Lesson Techniques

Prerequisites to First Solo

Before you’re eligible to fly solo, you must have:

• obtained an Aviation Reference Number (ARN);
• an Aviation Medical (Class 1, 2 or RAMPC);
• applied for an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC);
• passed a General English Language Proficiency Exam (GELP);
• passed the Radio Operations exam;
• passed the Pre-Solo Exam;
• demonstrated the criteria mentioned below:

There’s nothing new to teach, but here’s a few notes that might be helpful as you work towards your first solo flight:

After you’ve achieved the required standard in all circuit lessons, it’s simply a matter of polishing your abilities until your Instructor deems you ready and safe to fly your first solo circuit.

Your Instructor is looking for:
– consistently safe circuits and landings (not necessarily perfect, just safe)
– unassisted decision making (not waiting for Instructor input before acting)
– recognition of errors and correction (self-assessing your errors and correcting without Instructor input)
– ability to safely conduct simulated emergency procedures
– a general appreciation of your obligations as a Pilot in Command. (Checking Maintenance Release, Pre-flight, Documents on board aircraft for flight, etc)
– situational awareness of other aircraft and radio calls

Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes as a Pilot, but you must recognise them and act accordingly to remain safe.

It can take a number of circuits lessons before s/he feels your ready, but rest assured your Instructor will only send you solo when the time is right.

I did it! What next?

After you’ve completed your first solo circuit, you’ll continue with circuit training lessons until you’ve accumulated 2 hours solo as Pilot in Command. Each lesson will begin with some dual flying with an Instructor and usually end with some solo circuits if the conditions and your flying are safe on that day. Once you have 2 hours solo in your logbook, it’s time to head back out into the training area to continue your training.

Resources

Readings

Before your first solo flight, you should have read the following:

The Flying Training Manual – Chapter 14

Useful Links & Files

Sample Maintenance Release

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