Definition
In aviation instruction, the principle that an instructor must have sufficient contact hours and varied training situations with a student to reliably evaluate that student's knowledge, skill, judgment, and readiness before endorsing them for a checkride, solo flight, or other privilege.
Plain English
An instructor needs enough hours with a student, and enough different flying situations, to honestly judge whether the student is ready. A few quick lessons aren't enough to sign someone off.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight instructor training when discussing how students learn and why practice must be planned, not rushed.
Why Pilots Care
Insufficient time and opportunity leaves students with fragile understanding that can break down under real flight conditions, increasing risk and prolonging training.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as simply “having free time.” In this context, it means planned practice time plus real chances to use the skill until performance becomes dependable.
Example Sentence 1
The CFI declined to sign the student off for the checkride, explaining she hadn't yet had the time and opportunity to see him handle crosswind landings in gusty conditions.
Example Sentence 2
By providing time and opportunity for cross-country planning exercises, the student learned to handle changing weather without prompting.