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3 Answers

Student Pilot Solo

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Student Pilot

Hello,

When does a CFI knows a student is ready for there first solo fight?  

Thanks,

Shawn

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3 Answers



  1. KDS on Oct 25, 2021

    I suspect you would get a different answer from every CFI. I have heard other instructors say things like “Not until they make three good landings in a row” and “Not until I see them recover from a bad landing”. However, I tend to be more subjective. I ask myself, if this was my son or daughter and this was my uninsured airplane, would I allow this person to go solo.

    Of course, the decision also includes if all of the legal requirements have been met and all the T’s crossed and the I’s dotted.

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  2. Mark Kolber on Oct 26, 2021

    It’s more art than science. A feeling that, “they can handle it.”

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  3. Warren Webb Jr on Dec 31, 2021

    Usually when we have reached a lesson where the student is consistent and doesn’t need my help (i.e. when I’m no longer needed in the airplane), I’ll tell him/her that if this consistency continues into the next lesson the first 3 or 4 times around the pattern, we’ll be ready for the solo. But before getting out, I’ll ask if he/she wants to do it. I’ve got to see the desire from the student – I’m not going to push anyone into it.

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