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Do You Have the Rule for a No-Go?

Sometimes a pilot’s best decision is to stay on the ground.

Some pilots have a "rule of three" that states that if three things delay the flight or are distractions, they cancel. [Credit: Corey Sampson]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Flight reviews require thorough preparation and ample time beyond minimums, with pilots needing to actively demonstrate proficiency rather than expecting automatic sign-offs.
  • Effective Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) is paramount, emphasizing the importance of recognizing distractions (like the "rule of three") or unsafe conditions and having the discipline to cancel a flight to prioritize safety.
  • Distractions, rushing, and poor preparation are significant safety hazards that can lead to a dangerous chain of poor decisions, as highlighted in accident reports.
  • Pilots must also respect the business aspect of flight instruction by adhering to schedules, communicating cancellations promptly, and understanding that consistent unreliability can hinder training.
See a mistake? Contact us.

My flight school client texted that he was running late. We were meeting so he could get his flight review completed. I wasn’t terribly worried because at his request we had booked the appointment for three hours, planning to do at least one hour on the ground and one in the air. 

The one-and-one is the minimum required per FAR 61.56, and when you add in the time for brief, debrief, and logbook endorsement, you often go beyond an hour, which makes the CFI late for their next client. It is much better to set aside three hours so you aren’t late—and more importantly—aren’t rushed.

Meg Godlewski

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.

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