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Pre-solo Written Test and Endorsements
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Contents
Written Test on Essential Knowledge; ...Essential Knowledge; ...Presolo Test of Student Pilot; ...Student Endorsements; ...Student Pilot Endorsements (Instructor); …Logbook specifics; ... 13 Areas of Required Ground Instruction for Private Pilots; Private Pilot Requirements; ...Other Endorsements (Instructor); ...Second Solo; ...Solo Instruction; ...After Solo-What?; ...CCR to Local Airports;
Written Tests on Essential Knowledge:
Pre-solo written
Score 1 to 5 (fails)
1. The (altitudes) below are 'clouds'. Draw in the required clearances.
( 700' AGL) (1800' AGL) (5300' AGL) (12000'MSL)
2. How low a ceiling might it be possible to fly under to return to the airport? Draw route on area chart.
Write checkpoints on this paper.
What other options exist?
3. When weather is marginal for your flying, what makes your decision for you?? What are the legal
flight minimums for a student? How can they be changed?
4. What are some of your options when encountering weather beyond your capability?
5. What determines whether you can land at an airport as a student? What continuing endorsement is
required to maintain this right??
6. Where/when can't you fly as a pilot? Where/when can't you fly as a student pilot?
7. Locate each of the following airspaces where possible as indicated on an area chart
Class A, Class G, Class F, Class E.
8. Where are the second lowest airspaces of Class B airspace?
9. Where is the highest level of Class C airspace?
10. How is the radio/flight procedure for Class C different from that of Class B?
11. How is Class D chameleon like?
12. What to do with engine failure on takeoff? (Choose your own altitude and distance)
13. What to do with engine failure on final? (Choose your own altitude and distance.)
14. What to do with engine failure in the pattern? (Choose your own point in the pattern.)
15. What aspect of a touch-and-go is most likely forgotten?
16. After a takeoff with full flaps…then what?
17. In what single circumstance are you obligated to land?
18. How is your response to a clearance different to an instruction?
19. When is it legal for any pilot to violate an FAR?
20. How is an electrical voltage irregularity indicated?
21. What is the back-up indication used to double check low oil-pressure? What do you do regardless?
22. Knowing the general rule for control position during taxi, how would you hold the yoke with a tailwind from the right. How with a headwind from the right?
23. When are brakes used while taxiing?
Why does the aircraft turn when not using brakes?
What outside factor makes taxiing difficult?
25. What is the meaning of the green arc?
What is the meaning of the white arc?
What is the meaning of the yellow arc?
What happens at the red arc?
26. Except for the C-150, how may a propeller most safely be moved?
27. What the slowest V-speed?
What V-speed is used in altitude emergencies?
For emergency descent?
For emergency time aloft?
In landing flare?
In obstacle climb?
In rate climb?
28. What instruments are vacuum operated? What is their back-up instrument?
29. What is the function of the left side of the master switch? When might you want it off?
30. What is the function of the right-side of the master switch? When might you want it off?
At what point does the master switch stop affecting engine operation?
31. Why do we lean on the ground?
Why do we lean above 3000'
32. How do we know when to use carburetor heat?
33. How does the application of C.H. affect engine operation when ice exists?
34. Where are the operating limitations for the aircraft?
35. What is the unit of gravitational force? What is the easiest way to double your weight?
36. Why is the 30° bank the bank of choice?
37. How does the POH describe you aircraft's engine?
38. What do you know about the fuel of your aircraft?
39. What is the fuel capacity, rate of consumption, and time limit to FAR-minimums fuel?
40. What is the Instructor maximum flight time before refueling?
FAR's Part 91 flight rules
FAR's Part 6l student pilot restrictions
Aircraft operations manual
Airport operational procedures
Airport runways and checkpoints
PIC responsibilities
1. Fuel: Octane, useful, preflight, consumption, and time of flight to FAR required reserve.
2. Engine: Oil, power settings, leaning, runup, magnetos, shut down, and proper operations.
3. Speeds: Vx, Vy, Va, Vso, best glide, cruise, normal approach, short approach, and taxiing.
4. Systems: Electric, vacuum, static, control, trim, brake, lights, and radios.
5. Instruments: Compass, HI, AI, VSI, altimeter, turn coordinator, airspeed indicator, engine gauges.
6. Maintenance: Log books, required inspections, ADs, papers.
For Part 91 operations there is no specific requirement for the pilot to have charts. Flying without charts is not exercising good judgment. ATC can provide you with all the chart information you need and will help you in an emergency. You should expect a call from the FAA for failure to comply with FAR 91.103 for failure to have all available information.
