One of aviation's most memorable milestones. You fly dual circuits first, then your instructor steps out. Most students describe excitement, nervousness, and exhilaration. The aircraft climbs faster without instructor weight. You fly 1-3 circuits at your home airfield with instructor watching. The overwhelming feeling afterward: pure, unforgettable joy.
Assessment covers: consistent safe takeoffs/landings (including crosswind), stable circuit flying, good lookout, correct radio calls, handling simulated emergencies, sound decision-making, and confidence without over-reliance on instructor. No fixed hour count — some solo at 10-12 hours, others at 20+.
A practical flight examination with an authorised examiner testing: pre-flight planning, aircraft handling (steep turns, stalls, slow flight), takeoffs/landings (normal, crosswind, short field), VFR navigation with diversions, emergency procedures, instrument flight basics (unusual attitudes), and airmanship. Includes an oral exam.
Total appointment: 3-4 hours. Paperwork/document checks (15-30 min), oral/ground exam (20-40 min), flight (1.5-2 hours including navigation), debrief (15-20 min). Budget a full half-day.
You can retake. Failed sections only need retesting (partial retest) within 6 months. Additional training (2-5 hours typical) on failed areas before retake. A full fail (test terminated) requires complete retest. Most failures are on navigation or landing accuracy.
Schools usually recommend/assign from approved lists. You can also find examiners via your national authority's register. All test to the same standard but styles vary. Ask for recommendations. External (non-school) examiners provide more independent assessment. Fees: EUR200-500 plus aircraft hire.
