What endorsement is required for a student pilot before solo flight?

Before a student pilot can undertake solo flight, an endorsement stating solo competency is required. This endorsement is a formal acknowledgment from a certified flight instructor that the student has demonstrated sufficient knowledge and skill to operate the aircraft safely without supervision. The instructor must evaluate the student's competencies, including their understanding of the aircraft's systems, emergency procedures, weather conditions, and airspace regulations.

This endorsement is crucial because it ensures that the student is not only familiar with the aircraft but is also capable of handling it independently. The requirements for this endorsement are outlined in the Federal Aviation Regulations, which mandate that the instructor must consider the student pilot's training and proficiency before granting permission for solo flight.

The other options don't fulfill the critical requirements for solo flight. A completion certificate from a flight school may indicate that training has been completed but does not specifically confirm solo readiness. A logbook detailing flight hours is important for tracking training progress but does not equate to an endorsement for solo flight. Verification of medical requirements is necessary for obtaining a student pilot certificate, but it does not address the operational competency required for solo flight. Thus, the endorsement stating solo competency is the essential document needed for a student pilot to fly solo.