GauleyPilot

Solo flight is required. While a real crew is certianly safer than single pilot ops, single pilot ops, maybe hardcore IFR, will more than likely be needed to advance your career.

Even as part of a crew, you are expected to assume ALL duties in the event the other pilot becomes unable to do their part. Apendix problems, kidney stones, stomach problems etc. do happen.

You should be able to do EVERYTHING without the instructor's help before you solo. If you can't then you are not ready.

Im not trying to be mean, maybe you should just relax and appreciate this rite of passage. When you solo, you are finally the master of the machine.

GotheriK

Yeah, after your first Solo you'll get used to it. I can see where you're coming from, though. I do feel more comforatable with another person in the aircraft.

It can get boring on long cross-countrys though, with noone to talk to. Sometimes I think I'm going to lose my mind sitting in a 172 alone for 4 hours.

calcapt

Remember when you were small and the thoughts of driving a car seemed monumental? It is much the same flying and before you know it you will feel more comfortable alone in an airplane than almost anywhere else. Some anxiety is expected when you solo and you are not alone in this respect. Many successful professional pilots felt the same way. You will be fine - trust me!

CRJ-200

No, no - I was just following through. Is that what you meant? No parachutes

Pilotpip

If you're exceeding 30 degrees of pitch, or 60 degrees bank you are doing what are considered "aerobatic" maneuvers. In order to do this, you must be wearing a parachute. The only exception to this is when you are doing required training for a rating. Demonstration of spin recovery is required for the CFI and you have to recieve an endorsement. This is the only exception I know of regarding spin training. The DA-20 is approved for spins (quite fun to do them in too) but unless you're working on your CFI rating right now you should be wearing a parachute.

multipilot

mprinceton, eventually you are going to have to bite the bullet and solo. I agree that flying with another instructor may be the best way for you to gain the confidence you need. If you plan to get your private, you are required to complete at least 10 hours of solo flight. From there you need even more solo time to get your commercial certificate as well, at least another 10 hours, that is if you plan to go that far with your training.

Make your first solo an easy one if you're a little nervous about it. Fly a couple of laps in the pattern with an instructor. If your cfi and you feel comfortable with your pattern work and landings then drop off your instructor and turn right back around and do the same thing solo.

Your first solo will be one of the most liberating experiences you will have as a pilot. Once you do solo, come back and post a follow up and let us know how you did.

The only time you don't need a parachute when practicing intentional spins is for the CFI or any other rating or certificate where spins are required training per the regs. The reg gives an exception for required spins for any certificate or rating when given by an instructor. check out 91.307.

Pilotpip

Multipilot,

Thanks for quoting the good book of CFR 14. I was too lazy to go find the reg

multipilot

No problem.

SkyDreamer

What really helped with using my instructor as a crutich is I would amagine my instructor wasnt there I would fly the pattern same routine untill I felt confident in my ability just be sure to tell the controllers you are a student pilot