Is first solo a big deal?

A solo flight is a big deal for aspiring pilots. This is the first moment you fly an aircraft by yourself with no CFI in the passenger seat telling you what to do next. You are the sole occupant of the aircraft, following your flight plan and in charge of the take-offs and landings.



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Some 80% of student pilots voluntarily withdraw from training before gaining even a basic pilot licence, according to a study conducted for the US Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

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It's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed and nervous about flying alone. One of the best ways to reduce that anxiety is by doing a little preparation in advance. Early check-in is an easy first step you can take. Airlines typically allow travelers to check in up to 24 hours before a flight's departure time.

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Check in online in advance so you can save time and reduce anxiety. It's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed and nervous about flying alone. One of the best ways to reduce that anxiety is by doing a little preparation in advance. Early check-in is an easy first step you can take.

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Most U.S. airlines will permit children who have reached their fifth birthday to travel unaccompanied. Kids ages 5 through 11 who are flying alone must usually travel pursuant to special “unaccompanied minor” procedures. On some airlines, these procedures are required for unaccompanied children as old as 14.

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Can I carry passengers? Student pilots cannot carry passengers when flying solo. Friends or family may ride along on dual lessons (when the instructor is in the airplane), if your instructor approves.

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Even the most experienced travelers can feel solo travel anxiety before packing their backpack and taking a flight alone. Yes, there are awkward moments and uncomfortable situations, but the benefits and thrills of solo travel far outweigh the fear of traveling alone.

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Solo travel can be intimidating to some people, especially if you're traveling alone for the first time – it's completely normal. Some people fear getting bored, some think they'll feel lonely, and others may have safety concerns.

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So you touch down, and then you go again. Every student pilot learns touch and goes as part of training. It's not a maneuver that happens outside of training–you don't see airline captains doing touch and goes in their 777s. But in training, anything you can do to make things go faster is good.

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Lack of motivation, loss of interest Or it could be a lack of progress. Something has taken away their drive and commitment to learn. Pre-solo is really tough, Schillen added. If you are going to take 15 or 20 hours to solo, by the time they get to the fifteenth hour they're wondering if they really can do this.

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