How often must the Class B solo endorsement be renewed?
Q3Does FAR 61.95 apply to students working toward a sport or recreational pilot certificate?
FAR 61.95: two endorsements, two specific places
As of 2026-10-22, FAR § 61.95 creates two distinct 90-day endorsement paths: one for solo flight in a specific Class B airspace area and one for solo flight to, from, or at a specific airport inside that Class B. Neither endorsement is a blanket Class B authorization.
Airspace endorsement vs. airport endorsement
| Operation | Required training | Endorsement |
|---|---|---|
| Solo flight in Class B airspace§ 61.95(a) | Ground and flight training in the specific Class B airspace area; the instructor must find the student proficient there. | The instructor who gave the flight training signs the logbook within the 90-day period before the flight and names that specific Class B area. |
| Solo flight to, from, or at an airport inside Class B§ 61.95(b) | Ground and flight training at the specific airport; the instructor must be authorized to provide training for operations at that airport. | The instructor who gave the flight training signs the logbook within the 90-day period before the flight and names that specific airport. |
- Ground and flight training for the named area or airport.
- An instructor finding that the student is proficient there.
- A logbook endorsement dated within 90 days before the flight.
- The ATC clearance required before entering Class B.
- The applicable radio, transponder, altitude-reporting, and ADS-B Out rules.
- Any other student-solo or cross-country endorsement required for the flight.
The 12 Class B primary airports a student pilot cannot use solo
Section 91.131(b)(2) overrides the student endorsement path at the primary airports in appendix D to Part 91: takeoff or landing there requires at least a private pilot certificate. The current FAA AIM paragraph 3-2-3 lists these 12 airports.
FAR 61.95 student-pilot Class B FAQ
What does FAR 61.95 require for a student pilot?
For solo flight in Class B airspace, 14 CFR § 61.95(a) requires ground and flight training in the specific Class B area, a proficiency finding, and a logbook endorsement dated within the 90-day period before the flight. For solo flight to, from, or at an airport inside Class B, § 61.95(b) separately requires training and proficiency at that specific airport plus its own endorsement dated within the preceding 90 days.
Is a FAR 61.95 Class B endorsement valid for every Class B area?
No. The regulation repeatedly says “specific”: the airspace endorsement identifies the specific Class B airspace area, and the airport endorsement identifies the specific airport. Training and an endorsement for one area or airport do not create blanket nationwide Class B solo privileges.
Can a student pilot fly solo to the primary airport in Class B with a 61.95 endorsement?
Not at the airports listed in section 4 of appendix D to Part 91. Section 91.131(b)(2) requires the pilot in command to hold at least a private pilot certificate to take off or land at those named primary airports, notwithstanding the student-pilot endorsement path. The current FAA AIM lists 12 such airports.
Does a 61.95 endorsement replace the ATC clearance for Class B airspace?
No. Section 91.131(a) still requires an ATC clearance before entering Class B airspace. Unless an authorized deviation applies, the aircraft must also meet the two-way-radio, transponder with altitude reporting, and ADS-B Out requirements in §§ 91.131, 91.215, and 91.225.
Does FAR 61.95 apply to a student seeking a sport or recreational pilot certificate?
No. Section 61.95(c) says this section does not apply to a student pilot seeking a sport pilot or recreational pilot certificate. Those students use the separate § 61.94 path referenced by § 91.131(b)(1).