What must a student have received instruction in prior to solo flight?

Prior to a solo flight, a student must receive instruction in ground reference maneuvers. These maneuvers are crucial for developing the skills needed to control the aircraft while flying in the vicinity of the airport and for understanding visual references during flight. Ground reference maneuvers help students practice turns around a point, S-turns across a road, and straight-and-level flight while maintaining awareness of their position relative to the ground. This training is critical for ensuring that a student can effectively manage the aircraft in relation to the ground and maintain situational awareness—vital skills during solo operations when the pilot must be self-sufficient.

While emergency landing procedures, night flying maneuvers, and navigation and communication skills are all important aspects of a well-rounded flight training program, they are not specifically mandated prerequisites for solo flight. Emergency procedures are certainly essential, but the focus on ground reference maneuvers directly supports a student's ability to ensure safe and proper aircraft handling during solo flights in the traffic pattern and approach phases.