Student solo in a single seater??

escapepilot

escapepilot

Well-Known Member
Ok, looking for opinions here. I have a student that wants to solo his dad's Baby Ace (single seat, experimental, taildragger). I'm giving him instruction in a Citabria 7ECA. 61.87 didn't clear up the issue of wether on not this was leagal so I called the FSDO and.... clear as mud.

Here is how he was thinking of being able to do this:
Get the required training and proficiency as per 61.87c(1) in the Citabria.
Complete pre-solo written for Citabria.
Get solo endorsement in Citabria and first solo.

Complete pre-solo written in Baby Ace.
Get solo endorsement for Baby Ace per 61.87c(2) - demonstrate satisfactory proficency and safety on the maneuvers and procedures ..."or similar make and model of aircraft to be flown".
Use Baby Ace for required solo time for private.

Both are taildraggers, both are high wing, both have similiar flight characteristics and similar horsepower.
Differences - primarily weight (500 lb difference in gross weight).

FSDO's reply was basically that it would be my decision if they were similar enough or not...unless something happens then it could be anyone's call if they are similar or not.

I'm confident in his skills, but I'm leaning towards "No" since there is potentially a huge legal issue if anything does go wrong. What's eveyone's opinion?
 
escapepilot said:
Ok, looking for opinions here. I have a student that wants to solo his dad's Baby Ace (single seat, experimental, taildragger). I'm giving him instruction in a Citabria 7ECA. 61.87 didn't clear up the issue of wether on not this was leagal so I called the FSDO and.... clear as mud.

Here is how he was thinking of being able to do this:
Get the required training and proficiency as per 61.87c(1) in the Citabria.
Complete pre-solo written for Citabria.
Get solo endorsement in Citabria and first solo.

Complete pre-solo written in Baby Ace.
Get solo endorsement for Baby Ace per 61.87c(2) - demonstrate satisfactory proficency and safety on the maneuvers and procedures ..."or similar make and model of aircraft to be flown".
Use Baby Ace for required solo time for private.

Both are taildraggers, both are high wing, both have similiar flight characteristics and similar horsepower.
Differences - primarily weight (500 lb difference in gross weight).

FSDO's reply was basically that it would be my decision if they were similar enough or not...unless something happens then it could be anyone's call if they are similar or not.

I'm confident in his skills, but I'm leaning towards "No" since there is potentially a huge legal issue if anything does go wrong. What's eveyone's opinion?
Click to expand...


I'd make sure I have flown the box myself. Once you know the specialties of this specific plane you can tell if your student is ready. I would refuse to solo a student in a plane I have not flown myself before. Simple as that. Entirely your call.
 
(e) No person may operate an aircraft that is issued an experimental certificate under §21.191(i) of this chapter for compensation or hire, except a person may operate an aircraft issued an experimental certificate under §21.191(i)(1) for compensation or hire to—
(1) Tow a glider that is a light-sport aircraft or unpowered ultralight vehicle in accordance with §91.309; or
(2) Conduct flight training in an aircraft which that person provides prior to January 31, 2010.
Click to expand...

Just hurry up and get it done if you will. But I personally think soloing a student pilot in a taildragger as experimental is just crazy. The liability can't be good...I would do alot of research in that area before putting yourself in this situation. Good luck.
 
I'm still leaning towards not doing the endorsement. I think I could per the regs, but the liability is just too risky. It goes back to that wise advice I once read on here..."If I had to explain it to the NTSB..."
 
Not a good idea. Don't let the father/son combo pressure you into a bad decision..... it's your signature on the logbook....he'll have plenty of time to fly it once he gets his PPL. $.02
 
escapepilot said:
FSDO's reply was basically that it would be my decision if they were similar enough or not...unless something happens then it could be anyone's call if they are similar or not.
Click to expand...

This is what it comes down to. You're screwed if something happens. I wouldn't want to be explaining to my friendly local fed that, "Yeah, I never flew with him in that type, but I'm sure he was good to fly it."

I'm with tgrayson on this one: I don't see the upside. Let him get his PPL and then fly whatever he wants.
 
I'm with the don't do it crowd. Once he's a private pilot, he's on his own. Student pilot, you're open for liability. I would stick with training him in your Citabria, maybe try getting some time in it yourself.
 
Don't do it, I know an instructor who had to do a 709 ride on his instructor certificate in a similar situation to this when something went wrong.
 
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