Plain English Meaning
The points in a student's training where things are most likely to go wrong, so the instructor pays extra close attention and is ready to step in if needed.
Full Definition
The stages of a student pilot's training where the risk of an accident, incident, or significant learning setback is highest, and where the flight instructor must remain especially alert and ready to intervene. These commonly include the first solo, solo cross-country flights, night flying, and operations in unfamiliar or demanding conditions.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight instructor guidance about how experienced instructors manage student progress, motivation, safety, and during training.