Wondering if I fall into the trap of “not ready for first solo”

[aviationyin1220]

Currently I am having flight lesson in a famous flight school in Adelaide. I aim to achieve first solo in 20 hrs but now I had 2x hrs already.

My instructor kept on saying that I did “A” in a lesson, which is not correct and it should be “B”. While I did “B”, she said no, it is “A”. While I really cannot figure out anything else I did bad in the circuit, except landing in the strong crosswind.

I thought that might be my problem. However after today’s flight, she told me that on this week she has no students and ask if I would want to make booking with her for flying more hours, I start thinking she is trying to earn more hours from me.

Anyone has the similar experience? Should I talk to the CFi of the flight school or even find another flight school? I am really struggling now. Thanks!

[tescoapp]

go and see the CFI.

There are so many variables going on with sending someone solo.

[Alex Whittingham]

It took me longer to solo than it should have, two extra trips I think. Couldn't land properly! Certainly ask the CFI

[ShamrockF]

I aim to achieve first solo in 20 hrs but now I had 2x hrs already.

Are you saying you had planned to solo at 20 hours, but you're at 40 hours now?

If so, speak to your FI as to why you've not flown solo yet. She should give you honest, clear feedback. You could also ask to review your file.

[parkfell]

If you are at the 40 hour mark, why hasn't management had a conversation with you about progress? I think the Standards department need to take an active interest in you

[B2N2]

It's not uncommon for instructors to milk students for extra hours so as other have suggested talk to the head of training and perhaps see if he can organise a test flight with another instructor or get him to do it himself to see if you're ready for solo rather than keep going up with the same instructor who might be taking advantage of you

Not unheard of but unlikely.
You may feel you are ready but that's not how it works.
Frustration can set in (on both sides) easily.
If you don't know what you are doing wrong...that's a problem right there.
Sometimes instructors are just trying to be nice and spare your feelings.
"well, that wasn't quite right mumble mumble mumble".
The amount of hours to solo ( within reason) are of no importance and of no consequence at all for the rest of your training.
I've had students solo at 30 hrs and still finish at 45 hrs.

Sometimes when you switch instructors everything come together and suddenly you get it. What students do is put the second instructor on a pedestal and burn down the previous one that did all the hard work.
As Chief Flight instructor I've seen that many times.
Go talk to the asst Chief or the Chief Instructor and tell him or her that you are not sure what you are doing wrong.
Don't walk in there with the attitude that you're ready.
Didn't work with me, shouldn't work with any other CFI.

[mkqq]

There are many factors at play when it comes to your first solo.

1 - Same instructor throughout?
2 - Weather?
3 - Your performance on each lesson? Everyone has good days and bad days, so did I. If you had a bad day and make a couple of mistakes, it will take another 2-3 circuits for the FI to be convinced that you've fixed it. If you do it again, then it's another 2-3 circuits at least.
4 - How often are you flying?

etc......

How old are you if you don't mind me asking? This can have an effect as well.

I'm 29 and I recently just went solo at 17.3 hours. Even at 17.3 hours I was getting frustrated with my progress at various stages.

In hindsight it didn't matter how long it takes to go solo. Don't chase the numbers so you can brag about it.


Having said the above 40 hours is quite a lot. Rough average is around 20. Perhaps it's time to seek a second opinion from another FI?

[mkqq]

Not unheard of but unlikely.
I've had students solo at 30 hrs and still finish at 45 hrs.


Huh how is this possible considering all the things you've still got to do after the solo circuits? Cross country, steep turns, etc....?

[ROMEOVICTOR]

I got solo with 27 hours and got my PPL with 50 hours. Getting solo is not a race and it depends on certain factors. For instance, is not the same if you are doing your PPL in an airport surrounded by heavy populated urban areas where it’s thricky if you have an EFATO than a small airfield with plenty of fields around.