Quality and Control of Solo-flight Authorizations

The greatest risk to flight training safety originates from solo training flights, especially with student in the early phase of solo release. This makes sense, of course, but a critical component of the flight school's risk-mitigation program is to have clarity and detailed guidance governing flight instructor decision-making pertaining to the authorization of solo flights.

Detailed rules with respect to required performance by students prior to solo release are critical; this should include student performance parameters during simulated forced approach practice, during simulated in-flight emergencies, as well as detailed performance standards for runway operations, such as speed parameters for final approach, and longitudinal and lateral contact reference points relative to the runway touchdown zone, etc.

With respect to flight instructor assessment, the consistency of student performance is central and should form the basis of a first or early solo-release strategy. The three-count rule for required repeat performance by the student, and the maintenance of a sterile cockpit when an assessment is in progress, are examples of this.

Perhaps most importantly, the flight instructor's sole responsibility for safety during a solo release assessment must be spelled out with clear and unambiguous language, supported by an overriding written authority for flight instructors to suspend flight training activity anytime and anywhere they perceive operational safety is at risk or in doubt.

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