Soloing an airplane, how long will it take?

Question

I plan on learning to fly soon, and if I'm not mistaken, I believe 12 hours of instructed flight time is the minimum requirement. But about how often should you fly (when being trained by an instructor)? Every day, every other day, once every 2 or 3 days, etc.?

Next week I'm taking vacation from work, so I'll have every day off, meaning if I started flying, I'd be able to fly every day. It wouldn't be possible to learn to solo in just one week, would it? Thanks for your advice. :)

Answer 1

Thats great advice you all gave. Don't rush. You have to feel confident with the airplane, and your procedures. If the instructor feels you are ready, you probably are, but if you do not feel ready, take a few more hours before you let him/her jump out and say take it around.

Answer 2

Solo will take place when you are capable of doing so and that your instructor can only tell.

Study your ground subjects and learn your procedures. Once in the air, try and understand what you are being taught. Revise lessons when you have any doubts. Practice all phases of flying till you feel comfortable and perfect each exercise. Follow your instructor closely on the controls and get a good feel of the aircraft. If you do all this, I am sure you will be able to solo after you have done 14-15 hours flying time.

Good luck and happy landings.

Answer 3

http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/ou...

Answer 4

As has been mentioned, its not a cram session. The time it takes to solo is entirely up to your instructor. When he/she feels you are far enough along, have the necessary skills, and can control the aircraft in a safe manner, you'll be given the privilege of soloing. And, if you haven't already, you will need to have your flight physical and obtain a student pilot license from a designated medical examiner before soloing. My instructor required also that I had completed ground school and passed the written test before he allowed me to solo.

Don't be in too much of a hurry. I have seen people solo after about 10-12 hrs and I have seen others that took nearly 40 hrs to solo.

Usually one or two lessons a week plus ground school is sufficient for most people.

Answer 5

You are mistaken; 12 hours of instructed flight is not the minimum requirement.  There is no time minimum.

You should fly at least twice a day.  Skip a day or two each week.  

It is possible to so in under a week if you have studied ahead of time.

Answer 6

I would say no, its more than just hours you need.  You really need to feel comfortable up in the air by yourself and trust me, it takes time.  Plus flight lessons aren't usually much more than 1.5 hours at a time to begin with.  Your instructor will review stuff on the ground that you have to absorb, then you go up and practice.  Don't try and cram it, its nothing to take lightly.