10 April 2026
Upon review of student pilot logbooks, I have found a lack of training in the areas listed below. These shall be accomplished and logged in the students’ logbook prior to solo.
1. Red Bird spin training
a. This shall be accomplished prior to the first student pilot solo.
b. If the Red Bird sim is broken, the Red Bird at Horizon at Norwood or Portsmouth may be used.
c. If any Red Bird sim is not available within a reasonable time, the spin training syllabus in ECAC standards shall be briefed in its entirety prior to solo and spin training in a Red Bird will be conducted as soon as possible after solo.
d. This shall be logged in the students’ logbook.
2. 3 supervised solos.
a. These shall be accomplished preferably on 3 different days not to exceed 2 in a day.
b. The 3 supervised solos shall be accomplished prior to cross country training. Proficiency & consistency must be shown by the student.
c. If the instructor determines that the student is having difficulty landing, they may begin cross-country training but shall inform the Director of Training and Standards first.
d. Each supervised solo shall consist of:
i. 3 dual takeoffs and landings.
ii. Student’s logbook shall be endorsed for solo prior to the instructor leaving the aircraft.
iii. The engine shall be stopped prior to the instructor leaving the aircraft and the instructor shall ensure the door is closed and latched.
iv. Students shall accomplish only 3 landings. The landings may be
1. Full stop/taxi back.
2. Touch and go only in fixed gear aircraft. Retractable gear (if there is ever a student solo in a retractable gear aircraft-most likely not) shall be stop & go or taxi back to ensure the gear is not retracted inadvertently.
3. Stop & go.
4. If the student has to execute 2 go arounds, the next landing must be a full stop when it can be performed safely.
3. Elevator Trim Stalls shall be taught to recover as the nose hits the horizon. These shall be taught to competency meaning the student can perform them safely and understand the risks involved with go arounds.
4. All of the above shall be written in the students’ logbooks.
5. The Standards Team will be randomly checking logbooks and Progress Check Instructors shall continue to check they are logged.
Marc Nathanson