For a student to perform solo flight, what must be demonstrated to the instructor?

To perform a solo flight, a student must demonstrate competence in handling the aircraft. This includes the ability to manage various flight maneuvers, execute takeoffs and landings safely, and respond effectively to normal and emergency situations without instructor assistance. The instructor needs to ensure that the student is capable of making sound operational decisions and can control the aircraft independently in different phases of flight.

While knowledge of aviation law, communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC), and understanding weather impacts are all important aspects of a pilot's training, they are supplementary to the primary requirement of demonstrating proficiency in flying the aircraft. Competence in handling the aircraft is critical because it directly influences the safety of the flight, making it the central focus for a solo endorsement.