we've had some instructors try to "supervise" student solos.. while flying
with another student.. while towing... does not always work out..

"new" solo student is one thing.. experienced solo.. and about ready to take
his check ride is another.. not readily available if the weather changes..
or to "monitor the approach and landing", or watching if they are getting to
low on the ridge before heading back to the traffic pattern. There has been
a few times that the "pattern was crowded", but the student needed to be
told to "turn base now", because he appeared to be extending to far.. or was
to low to fly the "normal" ground track.

Hard to do that from the air.

Also, our insurance states that there will be an instructor "on the field",
with solo students, but does that mean, feet on ground?

As far as x-c practice.. Students are limited to the valley, not crossing
the ridge line to the other side. Students can "practice" cross country
going down the valley to the next town and return, it's 14nm one way, but
there is a dry lake under them for 1/2 that distance. Or they can "cross the
valley", about 7nm to the far ridge and soar there, always being able to
return to the airport or the lake bed.

Never leave the safety of the lake bed below a set altitude, which will
provide final glide with ample safety margin for return. And the prevailing
wind is normally from the lake bed area to the airport.

BT


"Nolaminar" wrote in message
...
Does instructor have to on the ground when a student is flying?
Can the CFIG be towing or giving other instruction?
GA