Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

When should a flight instructor conduct a pre-solo stage check?

1. After 10 hours of dual training

2. Before a student’s first solo flight

3. At the end of every lesson

4. Once a month at minimum

The correct answer is: Before a student’s first solo flight

Conducting a pre-solo stage check before a student’s first solo flight is essential to ensure that the student is adequately prepared and possesses the necessary skills, knowledge, and judgment to fly independently. This stage check serves multiple purposes: it assesses the student’s proficiency in aircraft operation, maneuvers, emergency procedures, and decision-making skills. During the pre-solo stage check, the instructor evaluates the student's ability to handle the aircraft safely under simulated conditions that they might encounter solo. This process provides an opportunity to identify any areas needing improvement before allowing the student to fly solo, thus enhancing overall safety. While the other options might seem relevant, they do not align with the critical timing and intent of the pre-solo stage check. The focus is on readiness for solo flight, making it imperative that this check occurs immediately before the student's first solo flight, rather than based on a fixed number of training hours, lesson conclusions, or a monthly schedule.