Subsequent tests in other makes and types may be limited to differences in operations and systems. Instructor copy required by FAR.
Presolo Test of Student Pilot (Instructor's)
Instructor copy required by FAR
C-150/C-172 Operation
1._______ is the instructor determined safe flight time for a C-150 before being on the ground for fuel.
1a.___ ___ How is this different from the C-172?
2._______ is the minimum oil in a C-150 before adding oil.
2a.______ How is this different from the C-172?
3._______ of Cessna aircraft are prone to slip back.
3a.___ ___ How is this different from the C-172?
4._______ is what you say before starting the engine.
5.____ ____ is where you hold the yoke when the wind is behind you.
6._______ the wind when you run-up.
7._______ toward the final approach course of the runway before you taxi on to the runway for takeoff.
8.________________ if the tower uses the word "hold" prior to clearing you for takeoff.
9. ___________ is the reason the throttle is full in for takeoff and climbs.
10.____________The term for the direction at right angle to your takeoff direction.
11. ________ is the altitude to make your first turn on departure at CCR.
12. ________ is the altitude not to leave before you turn base at CCR.
13,_____________ _____ is used before any power reduction.
14.________ is the count to get 10 degrees of flap before checking flap indicator
15._____ _______ is the only solution if the approach is low
16.____ kts is used to get down from a high approach after full flaps and power is off.
17.___ ________ is the solution to any touchdown not to be made in the first one-third of the runway.
18.__ _____ are used for landing if there is a strong crosswind of 18 kts.
19. __ _____or 2500' is the required distance before tower frequency can be changed on departure at CCR.
20.________ must be obtained before making initial radio contact with any airport.
21.________ is the emergency radio frequency.
22.________ is the standard VFR transponder code.
23.________ is the emergency transponder code.
24.________ at _________is the assigned minimum altitude and airspeed for ground reference practice
.25.___ student flights are to be made without the knowledge and approval of the instructor.
26. _____________and ____ _______ are the required documents a student pilot must have in possession for any solo flight.
27. Every ______ ____ I must have my logbook re-endorsed for solo flight.
28. My instructor has placed the following limits for local solo flight:
Ceiling of _____________
Visibility of _________ miles
Wind velocity of _______ _______
29. The aircraft to the _________has the right of way when aircraft are converging.
30. I should turn _________if approaching another aircraft head on.
31. An aircraft is at my altitude when it is on the ______________.
32.___ ______________ information is required by the pilot prior to a flight.
33.____________ aircraft always pass on the right. For this reason initial clearing turns are to the left.
34.________ ____ light from the tower means to move clear of runway.
35.___________ arc of the airspeed indicator should not be flown when in turbulence
.36.______ engine power, wing lift and propeller thrust is available when there is a high density altitude
.37._______ is the arc color on the airspeed indicator showing the flap operating range.
38._____ degrees is the maximum bank to be used in the pattern.
39.____________ is used to improve engine performance and reduce fuel consumption at altitude.
40._______ is the word normally omitted when giving distance
41.____________ is the first item on an emergency checklist.
42._____________ wind directions are given by the ATIS to conform with runway headings and numbers.
43.__________ indicates that a runway is closed to all but emergencies.
44.________ give an aircraft an increased angle of descent and improve landing accuracy.
45._________ is used to keep the tail behind the nose of the aircraft.
46.____________ effect causes control effects to be greatly exaggerated when landing.
