Your students first solo

[ORC]

Just wondering what you do. Not so much how you decide that "grass hopper" is ready to go it alone but more the actual act. Do you stand back and send them to the heli or do you hop out while shut down or do you get out once running and all checks done. ??? The reasons for your actions would be much appreciated
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R22 2.6 h/r  wanting more, a hell of a lot more

[flip2]

A session which starts off dual, performing some general handling and circuit(s).

A run through of some emergencies, followed by a normal circuit done from the take off to the landing.

Dependent upon the location and circumstances, instructor gets out rotors running and waits in the vicinity while the student does circuit(s).

Instructor picked back up (again, rotors running) and both return for tea and medals.

Personally, I wouldn't get the student to perform a solo start up on their first solo - keep things nice and simple without excess worry, and avoid the extra expense of a double start-up and shut-down.

[Hughes500]

Peronally I never tell a student pre flight that they will be going solo. Normally 3 good circuits and an engine off landing to the ground. If all well I will get out get the student to do a couple of landings and take offs. Then off for a circuit to come back and pick me up. Not sure about tea and medals though sent my daughter solo after 12 hours who then phoned Mrs 500 to tell. Got home to a monster bollocking

[LoachBoy]

Wondered why I hadn't seen Mrs 500 recently!!!

[Hughes500]

l/B

You know there was a large hole in the backgarden !!

[LoachBoy]

I thought that was the rabbits making a bid for freedom!!!