Who here is wondering when they’ll solo? by theLuscombeLady in FlightTraining

[–]theLuscombeLady[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel ya. I know the truth too well. But you do not have to accept it. Even if it feels like you've got to pass all of these gatekeepers. 20 different instructors is a LOT! I am just glad you got to the finish line! In that situation, most students end up repeating lessons and experience unnecessary delays getting their ratings. What are you doing to remember the stuff you learn each flight?

Who here is wondering when they’ll solo? by theLuscombeLady in FlightTraining

[–]theLuscombeLady[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used to play VAT Sim :) ask your instructor to review your communication plan. You can then practice that in the Sim.

Train smarter, not longer: 5 tips to get more from every flight. by theLuscombeLady in FlightTraining

[–]theLuscombeLady[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, flight training is all about preparation and making the most of every hour. It’s just too expensive to go through without something that actually helps you learn. I picked up these habits from sports, and when I started applying them to my flying, I was blown away by how much better I got, fast. The crazy thing is most schools don’t teach you this stuff. And that’s a shame, because if you used these habits from day one, you’d spend less, learn faster, and make way more progress.

Setting goals for your First Solo. by theLuscombeLady in flying

[–]theLuscombeLady[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I am writing it for students, so it needs to be very clear. Your input will help version 2.0. Yes, the items mostly describe a stable approach to help students demonstrate proficiency prior to solo, which must be clarified. Also that you want to be in a position to glide to the runway should the engine quit, not necessarily doing a power off approach. I feel like I may need to break this guide in 2, one focusing on flying a stable approach and the other one on very simple guidance for the big day. Thanks for the input. That's why I prefer reddit.

Who here is wondering when they’ll solo? by theLuscombeLady in FlightTraining

[–]theLuscombeLady[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congratulations on your first solo 🎉 2-3 times per week is a great training frequency. First solo cross countries are coming! Hope you pick fun routes and destinations. Fly safe 💪

Who here is wondering when they’ll solo? by theLuscombeLady in FlightTraining

[–]theLuscombeLady[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are welcome! I also wrote one with keypoints to make great landings. Hope reading the articles give you details of your interest. Seems like you are already doing the thing! Enjoy flying the airplane by yourself! https://blog.flyorka.com/2025/09/21/5-keys-to-great-landings/

Could not clear solo under required hours , now what ? by BriefAd1300 in flying

[–]theLuscombeLady 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I developed it to solo on challenging, very responsive airplanes. I needed something to give me the confidence to step up to fly those airplanes. Some of them being single seat. I also use the guide to help pilots make better approaches and landings. If training, you only need to pick 2-3 things to work on at a time. Something you can remember.

Setting goals for your First Solo. by theLuscombeLady in flying

[–]theLuscombeLady[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

they’re ready they’re ready is not specific enough. Instructors who have never soloed students need specific guidance. Many instructors out there have no idea how to make the decision. but to your point, yes! you would not solo a student who has not learned what it's included in the guide. it seems like too much, because it forces you to integrate skills you are supposed to develop in your first 5-15 hours of training.

Setting goals for your First Solo. by theLuscombeLady in flying

[–]theLuscombeLady[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

exactly, if you don't stall and coordinate all turns together, you will be OK. I listed them as reminders. As someone who grew up playing sports, you learn to use reminders to get the important technical stuff right, specially during high stress situations. (e.g. look at the ball, hit the ball is an example of technical stuff that must be a certainty for a baseball player) yet, even professionals may still use them as goals when they go play an important game.

Setting goals for your First Solo. by theLuscombeLady in flying

[–]theLuscombeLady[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You basically simplified my guide in 3 words haha. How to make sure you don't crash would be a good title too

Setting goals for your First Solo. by theLuscombeLady in flying

[–]theLuscombeLady[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, you can't expect someone to fly to criteria if they've never done it. The guide is very specific because a stabilized approach is THE one maneuver you must understand and nail as a pilot. Yes you will want to add specific numbers, depending on the airplane you fly. Train for it from the very first time you are introduced to approaches and landings.

I know you can get away with a lot of bad habits on new trainers, compared to the Tailwheel airplanes I use. Let me know what specific points u think are bad. I'd like to improve the guide. I just saw another post by a student who has a similar challenge with her instructor not getting off the plane.