One of the first milestones in a pilot’s career or training is the initial solo. When I first soloed, I was nervous, wondering if my instructor should be putting this much faith in me, though deep down I knew I would be fine. Most would say that the initial solo is a nerve-racking experience, but that nervous feeling soon gives way to relief. Once I completed my solo, I felt accomplished, and that was a major motivation for me to continue training. Solos can be a rewarding and nerve-racking experience for both the student and the instructor.

At the end of the day, what is the instructor looking for during your solo preparation? To answer that question, we need to look at legal aspects, the student’s decision-making ability, and other factors.

Do You Meet the Requirements?

The first thing an instructor will look for is whether all the areas in the FARs, specifically 61.87, have been addressed and appear in your logbook. Not only must you have completed the knowledge test, but you and your CFI must also have covered the required maneuvers. It makes sense why you must accomplish the various maneuvers described in the regulations before solo. For instance, ground reference maneuvers are generally designed to help you divide attention inside and outside the plane, as well as watch or adjust for wind drift correction as you would have to do in a traffic pattern.

These same maneuvers appear in the private pilot ACS, making them subject to testing on the checkride. Should you complete these maneuvers to testing standards before you solo? According to 61.87 (c)(2), maneuvers must be demonstrated with proficiency and safety, as determined by your instructor. In this case, the ACS is not exactly the desired outcome for solo flight. The main goal is that you can safely maneuver while adhering to minimum maneuvering altitudes. Additionally, you must fly the maneuvers with a basic understanding and complete them with little to no instructor input.

Are You Proficient?

Before determining if you are proficient, we need to consider what proficiency is. Throughout your flight training, you will hear people talk about currency vs. proficiency. A good way to determine what proficiency is by breaking down the differences and comparing the two. Currency for a student pilot is different from currency for a private pilot. Currency for a private pilot pertains to the flight review or the legal requirements to carry passengers.

As a student pilot, you may hold a current solo endorsement, which expires after 90 days. If you have not flown recently and the 90th day is approaching, can you still safely maneuver the airplane? Technically, you are current and thus legally able to fly, but it does not necessarily mean you are a competent pilot. At this point, proficiency comes into focus. Proficiency extends beyond legal requirements and determines if you can safely and effectively accomplish various flights.

As a student pilot, what makes you proficient enough to solo? Are you able to fly the maneuvers? Can you maintain positive control of the airplane? Even if your answer is yes, the factor that determines your level of proficiency is your aeronautical decision-making ability.

How Good is Your ADM?

Consider this scenario: You and your instructor are flying in the traffic pattern. You are following procedures as you should, completing checklist items in a timely manner. Your instructor notices this and thinks this is the flight right before they will sign you off to solo. As you are flying along the downwind leg, another airplane is performing a practice approach less than a mile out. Nevertheless, you begin to turn base, thus setting up a collision course. Such a scenario is a collision avoidance situation, which your instructor will cover with you before you solo.

Because you are turning in front of traffic, you are not demonstrating good aeronautical decision-making (ADM). Your wise and competent CFI takes over the flight controls so that you both avoid being a case study for the FAA and NTSB. Your CFI rightfully cedes the opportunity to land to the other aircraft, and you land the plane shortly after. Despite narrowly avoiding a horrifying situation, you complete the checklist and procedures and execute a perfect landing.

Even though this flight was to be the flight before your solo, your instructor will not be signing you off today. Why? Your CFI must carefully consider every aspect of your performance in the aircraft, which goes beyond knowing how to fly. Your ability to make rational decisions on what will be the best outcome in a given situation is a major determinant of whether you receive the green light to solo.

In the pre-solo stage, your instructor watches for how you maintain positive aircraft control, fly proficiently, and execute good aeronautical decision-making. You can work with your instructor to identify and correct any weakness in your ability to maintain positive aircraft control through all phases of flight. Your instructor can also help you determine your proficiency in completing tasks. When you can complete checklist items with minimal coaching and understanding why you are doing those tasks, your instructor may deem you proficient. Finally, if you and your CFI see that you can safely act under your own judgment, you are likely ready to solo.

Once you have received all the required training for solo flight and demonstrated positive control, proficiency, and decision making, you might find yourself having your shirttail cut after your next flight as you celebrate your first major accomplishment as a pilot.

Ryan Spohn got bit by the aviation bug when he did a discovery flight during his time in the Boy Scouts, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. After that flight, he determined aviation was the life he wanted to pursue. Ryan attended Liberty University, where he received a B.S in Commercial/Corporate Aviation. Learn more about Ryan and the rest of the Elon Aviation staff at www.elonaviation.com.