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 insufficient training and a concerning trend in some Part 141 programs that reduces vital solo experience.
The article emphasizes the critical need to teach and learn fundamental navigation skills like pilotage, dead reckoning, and E6-B usage, rather than solely relying on GPS and apps, as these skills are essential and required by aviation standards.
Instructors are encouraged to integrate cross-country preparation from day one, offering comprehensive ground lessons on flight planning, weather, regulations, and practical experience with flight plans and flight following.
Ultimately, extensive solo cross-country experience is crucial for building pilot-in-command skills and confidence, with a strong reminder on the importance of safely closing flight plans.

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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.