What does a student pilot need to solo?

A student pilot is required to have an endorsement from a certified flight instructor in order to solo. This endorsement is vital because it confirms that the instructor has assessed the student's skills and deemed them competent to operate the aircraft independently. Before a student can receive this endorsement, they must demonstrate their abilities in both ground and flight training, ensuring they understand key concepts such as aircraft operation, emergency procedures, and overall safety practices. The endorsement must be recorded in the student's logbook and is only valid for a specific aircraft type and a limited duration, requiring students to maintain their skills and knowledge.

The other options do not fulfill the legal and safety requirements necessary for a student pilot to solo. For instance, owner’s consent refers to permission from the aircraft owner to use the aircraft, which is not sufficient on its own. Specialized training hours, while important for building overall experience, do not replace the explicit endorsement from an instructor. Lastly, written permission from the FAA is also unnecessary for soloing; the responsibility lies with the instructor to ensure that the student is ready for solo flight, within the context of existing regulations.