47._____________ airspeed makes it easier to determine if high or low on approach.
48._________ is your first radio word in an emergency.
49. _________ ___________ can cause hard landings on hot days.
50.__ _______ is the reason an aircraft turns to the left when in a climb.
51._____ is a beacon activated when an airplane crashes.
52._____________ is always used to check accuracy of heading indicator.
53.________ is responsible for safe operation of an aircraft.
54.___to__ is the mixture ratio of air and fuel that gives best engine operation.
55._______ is the nation wide frequency for Flight Watch.
56. _______ is the altitude AGL that an airplane can proceed in any direction without regard to the hemispheric rule..
BRIEFLY EXPLAIN:
1. Solo flight __________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
2. Run-up
__________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
3.Dutch Roll (why?)
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. See and be seen
________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
5. Slip
________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
6. Go around ________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
7. Short approach
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
8. Stalls
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
9. Airport Class D Airspace
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
10. Uncontrolled airport
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
11. Pilot in command
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
12. Visual reference to ground
_________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
13. Night
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
14. Logbook endorsement ____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
15. Visual Flight Rules
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
16. ATC light signals
____________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
17. Right-of-way rules
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
18. Traffic pattern
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
19. Noise abatement procedures
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
20. Wake Turbulence
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
21. Transponder
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
22. VASI
____________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
23. Clearance
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
24. VFR fuel requirement
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
25. Basic VFR weather minimums
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
26. If there is an aircraft on base while you are flying downwind how do you determine when to turn your base?________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
27. Describe your flight procedure if you are in the pattern and are told that you are number 3 to land.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
28. Describe your landing procedure around a left pattern until clearing the runway if you have a 17 kt right cross wind.
_____________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
You are at 3000' and for some reason your engine fails. Go through the steps of an emergency procedure.________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
-
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
30. Explain in your own words what you believe the limitations on a student pilot to be.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
31. Explain the need and application of carburetor heat. ___________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Part 91 General Operating and Flight Rules
32. What are minimum safe altitudes: General? 91.119
33. What are VFR fuel requirements? 91.151
34. What is the generalization that applies to flying regarding use of alcohol or drugs? 91.17
35. What are the solo flight requirements for a student pilot? 61.87 a., b., c., d., m.
36. Has your instruction met these requirements? 61.87 a through m.
37. If not; why not?
38. Does your logbook have the required endorsements? 61.87 m.
39. If not; why not?
40. Under what conditions might a student pilot fly into Class B airspace in Hawaii but NOT into the San Francisco's Class B? 61.95
41. What papers are a student pilot required to have with him while perating an aircraft?
42. When can a student fly between airports? 61.87 k. and 61.95 b. 1. 2. 3.
43. What is the 90 day student endorsement requirement? 61.95 b. 2.
44. How are the radios of the C-172 different from that of the C-150?
45, How does the Power/trim/flap operation of the C-172 differ from the C-150?
46. What are Safety Belt requirements applicable to Student Pilots? 91.107
47. What does the FAA consider to be careless or reckless flying?
48. Over populated areas I must fly with what clearances and altitudes?
49. Below 10,000 feet what are the required cloud clearances and visibility?
50. Where must aircraft fly in passing in vicinity of other aircraft at the same altitude?
51. What endorsements are required before I can fly solo?
Student Endorsements (Instructor)
In addition to the above, the student logbook must be endorsed (Per AC 61-65C appendix 1 )
NOTE: The general requirements for each solo flight endorsement seem to be as follows:
Verified identification and qualification of instructor.
Verified identification and eligibility of student.
Student certificate and medical number.
Is student recreational or private candidate?
Ground instruction in applicable FARs.
Flight instruction in applicable FARs.
Instruction and tests in make and model.
Any required prior endorsements verified.
Statement of competency and safety.
Required 90 day date limits.
Specific instructor restrictions or limitations.
