FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Regulations (14 CFR 61/91)Medium
A flight instructor is preparing a student pilot for a first solo flight. According to 14 CFR 61.87, what must the instructor confirm before endorsing the student pilot's logbook for solo flight?
- AThe student has logged at least 20 hours of total flight time
- BThe student has demonstrated satisfactory aeronautical knowledge on a knowledge test administered and graded by the instructor
- CThe student has already flown 3 hours of solo cross-country time
- DThe student has passed the FAA private pilot knowledge test
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The student has demonstrated satisfactory aeronautical knowledge on a knowledge test administered and graded by the instructor
14 CFR 61.87(b) requires that before solo flight, a student pilot must demonstrate satisfactory aeronautical knowledge on a knowledge test that covers specified subject areas and is administered and graded by the authorized instructor who endorses the logbook.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. There is no 20-hour minimum requirement before first solo.
- C. Solo cross-country flight requires additional training and endorsements under 61.93, and occurs after first solo.
- D. The FAA private pilot knowledge test is not required before solo; it's needed later for certification.
Pre-Solo Requirements (61.87)
Before a student's first solo, the instructor must give pre-solo flight training and administer a knowledge test on specified subject areas, then endorse the student's logbook.
- Knowledge test given and graded by instructor
- Covers applicable operating limitations and aircraft systems
- Pre-solo flight training must cover maneuvers/procedures of that make/model
- Endorsement made in student's logbook, valid for that aircraft
Memory trick: Know it before you fly it solo.