Can a student pilot legally carry passengers?

A student pilot is not permitted to carry passengers under any circumstances. This regulation is in place to ensure the safety of both the student pilot and any potential passengers, as student pilots are still in the process of learning and developing their flying skills. Carrying passengers could increase risk since the student may not yet be proficient enough in handling various flight situations or emergencies.

The focus during the training phase is to allow student pilots to gain experience and confidence while flying solo or with a certified flight instructor. This restriction helps to minimize the risk associated with inexperience and ensures that the student is adequately prepared before they obtain a private pilot certificate, at which point they can carry passengers under specific guidelines and regulations.