Definition
A specific rule in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR Part 61) that lists what a student pilot must accomplish before being authorized by their flight instructor to operate an aircraft alone (solo). It covers required pre-solo aeronautical knowledge, a written test administered by the instructor, and demonstrated flight proficiency in specific maneuvers and procedures appropriate to the aircraft category and class.
Plain English
It is the FAA rule that spells out exactly what a student pilot has to know and be able to do before their instructor can let them fly an airplane by themselves for the first time.
Context Anchor
You will see section 61.87 in student pilot training, instructor sign-offs, and FAA handbook discussions of skills required before solo flight, including stall awareness and recovery.
Derivation
Section comes from a Latin word meaning “to cut.” In regulations, a section is one numbered piece of a larger rule. In section 61.87, “61” points to Part 61 of the federal aviation rules, and “.87” points to the specific rule inside that part.
Why Pilots Care
It ensures every student pilot has demonstrated stall recognition and recovery skills before flying solo, directly lowering the risk of loss-of-control accidents on early solo flights.
Intuition Check
Do not read “section 61.87” as a section of the Airplane Flying Handbook. Here it points to a specific federal aviation rule: 14 CFR § 61.87.
Example Sentence 1
Before her first solo, the student completed all the maneuvers required by section 61.87 with her instructor.
Example Sentence 2
Stall awareness training required by section 61.87 gave the student pilot the confidence to handle an unexpected stall during solo practice.