Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

What must a student pilot do before taking a solo flight?

1. Complete a solo flight plan

2. Obtain a flight instructor's endorsement

3. Submit a solo flight request to the FAA

4. Attend a safety seminar

The correct answer is: Obtain a flight instructor's endorsement

Before a student pilot is allowed to conduct a solo flight, it is essential that they obtain a flight instructor's endorsement. This endorsement serves as a formal acknowledgment from a qualified flight instructor that the student has demonstrated the necessary skills and knowledge to operate the aircraft safely without direct supervision. The endorsement process is crucial for ensuring that the student pilot is adequately prepared to handle the responsibilities of flying solo, including decision-making, handling emergencies, and managing the aircraft. This requirement is grounded in safety protocols established by aviation regulatory bodies, which aim to minimize risks associated with solo flying. The other options, while potentially beneficial in their own right, do not fulfill the regulatory requirement for solo flight. Completing a solo flight plan may be part of the preparation process, but it is not mandated. Submitting a solo flight request to the FAA is unnecessary; the FAA does not handle individual student pilot solo requests. Attending a safety seminar can enhance knowledge and understanding of aviation safety, but it is not a prerequisite for solo flight.