8a - First Solo and the "A" Badge

Lesson Objective

Once you solo, you are well on your way to getting an "A" badge. Receiving the "A" badge is not automatic. All Skyline Soaring Club Instructors are certified Soaring Society of America Instructors (SSAI), and can issue you your first "A" badge after solo.

Regulatory Requirement

• Pre-Solo: None
• Private Pilot Candidate: None

Completion Standards

Preflight Phase

Applicant Demonstrates Knowledge of:

• Sailplane Nomenclature
• Sailplane Handling Procedures
• Sailplane Pre-flight Check
• Airport Rules and Federal Aviation Regulations
• Tow Equipment, Signals, and Procedures
• Hook-up of Towline
• Launch Signals
• Pilot Responsibilities

Applicant Possesses:

• Valid FAA Pilot Certificate
• Pilot Logbook or Suitable Permanent Record
• Appropriate Endorsements from Advisory Circular 61-65J (see below)

Presolo Phase

Applicant Has Completed the Following Minimum Flight Training Program:

• Familiarization Flight
• Cockpit Check Procedure
• Effects of Controls - Ground and Flight
• Takeoff Procedures - Normal and Crosswind
• Flight During Tow
• Straight Gliding Flight
• Shallow Turns
• Circuit Procedures and Landing Patterns
• Landing Procedures - Normal, Downwind, and Crosswind
• Moderate and Steep Turns Up to 720 Degrees in Both Directions
• Stall Recognition and Recovery
• Conditions of Spin Entry and Recovery
• Effective Use of Spoilers/Flaps/Slips
• Emergency Procedures
• Oral Examination on Federal Aviation Regulations
• Solo Flight

FAA WINGS Credit

• SSF-A-Badge: G-SSA A-Badge

Required Sign-offs from the Instructor Before Solo

• Pilots with a Student Pilots license require:
  • Endorsement for the Pre-solo written test (See Lesson 7f )
    AC 61-65J Endorsement A.3
    

    Pre-solo aeronautical knowledge: section §61.87(b). I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has satisfactorily completed the pre-solo knowledge test of § 61.87(b) for the [make and model (M/M] aircraft.

  • Endorsement for safe solo-flight AC61-65J Endorsement A.4
    

    Pre-solo flight training: section §61.87(c). I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received and logged pre-solo flight training for the maneuvers and procedures that are appropriate to the [M/M] aircraft. I have determined they have demonstrated satisfactory proficiency and safety on the maneuvers and procedures required by § 61.87 in this or similar make and model of aircraft to be flown.

  • Endorsement for aero-tow AC61-65J Endorsement A.78
    

    Launch procedures for operating a glider: section §61.31(j). I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required training of § 61.157(b)(2) for an addition of a [name of the specific category/class/type] type rating.

• Pilots with at least a Private Pilot rating in a different category require:
  
  • Endorsement for aero-tow AC61-65J Endorsement A.79
    

    Launch procedures for operating a glider: section §61.31(j). I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [grade of pilot certificate], [certificate number], has received the required training in a glider [M/M] for [ground-tow, aerotow, self-launch] procedure. I have determined that they are proficient in [ground-tow, aerotow, self-launch] procedure.

  • Endorsement for solo when applicant does not hold a category rating, AC61-65J Endorsement A.72
    

    To act as pilot in command of an aircraft in solo operations when the pilot does not hold an appropriate category/class rating: §61.31(d)(2). I certify that [First name, MI, Last name] has received the training as required by § 61.31(d)(2) to serve as a pilot in command in a [specific category and class] of aircraft. I have determined that they are prepared to solo that [M/M] aircraft. Limitations: [optional].