As someone who has signed off countless solo cross-country endorsements, I learned everything about assessing student readiness through careful observation. Probably should have led with this: first solo cross-country next week, and my student is ready even if she does not believe it yet.
We spent today doing the final prep for her solo cross-country. Flight planning, weather analysis, diversion airports, emergency procedures – everything she will need when there is no instructor in the right seat.
The Route
She is flying from our home field to a towered airport 65 nautical miles east, then to a small uncontrolled field 40 miles south, then home. Total distance: about 145nm. Total flight time: around 2 hours plus ground time.
It is a straightforward route with good landmarks, multiple diversion options, and Class D airspace to practice radio work. Challenging enough to be meaningful, not so hard that it overwhelms. That has gotten complicated with all the planning required, but the systematic approach we use works well.
Her Concerns
She is worried about getting lost, about the radio calls at the towered airport, about fuel planning, about weather changes. Normal concerns for a student pilot about to fly alone for the first time beyond the local area.
We addressed each one systematically. She can navigate. She can talk on the radio. She knows how to check fuel and make go/no-go decisions. The skills are there.
The Vote of Confidence
My signature on her logbook endorsement is not just paperwork – it is my professional assessment that she has the skills to complete this flight safely. I do not sign until I am certain. That is what makes these endorsements meaningful.
She is ready. Next week she will prove it to herself.
