What document can a flight instructor use to verify a new flight student's U.S. citizenship?

A flight instructor can verify a new flight student's U.S. citizenship using an original certified U.S. birth certificate along with a government-issued ID. This method is accepted because it provides both evidence of citizenship and a means of identifying the individual. A certified birth certificate indicates that the individual was born in the United States, thus confirming citizenship status. The inclusion of a government ID, such as a driver's license or state ID, further helps to establish the student's identity, ensuring that the instructor can correctly associate the citizenship documentation with the individual seeking instruction.

While other options might seem plausible, they do not fully meet the requirements for verifying U.S. citizenship. A student ID does not provide proof of citizenship; a current passport is a valid option but may not be as readily available to all students; and a Social Security card does not serve as proof of citizenship by itself, even when combined with a driver's license.