Student Pilot Endorsements (Instructor)
Being able to take any flight test, solo or otherwise requires that the paperwork be correct. The paperwork is the only legal proof that the required instruction, time, and distances have been complied with. An instructor must log all ground and flight instruction given and the student must log all training flight and experiences. Refer to FAR 61.57. A computerized logbook must be supplemented by a book that contains all required instructor endorsements. A duplicate set of endorsements is a good safety check.
A logbook must contain specific elements of fact associated with every endorsement. Date, type and identification of aircraft or simulator, dual or solo, conditions of flight, type of flight time, flight and ground instructional time, the departure location and any specific arrivals. Specifics of any instruction should be included. Solo time is PIC time. Endorsements must be legible, describe instruction given, length of lesson, instructors signature, certificate numbers and expiration date.
When describing maneuvers it is best to use selected words from the FARs when possible. Describe stalls and maneuvers as appropriate. Every maneuver must include a conclusion as to altitude, heading or recovery. Emergencies should be described completely and any avoidance procedures described. The best liability insurance an instructor can have is completely accurate logbook endorsements.
NAFI recommends the following remarks and endorsements be completed at appropriate times:
(Student Presolo Aeronautical Knowledge)
I have administered and (student's name) has satisfactorily completed a presolo knowledge test demonstrating knowledge of those areas required by 61.87 (b)(1)(i)(ii)(iii) and I have reviewed with him all incorrect answers. This knowledge test included flight characteristics and operational limitations for a (aircraft) at (airport)
Date-signature (Printed name) Certificate number and expiration
(Student Solo cross country flights --in addition to student pilot certificate endorsement)
I have given (student) the flight training required by FAR 61.93 (e)(f)(g((h)(I)(j) or (k) as appropriate in a (aircraft). He has demonstrated satisfactory proficiency in the maneuvers and procedures listed in FAR 61.93 (e)(f)(g)(h)(i)(j) or (k) (as appropriate) and may operate a (aircraft)on solo on day cross country flights.
Date-signature (Printed name) Certificate number and expiration
Private Pilot applicant Practical Test Prerequisites)
I certify that (name) has received training time required within the preceding 60 days in preparation for the private pilot ASEL practical test and find him prepared for that test. He has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas found deficient on the private pilot aeronautical knowledge test.
Date-signature (Printed name) Certificate number and expiration
FAR 61.51 (b)(2)(iv) requires all pilots to log all ground instruction they receive, which means endorsements must include all ground instruction given.
Logbook Specifics
AC 61-65C and FAR 61.51 are basis for all endorsements for each flight or lesson giving date, total times, departure, route, aircraft type/N-number and type of pilot experience. All endorsements must be legible with the certificate number and signature. Instructors must keep their own logs of such instruction. (FAR 61.l89) Cautionary wording of entries should use terms as power plant operation, avoidance of …, entries and recoveries from…
FAR 61.51 (b)(2)(iv) specified items of ground instruction, pre-flight considerations (FAR 61.105 (b)(12), pre-solo tests, wind shear avoidance, aeronautical decision making, judgment, and alternative plans for every flight.
Do not evaluate student performance. Do not falsify an entry (FAR 61.59)
Ground or simulator info is required as of 1997 with a distinction between flight training and flight in an aircraft
Ground training is training other than flight training
Training time is combined flight, ground, and simulator time. This must describe instruction and lesson length.
1. FAR 61.87(b) pre-solo aeronautical knowledge
(name) has satisfactorily completed a presolo written examination demonstrating knowledge of the portions of FAR Parts 61 and 91 applicable to student pilots, and the flight characteristics and operational limitations for a (make and model) aircraft.
Different Make and Model (Sign Certificate and logbook)
I certify that ____#_____ meets the requirements of FAR action 61.87 (m) 1 through 3 and is competent to conduct solo flight in a ___________
REQUIRES WRITTEN TEST AND RESULTS ENTRY IN STUDENT LOGBOOK.
2. FAR 61.87(c) pre-solo flight training
"I have given (name) the flight instruction required by FAR 61.87(c) in a (make and model). He has demonstrated proficiency in the applicable maneuvers and procedures listed in FAR Part 61.87(d), and 61.87(e) and is competent to make safe solo flights in a (make and model) airplane.
