How does a CFI assess a student’s readiness for solo flight?

A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI assesses a student’s readiness for solo flight primarily by evaluating their skills, decision-making abilities, and confidence levels through a combination of observation and practice flights. This process involves watching the student perform maneuvers, handle emergency situations, and make flying decisions during flight training. The instructor must ensure that the student can operate the aircraft safely and effectively without supervision, which entails a clear understanding of the aircraft’s systems, proper handling techniques, and the ability to make sound judgments in various flight conditions.

Observing a student in practical situations allows the CFI to gauge how well they can apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. Skills such as pre-flight planning, taxiing, takeoff, in-flight maneuvers, landing, and emergency procedures are all crucial components to watch for in determining solo flight readiness.

Other options do not encompass the comprehensive assessment required for solo flight. Setting up a written test may evaluate theoretical knowledge, but it does not reflect a student's practical ability to fly solo. Discussing personal feelings about flying could help understand a student's mindset but does not directly measure their technical flying skills. Reviewing a flight logbook for hours flown gives an idea of experience, but without assessing the student's actual performance and decision-making capabilities,