An instructor can sit in an airplane and monitor student
skill, this is what instruction is, protect the student from
their errors while they gain experience. First explain,
then demonstrate, then practice. Critique, practice,
eventually skill develops. Then solo, with a logbook and
certificate endorsement. Still, no passengers and a flight
check at least every 90 days in each make and model.

For a certificated land pilot, 90% of the seaplane rating is
how to taxi, sail and dock, beaching, and the rules of water
navigation. Yet no seaplane instructor would allow a
student to practice solo in the seaplane, yet if the
instructor in a land plane or seaplane is just sitting
there, not flying or riding the controls, the student is
effectively "solo." When the student has demonstrated skill
and judgment, the instructor takes the steps to advance the
student to the next level.


--
James H. Macklin
ATP,CFI,A&P

"Jose" wrote in message
t...
| Taildragger?
| As far as I'm concerned, the type of airplane is
irrelevant to the question.
|
| It bears on the skill required for taxiing, and the
possible reasons for
| solo taxi practice before solo flight.
|
| Jose
| --
| Nothing takes longer than a shortcut.
| for Email, make the obvious change in the address.