3. FAR 61.87(m) 90 day solo along with license
I have given (name) the instruction required by FAR 61.87(M). He as met the requirements of FAR 61.87(m) and is competent to make safe solo flights in a (make and model) aircraft.
Any instructor making this endorsement must
1. Have given student instruction in make and model
2. Found student to meet requirements of FAR 61.87(d) through (e)
3. Found student competent to make a safe solo flight
4. FAR 61.93(b) Solo landings and takeoffs within 25 miles.
I have flown with (name) and find him competent and proficient to practice landings and takeoffs at the (name) airport. Landings and takeoffs at (name) are authorized subject to the following conditions.
(visibility, winds, duration) Contingent on 90 day solo endorsement.
5. FAR 61.(d)(2)(i) each solo cross-country
I have reviewed the preflight planning and preparations of (name) and attest that he is prepared to make the solo flight safely under the known circumstances for (location) to destination via (route) with landings at (airports) in a (make and model) aircraft on (date) Contingent on 90 day solo endorsement.
61.93 Cross-country student pilot requirements:
The student must have received and have logged instruction in: Requirements of 61.87(c)(e)(c)
(1)(i) Charts, dead reckoning, pilotage, compass
(ii) Aircraft performance, all aspects of weather
(iii) Emergencies, adverse weather, off-airport options
(iv) Arrivals, departures, patterns, collision avoidance, and wake turbulence factors
(v) Terrain as affecting flight operations
(vi) System operations in aircraft
(2)(i) Short and soft field takeoff/landings and crosswind procedures
(ii) Best rate and angle takeoff
(iii) Four basics in instrument flight and
use of radio and radar.
(iv) Radio procedures
(v) Night flying procedures
Instructor Name and #______________________________
Student Name and # ______________________________
(append to logbook)
13 Areas of Required Ground Instruction for Private Pilots
NOTE; The general requirements for ground instruction seem to be as follows:
Verified identification and qualification of instructor.
Verified identification of student.
Is student recreational or private candidate?
Ground instruction in applicable FARs.
Aeronautical Knowledge FAR 61.105(b)
Year 1999
Date and Time of ground instruction in
Private Pilot Privileges and Limitations
Flight Operations
NTSB accident reporting requirements
Use of AIM and FAA- Acs
Navigational use of aeronautical charts
Pilotage and DR
Electronic navigation
Radio use and procedures
Critical weather situations
On the ground and while flying
Windshear avoidance
Getting and using aviation weather information
Safe and efficient operation of aircraft
Collision avoidance
Wake turbulence avoidance
How density altitude affects performance
Figuring Weight and Balance
Principles of Aerodynamics
Engine
Systems
Stall awareness; Spin entry, development and recovery
Decision making and judgment
Preflight
Getting runway information
Aircraft takeoff and landing data
Weather reports and forecasts
Fuel requirements
Alternative plans
Date and Time
Flight Proficiency requirements of FAR 61.107(b)
As applies to ASEL rating:
Preflight preparation
Preflight procedures
Airport base operations
Takeoffs, landing and go-around
Performance maneuvers
Ground reference maneuvers
Navigation
Slow flight and stalls
Basic instrument maneuvers
Emergency operations
Night operations (not 61.110)
Postflight procedures
--40 hours of flight time
--20 hours of dual (at least) to include
--5 hours of cross-country
--3 hours of night, including
--One cross-country of over 100 NM.
--10 takeoffs and ten landings.
--3 hours of instrument flight training
--3 hours in preparation for the practical test (60-day limit)
--10 hours of solo, including
--3 hours of solo cross-country
--One x-country flight of at least 150 NM. with three stops and one segment of at least 50 NM between points.
--Three takeoffs and three landings at controlled airport.
