Many pilots are training at a school that embraces performing the duties of pilot in command in lieu of solo flight. [Credit: Meg Godlewski]
Key Takeaways:
Solo flight is crucial for building pilot confidence, independent decision-making, and essential Single-Pilot Resource Management skills.
The "Performing the Duties of Pilot in Command" (PDPIC) rule allows students to log PIC hours with an instructor present, often replacing actual solo flight time, particularly for commercial pilot certification.
Aviation experts express concern that increased reliance on PDPIC hinders the development of independent pilot judgment and resourcefulness, potentially leading to less prepared pilots with minimal solo experience.
You probably remember your first solo—when it was, where it was, and what airplane you flew.
After the first solo, there were additional solo flights where you practiced takeoffs and landings or went to the practice area to work on the maneuvers you learned with your CFI. Eventually, you flew solo cross-country flights.
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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.
![Many pilots are training at a school that embraces performing the duties of pilot in command in lieu of solo flight. [Credit: Meg Godlewski]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FLY1125_1.5-In-Training-1.jpeg)
