6.05(h)(i) - Clarification and Discussion

[Ibrahim AbdelQader]

Quote

6.05(h)(i) A Solo Endorsement allows for a S1 or higher controller training for their next ATS rating to operate a control position one rating above their current rating for up to 90 days.

Does this mean that each solo endorsment extention will last upto 90 days maximum or does this mean that all together the solo endorsment with all extentions are limited to 90 days (e.g. 3x 30 day extentions)?

Clarification is appreciated, thanks in advance!

[Thimo Koolen]

It doesn't mention an extension of the solo endorsement phase.

 

But to be in line with what they are trying to achieve with this policy (removing obstructions to controlling): having a set limit (that is already really short, especially for busy, major airfield solo endorsements!!) is an obstruction to controlling, especially if someone isn't able to control like twice a week. And with a very low bar of activity (one hour in a year), a maximum solo phase length doesn't make sense. Well, of course it does, but I don't really think there should be a maximum in a policy, but rather be handled on sub-division level.

 

I get the reason for a maximum duration: it forces a student to be active and learn a lot in a short time, while also making sure people are not forever in their solo phase. But why not handle this on sub-division level? Training staff wants their students to progress as well, so:

• Duration of a solo phase is 90 days by default
• In case it is needed, the sub-division training staff can issue an extension of 30 days at a time

We're already having trouble staying within the 90 days (and to be really honest, we do sometimes go over it, but never intentional). That's because:

• Our airfield is very busy and complex
• It takes time to learn
• There's multiple people with a solo phase, and only one person can man that position at a given time
• If it's busy, there's a delay in exam planning
• At peak time a few months ago, there was at least a month between requesting a CPT and receiving it, there's only a limited capacity on examiners and other instructors
• And what if a student fails the CPT? They don't have solo days left, thus requiring a mentor every time, thus increasing load and stress and increasing the time. This limit is actually increasing the workload of volunteers.

We all wish to have people progress quickly, so this doesn't need to be set as a hard maximum in the policy. Have the 90 days as a soft maximum, for the case that a student doesn't go online often, but give the sub-division training staff the ability to give extensions without problems.

 

Do it for the volunteers. They want the best for their students. It's almost as if training staff and instructors are not trusted by the BoG and our work is not valued.

[Greg Barber]

If it's a soft maximum, it may as well not be there.

The student can control after 90 days, they just can't do it solo.  This is a method to get training departments to progress their students in a timely fashion.  If your students are taking longer than 90 days because the airspace is complex then perhaps you are issuing the endorsement before the student is ready?  It's supposed to be for those students who are ready to be assessed and can operate solo until such time as they get their exam.  Are you saying a student who is ready for the practical exam is waiting 90 days for the exam?