6. FAR 61.93(d)(2)(ii) cross-countries not over 50 miles.
I have given (name) flight instruction in both direction over the route between (airport) and (airport), including takeoffs and landings at the airports to be used, and find him competent to conduct repeated solo flight over that route, subject to the following conditions...Contingent on 90 day solo endorsement. FAR 61.93 has a 25-nm limit to keep students close until training meets FAR 91.93
Every cross-country flight must have a straight-line distance of at least 50 nautical miles from the original departure point.
FAR 61.31(e) High performance airplanes (over 200 hp)
I certify that I have given flight instruction in a high performance airplane to (name) holder of pilot certificate (number) and consider him competent to act a PIC in high performance airplanes.
FAR 61.31 Complex aircraft (retractable gear and controllable pitch propeller.
I Certify that I have given flight instruction in a complex aircraft to (name) holder of pilot certificate (number) and consider him competent to act as PIC in a complex aircraft.
FAR 61.39(a)(5) Completion of prerequisites for a practical test
I have given (name), flight instruction in preparation for a (type test) within the preceding 60 days and find him competent to pass the test and to have satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which the applicant was shown to be deficient by his airman written test.
FAR 61.47 Re-testing within 30 days after first failure
I have given (name) additional (type) instruction and find him competent to pass the (type) test.
Spin Knowledge
FAR 61,105 (6)
I have given _________#____ the flight training and ground instruction in stall awareness, spin entry, spins and spin recovery techniques as required by FAR 61.105 (6) and find him competent in this area. (See SPINS)
Actual spin not required but recommended.
Spin awareness
I certify that I have given _____holder of pilot certificate # ________ ground and flight instruction in stall awareness, spin entry, spins and spin recovery technique and find that he/she meets the knowledge requirements required under FAR 61....see above. Signed...
The first solo is deceptive in that it overcomes much of the tension related to, "can I do it?" The next few lessons need to be tightly controlled since the confidence level is likely to exceed the competence level. Poor performance and attitudes require the instructor to be more demanding and critical in order to re-establish attention.
Ask questions that require explanation and insight into systems and procedures. Supervise the flight preliminaries and carefully review the requirements of the next few flights. Make it clear that all solo flights require instructor approval.
Once way of retrieving student attention is to introduce some advanced landing and takeoffs. Do this to establish a line for the student to see how much more there is to know. Review ground reference and send him out to practice. Make it so that each flight has a required series of maneuvers with PTS levels required.
When you fly solo you are self-instructing to prevent self-destructing. All at once you realize that in spite of all you have learned there is even more you don't know and need to know. Solo flight is truly an eye opener. Every flight is a new learning experience regardless of your pilot time.
Every flight begins by thinking about everything related to the flight. Get your priorities in order before going to the airport. Make the checks of yourself, weather, scheduling and instructor approval required. Think through the flight by looking over the airport guide, frequencies, checkpoints, what you will say when, course, altitude and alternatives. Think through similar former flights and think/plan to anticipate events before they happen. Relive previous mistakes so that they don't become habitual. Getting away with a mistake is a sure way to have it grow into a bad habit. Don't 'instruct' yourself into accepting poor performance. Get the training you are paying for, even when solo. Every solo flight is a checkride where you are the pilot, instructor, and examiner. Tape every flight and save the tape.
Every solo flight will have the good and the bad. You will know some and be deficient in part. While you may not know what you don't know, talk into the tape as you feel insecure, uncertain, or concerned. Play the tape back immediately after the flight and again ten years later. You will learn something new on each playback. Feel free to call your instructor regarding your flights. Cover everything, the good and the bad.
Developing a self-improvement-flying program as a solo student pilot should carry over as a practice into your flying career. Some pilots, once they have acquired a license and a few hours seem to quit learning. It almost as though they have taken a dose of medicine that prevents any further accumulation of knowledge and skill. Don't let it happen.
A new pilot today is entering a world where airplanes are safer, easier to fly, navigate themselves, and often proceed with the pilot only as a monitor of what is happening. It's a new world. If you are not careful you will find some vital habits atrophying such as looking out the window, knowing where you are, seeing traffic, and even flying the airplane. Watch out or the fun will be gone, too.
