The Things You Need to Know Before You Solo

Learning to fly an airplane is not like learning to drive a forklift or a stick shift.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at 08:20 AM ET

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Being ready for your first solo takes a lot more than you might think. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Student pilots must thoroughly understand and master the comprehensive aeronautical knowledge and skill requirements outlined in FAR Part 61.87 before soloing, as this process demands significant time and proficiency.
The pre-solo aeronautical knowledge test is critical, specific to the geographical area and aircraft where the solo flight will occur, and requires diligent preparation rather than generic or rushed answers.
Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) hold significant responsibility for student solo endorsements, and neglecting the rigorous standards of FAR Part 61.87 can lead to dangerous situations and liability for both the student and the instructor.

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As a student pilot you don’t know what you don’t know. There is so much information coming at you, so many skills to learn, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and buried—especially when it comes to what you need to know before your first solo.

Your instructor will appreciate it if you take ownership of your training by insisting on and following a syllabus. The first part of the syllabus will consist of tasks listed under FAR Part 61.87—the aeronautical knowledge and skills required for solo flight.