What is the next step for a flight instructor after accepting a completed paper 8710-1 application for a student pilot certificate?

After a flight instructor accepts a completed paper 8710-1 application for a student pilot certificate, the next step is to forward it to their local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). This is crucial because the FSDO is the authority responsible for processing student pilot certificate applications. They will review the application to ensure it meets all regulatory requirements and then issue the certificate if everything is in order.

Filing it for records, sending it back to the student for review, or submitting it to a chief flight instructor are steps that do not comply with the required process governed by the FAA. The FSDO has the final say on issuing the student pilot certificate, making forwarding it the correct and necessary action.