A student pilot is preparing to fly a solo cross-country flight to an unfamiliar airport. According to 14 CFR 61.93, what must the endorsing instructor verify before signing the student's logbook for this specific flight?
- AA general endorsement is sufficient, valid for any solo cross-country within 90 days regardless of route
- BAn endorsement is only required if the flight exceeds 100 nautical miles
- CNo new endorsement is needed if the student has already soloed in the traffic pattern
- DThe instructor reviewed the student's preflight planning and preparation and determined the student is prepared to conduct the flight safely under the known circumstances
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The instructor reviewed the student's preflight planning and preparation and determined the student is prepared to conduct the flight safely under the known circumstances
14 CFR 61.93(c) requires that before conducting a solo cross-country flight, a student pilot's logbook must contain an endorsement for the specific flight, made after the instructor has reviewed the student's preflight planning and preparation and determined the flight can be conducted safely under known conditions.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A general 90-day endorsement is not sufficient; each specific solo cross-country flight requires review and endorsement.
- B. There is no exemption based on distance; all solo cross-country flights require the specific endorsement.
- C. Pattern solo endorsements under 61.87 do not satisfy the cross-country endorsement requirements of 61.93.
Solo Cross-Country Endorsement (61.93)
Before each solo cross-country flight, a student pilot must receive training in the required areas and a specific logbook endorsement confirming the instructor reviewed planning and deems the flight safe to conduct.
- Endorsement must be flight-specific, not blanket
- Instructor reviews route, weather, performance planning
- Separate endorsement required for repeated/different flights
- Distinct from initial pre-solo endorsement under 61.87
Memory trick: Every new route needs a fresh instructor's nod.