How to Build Confidence Along With Hours

Here's what a learner should know about the benefits of solo cross-country flights.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 12:30 PM ET

Verified

Edited By: tccjeremy

Solo flying experience builds both skill and confidence. [Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Many flight students feel unprepared for solo cross-country flights due to rushed training, over-reliance on technology, and a concerning trend in some programs reducing required solo experience.
A key issue is the neglect of fundamental navigation skills (e.g., pilotage, dead reckoning, E6-B use) as students rely heavily on apps or CFIs, despite these skills being crucial and part of certification standards.
Instructors are encouraged to integrate pilotage early, provide thorough ground lessons on flight planning and decision-making, and allow students to lead during dual cross-country flights to foster independence.
Gaining authentic solo cross-country experience, including comprehensive planning and managing the flight plan, is emphasized as vital for building essential pilot skill and confidence.

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It makes me sad when someone tells me how unprepared they felt during their first solo cross-country flight. More often than not, this happens because they felt rushed into their first solo, and lack confidence in their training. Some flight students have been pushed through the pipeline with minimal instruction and the boxes checked by the CFI who was also pushed through the pipeline.

I have been warned it is getting worse. Several designated pilot examiners (DPEs) I know have expressed dismay over a change in the Part 141 world where there has been a shift away from requiring solo cross-country flight once the learner has earned their private pilot certificate. Instead, the private pilot rolls right into the dual instruction for their instrument and commercial certificate flying with a CFI.