Unless you deliberately write out your standards you are apt to be willing to accept less than your best. Do not make too many solo flights as your own instructor without a phase check by the instructor. Bad habits are quick to arise and difficult to eliminate. Make a list of the skills you dislike, avoid, or feel insecure doing. Work on how smoothly you can make a transitions from one configuration or airspeed to another.
For one thing we will start working out fuel consumption figures for 85K. Top off tanks after landing. Up to now we have been burning fuel; now we will start managing fuel. As part of every flight we will fill the tanks up to the departure level and determine consumption. Then we will take to POH and compute fuel used for taxiing, runup, cruise, and descent. After doing this a couple of time we want to start estimating (not guessing) fuel burn for our flights and then comparing our estimate with actual. Make a fuel log for each flight with time for each power setting in every flight regime. Keep the fights in sequence and you will begin to see a pattern develop.
When solo you are the instructor who much pre-plan the elements that you expect to accomplish during your solo flights. Write out the lesson as you expect to fly it. Airspeed control, altitude parameters and heading variations are all a part of your program. Slow flight, stalls, steep turns, ground reference, radio procedures and all sorts of arrivals, landings and go-arounds are included. Locate emergency fields but don't practice emergencies. Spiral descents should be planned to come out over a particular point at 1000'.
When you get back to the airport study the area chart and the sectional. Try to find questions to ask the instructor. Every new issue has significant changes. Read at least one chapter of the POH. Do a weight and balance sequence by varying the passenger load so that less than full fuel will be required. The life of your newly acquired skills is limited by the frequency with which you provide reinforcement. How often you fly is more important than the duration. If you go through the entire regime of a dozen touch-and-goes will not provide the skill reinforcement of an inter-airport flight.
Every flight should be a skills-reinforcement and development flight. Before you get into the aircraft write out the tolerances you expect to meet. Select an altitude tolerance of + 20 feet, a heading variation of + 5 degrees, and + 5 knots of airspeed over ever increasing lengths of time. Try starting at two minutes in climbs, level and descents. Stick these parameters on an oversized print out on the panel. When you bust a parameter, start over.
Every skill of taxiing should be within one foot of a real or imaginary taxi line, Every stop should be + 10 degrees of selected heading and + 1 foot of a selected line. Takeoff should rotate to attitude that allows liftoff + 3 knots of recommended. Wind correction is applied immediately + 10 degrees margin for parallel runway. Runway check is made at 300 feet. Within 100 feet after takeoff aircraft is at Vy + 3 knots and trimmed hands off on heading + 5 degrees. Ball centered throughout.
Initial level off is anticipated and acquired within + 50 feet and corrected for hands off within one minute. Heading throughout level-off is + 5 degrees. For VOR tracking, fly a pre-selected heading and fly it + 0 tolerance long enough to resolve next required heading. Altitude + 20 feet.
Descents to pattern altitudes should begin early enough to allow retention of power at a reduced level. Base you selection of when to initiate your descent on time. The time will vary with your groundspeed so always figure in the effect of wind. Use the vertical speed indicator. (VSI).
Landings are performed with pattern altitude + 20 feet and all speeds past the numbers + 3 knots and correcting. Trim setting always for hands-off. All power changes are reductions, all yoke movements are back. Touch down is always in the first third of the runway or for accuracy +200 past a point selected abeam the numbers.
The first post-solo flight will be to Napa. Before departure we will review all radio procedures and visual check points to be used in both directions. We will make a full stop landing at Napa and a taxi back. On departing Napa I will advise ATC that you will be coming back in about 30-minutes to do a repeat as a solo student pilot.
When we get back to CCR, we will taxi to the base of the tower and I will do the required paperwork and send you on your way. I will wait in the tower until your return to the East Ramp.
The process will be repeated to Livermore, Oakland and Rio Vista. At the end of this series you should have acquired knowledge of the area, its visual checkpoints, airports, and airport procedures sufficient to make you competent for repeated solo flights. The next training flight will be a cross-country.
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