Let's say someone wants to start doing some flight training in the United States with the eventual goal of receiving a private pilot certificate. They have yet to get a medical certificate or student pilot certificate. Can they go ahead and start getting some flight training logging dual received?
2 Answers
Yes.
(n) Limitations on student pilots operating an aircraft in solo flight. A student pilot may not operate an aircraft in solo flight unless that student pilot has received:
(1) An endorsement from an authorized instructor on his or her student pilot certificate for the specific make and model aircraft to be flown; and
(2) An endorsement in the student's logbook for the specific make and model aircraft to be flown by an authorized instructor, who gave the training within the 90 days preceding the date of the flight.
(a) Operations requiring a medical certificate. Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a person— ...
(3) Must hold at least a third-class medical certificate—
(i) When exercising the privileges of a private pilot certificate;
(ii) When exercising the privileges of a recreational pilot certificate;
(iii) When exercising the privileges of a student pilot certificate;
The student pilot only needs a student pilot certificate and medical when operating in solo flight.
With that said, if there is any doubt that a medical certificate won't be granted it is a good idea to get that out of the way before spending money on flight training you will never be able to use.
The FAA regulations allow for individuals to receive flight instruction from a certified flight instructor (CFI) without holding a medical certificate or student pilot certificate. However, before they can solo or act as pilot-in-command (PIC) of an aircraft, they will need to obtain a medical certificate and a student pilot certificate.