Solo flight requirements

The requirements for **solo flight** vary depending on the aviation authority and the type of license or training program you are pursuing. Below is a breakdown of the general prerequisites, limitations, and regulations related to solo flights:

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### **1. General Requirements for Solo Flight**

#### **A. Training Requirements**

- Must have completed sufficient dual instruction with a certified flight instructor (CFI).  

- Demonstrated proficiency in:

  - Normal and emergency procedures.

  - Aircraft handling.

  - Navigation, takeoffs, and landings.

  - Communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC) if required.

#### **B. Medical Certification**

- Possess a valid medical certificate (e.g., Class 1, 2, or 3, depending on the authority).

#### **C. Student Pilot Certificate**

- Required in many countries (e.g., FAA in the U.S.) before conducting solo flights.  

- Issued after endorsement by a flight instructor.

#### **D. Age Requirement**

- **Minimum age for solo flight:**  

  - 16 years for airplanes (FAA).  

  - May vary slightly under other authorities (e.g., 15 for gliders in some regions).

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### **2. Endorsements by the Instructor**

- Flight instructors must provide specific endorsements in the student’s logbook, certifying that the pilot is:

  - Ready for solo flight.

  - Familiar with the aircraft to be flown.  

- Solo endorsements are usually valid for a limited time (e.g., 90 days under FAA rules).

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### **3. Supervised Solo Flights**

- The first solo flight is typically conducted under the direct supervision of an instructor.  

- Future solo flights may also require instructor approval.

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### **4. Aircraft Requirements**

- Familiarization with the specific make and model of the aircraft to be used for the solo flight.  

- The aircraft must be airworthy, and preflight inspections must be completed.

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### **5. Limitations on Solo Flights**

- **Daytime Only:**  

  - Most authorities allow solo flights only during daylight hours unless night solo privileges are endorsed.

- **Weather Minimums:**  

  - Must meet VFR weather requirements, including visibility and cloud clearance.  

  - Additional limits may be set by the instructor.

- **No Passengers:**  

  - Solo flights cannot carry passengers.  

- **Cross-Country Solo:**  

  - Separate training and endorsements are required for solo cross-country flights.

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### **6. Practical Solo Flight Requirements (Examples)**

#### **FAA (USA):**

- Minimum pre-solo flight training: **20 flight hours (part 141) or as needed**.  

- Solo Cross-Country:  

  - A supervised flight of at least **150 nautical miles**, with landings at three airports, one leg being at least 50 NM.

#### **EASA:**

- Solo flight time is part of the 45-hour Private Pilot License (PPL) training.  

- Requires **10 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC)**, including supervised solo cross-country.

#### **DGCA (India):**

- At least **15-20 hours of dual instruction** is typical before solo.  

- First solo flights occur in controlled conditions under instructor guidance.

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### **7. Key Safety Considerations**

- Always review emergency procedures, including engine failure, go-arounds, and radio communication failures.  

- Be fully familiar with local airspace, navigation, and landing patterns.  

- Perform a thorough preflight check and confirm weather suitability.

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Would you like guidance on preparing for your first solo flight or specific requirements for your region?