Private Pilot Syllabus Section 5

5A - Advanced Pre-Solo Topics

Complete the Knowledge and Skills Before Acting as Solo PIC

  • 1
  • 2½
  • 1

Assignments

Activities

  • Review FARs that apply to student pilot solo flights
  • Review SCFC Member Regulations for student pilots
  • In-flight use of GPS basics
  • Intro to GPS

Completion Standards

When complete, the student

  • understands Federal and SCFC regulations as they apply to student pilots operating in solo flight.
  • is able to complete the GPS startup sequence.
  • is able to use GPS to identify direction and distance to home airport.
  • is able to use the GPS map for positional awareness (in aircraft equipped with moving map display).

5B - Engine Failures at Altitude

Train for Responding to Engine Malfunctions and Failure 

  • 1
  • 2½
  • 1

Reference

Activities

  • Simulated engine failure at altitude
  • Establishing best glide airspeed
  • Using engine recovery flows and checklists
  • Calling for help
  • Arriving at key position and altitude for a safe power-off landing
  • Forced landing procedures

Completion Standards

When complete, the student

  • maintains positive control of the aircraft during simulated engine failures.
  • establishes and trims for best glide airspeed with minimal altitude loss and turns the aircraft to an appropriate emergency landing area.
  • completes an engine failure system flow check and confirms with checklist.
  • radios for help appropriately.
  • maneuvers the aircraft to arrive at the key position at the correct altitude for a safe power-off landing.
  • prepares the aircraft and passengers for forced landing.

5C - Final Preparation for Solo

Meet FAA Standards for Solo Flight

  • 1
  • 2
  • 0

Reference

Assignment

Activities

  • Review Pre-Solo Phase Check reference materials
  • Review Pre-Solo Written Quiz
  • Schedule Pre-Solo Phase Check with Chief Pilot

Completion Standards

When complete, the student

  • has passed the Pre-Solo Written Quiz as required by the FAA.
  • understands the SCFC pre-solo process and expectations.

5D - Pre-Solo Phase Check

Meet Flight Center Standards for Solo Flight 

  • 0
  • 3½
  • 1½

Activities

  • Pre-Solo Phase Check ground portion
  • Pre-Solo Phase Check flight portion
  • Follow-up flight with CFI
  • CFI endorses student for solo flight
  • Review CFI-assigned solo limitations

Completion Standards

When complete, the student

  • has demonstrated required pre-solo ground knowledge.
  • demonstrates positive control of the aircraft at all times.
  • operates the aircraft fully within the flight envelope at all times.
  • reliably lands parallel, with the nose wheel protected, and the airplane positioned over the centerline.
  • has completed the Pre-Solo Phase Check and meets all Flight Center standards for solo flight.
  • has received solo flight endorsement and understand solo limitations.

5E - First Solo

Act as Pilot in Command, in Control of the Aircraft in Every Way 

  • 0
  • 2
  • 1

Activities

  • First student solo flight
  • Take a cool photo to remember this moment
  • Receive solo T-shirt and pin
  • Spread the good news
  • Log first flight as Pilot in Command

Completion Standards

When complete, the student

  • has successfully completed 3 or more laps in the airport traffic pattern as solo PIC.