I can find no point on the instruction curve where this would be either
necessary or advisable. Certainly I have never done this, nor would I allow
any instructor working for me to allow it. To cut a fine line on the
regulations to justify this is in my opinion anyway neglecting proper
instructional technique and procedures.
No instructor in my opinion, worth the title, should allow a student to
accept the FAA definition for "Pilot In Command" as the end of the line for
that definition.
Students should be taught from day one that a pilot becomes "pilot in
command" IN THE REAL WORLD from the INSTANT that pilot becomes involved as
the potential principle operator involving the movement of an airplane from
point A to point B, whether that be on the ground or otherwise.
Instructors should in my opinion make the transition of this responsibility
for the aircraft to the student at the solo point. The reason for this is
that the IMPORTANCE of the changeover in responsibility for the safety of
the aircraft should be clearly defined and understood by the student! This
transition includes the TOTAL responsibility for the aircraft including it's
ground operation.
What I'm talking about here goes beyond the FAA regulations for PIC
definition. It goes to the very heart of proper flight instruction.
To send a 2 hour student out to move an airplane from point A to point B
alone is in my opinion not responsible behavior on the part of the CFI
involved.
Dudley Henriques


"Mark" wrote in message
...
Has anybody ever heard of an instructor turning a pre-solo student loose
in
an airplane alone for taxi practice around an airport without supervision
?
It was basically "go taxi the airplane around the airport and taxiways
but
don't go on the runway and don't take off, I'll come back to check on you
in
30 minutes" Is this a normal thing ?

It wasn't me, and I don't care what the FAA thinks. I'll rephrase my
question. Is it a usual and accepted practice for a CFI to let a 2 hour
time, pre solo student taxi around unsupervised solo ?