Common pre-solo flight and instruction requirements

Common Pre-Solo Flight and Instruction requirements.

Before a student pilot can undertake their first solo flight, they typically need to fulfill several requirements, which may vary slightly depending on the aviation authority overseeing their training (e.g., FAA in the United States, EASA in Europe). Here are some common pre-solo flight requirements:

Medical Certificate:

Obtain a valid medical certificate appropriate for the level of pilot certification sought. This ensures that the pilot meets the medical standards necessary for safe flight.

Ground Instruction:

Complete a certain number of hours of ground instruction covering topics such as aerodynamics, aircraft systems, weather, navigation, regulations, and emergency procedures.

Pre-Solo Knowledge Test:

Pass a pre-solo knowledge test or exam administered by the flight instructor to ensure understanding of critical concepts related to flying, safety, and regulations.

(b) Aeronautical knowledge. A student pilot must demonstrate satisfactory aeronautical knowledge on a knowledge test that meets the requirements of this paragraph:

(1) The test must address the student pilot’s knowledge of—

(i) Applicable sections of parts 61 and 91 of this chapter;

(ii) Airspace rules and procedures for the airport where the solo flight will be performed; and

(iii) Flight characteristics and operational limitations for the make and model of aircraft to be flown.

(2) The student’s authorized instructor must—

(i) Administer the test; and

(ii) At the conclusion of the test, review all incorrect answers with the student before authorizing that student to conduct a solo flight.

FAA FAR Part 61 faa.gov

Aircraft Familiarization:

Become familiar with the specific aircraft that will be used for the solo flight, including its systems, controls, and emergency procedures.

(c) Pre-solo flight training. Prior to conducting a solo flight, a student pilot must have:

(1) Received and logged flight training for the maneuvers and procedures of this section that are appropriate to the make and model of aircraft to be flown; and

(2) Demonstrated satisfactory proficiency and safety, as judged by an authorized instructor, on the maneuvers and procedures required by this section in the make and model of aircraft or similar make and model of aircraft to be flown.

FAA FAR Part 61 faa.gov

Flight Training Hours:

Accumulate a minimum number of flight training hours with a flight instructor, covering various maneuvers and procedures necessary for safe solo flight. This includes takeoffs, landings, climbs, descents, turns, stalls, and emergency procedures.

(d) Maneuvers and procedures for pre-solo flight training in a single-engine airplane. A student pilot who is receiving training for a single-engine airplane rating or privileges must receive and log flight training for the following maneuvers and procedures:

(1) Proper flight preparation procedures, including preflight planning and preparation, powerplant operation, and aircraft systems;

(2) Taxiing or surface operations, including runups;

(3) Takeoffs and landings, including normal and crosswind;

(4) Straight and level flight, and turns in both directions;

(5) Climbs and climbing turns;

(6) Airport traffic patterns, including entry and departure procedures;

(7) Collision avoidance, windshear avoidance, and wake turbulence avoidance;

(8) Descents, with and without turns, using high and low drag configurations;

(9) Flight at various airspeeds from cruise to slow flight;

(10) Stall entries from various flight attitudes and power combinations with recovery initiated at the first indication of a stall, and recovery from a full stall;

(11) Emergency procedures and equipment malfunctions;

(12) Ground reference maneuvers;

(13) Approaches to a landing area with simulated engine malfunctions;

(14) Slips to a landing; and

(15) Go-arounds.

FAR Part 61

Flight Instructor Endorsement:

Receive an endorsement from a certified flight instructor (CFI) indicating that the student pilot is prepared to make their first solo flight. This endorsement typically verifies the student’s proficiency in specific maneuvers and tasks.

(p) Limitations on flight instructors authorizing solo flight. No instructor may authorize a student pilot to perform a solo flight unless that instructor has—

(1) Given that student pilot training in the make and model of aircraft or a similar make and model of aircraft in which the solo flight is to be flown;

(2) Determined the student pilot is proficient in the maneuvers and procedures prescribed in this section;

(3) Determined the student pilot is proficient in the make and model of aircraft to be flown; and (4) Endorsed the student pilot’s logbook for the specific make and model aircraft to be flown, and that endorsement remains current for solo flight privileges, provided an authorized instructor updates the student’s logbook every 90 days thereafter.

FAR Part 61 FAA.gov

Solo Flight Plan:

Develop a solo flight plan under the guidance of the flight instructor, which includes the intended route, planned altitude, checkpoints, and considerations for weather and airspace.

Demonstrate Proficiency:

Demonstrate proficiency in flying the aircraft solo during training flights with an instructor, including safe takeoffs, landings, and handling of various flight conditions.

Safety Briefing:

Receive a thorough safety briefing from the flight instructor covering emergency procedures, communications, and specific instructions for the solo flight.

Once a student pilot has met these requirements and their instructor is confident in their abilities, they will be authorized to undertake their first solo flight. However, it’s important to note that these requirements can vary slightly depending on the specific regulations of the aviation authority overseeing the training.