Before my name goes on a solo ticket they have to do the following: take off go to a safe alt. and fly the pattern in both directions, then do 2 figure 8's one in each direction, do a loop then a left and right roll, a touch and go then go to alt. and cut the eng and glide back and land on the field. That's after we have gone over all safety issues. Hard ?? I don't really think so, I think it makes for better and SAFER pilots. I think a lot of clubs ( instructors ) are to soft or lazy and don't spend enough time doing a GOOD job. Now to step on the student: I think a lot of them want to run before they can walk and don't give the instructor an Honest chance to try to teach them as much as he can.

SOLO is just a word, it isn't even close to being a PILOT.

I saw a case this weekend where a club said a student was soloed and could fly on his own. The first flight by himself had most of the people looking for a place to hide. A few more flights with help and he probably could have done quite well. ENJOY !!!! RED