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Sky Condition
The reported amount and height of cloud layers, typically described with contractions such as FEW, SCT, BKN, and OVC plus the layer altitude. ATIS, METAR, and ASOS/AWOS broadcasts include sky condition so pilots can compare ceilings and cloud coverage with personal minimums and VFR requirements.
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- Slip/SkidUncoordinated flight conditions. A slip occurs when the aircraft is banked too much for the rate of turn (ball deflected toward the turn). A skid occurs when there is too much rudder for the bank angle (ball deflected away from the turn). The inclinometer (ball) indicates coordination.
- Slow FlightLow-speed flight close to, but above, the speed at which a stall warning begins. Private-pilot slow-flight practice develops coordinated pitch, power, and bank control while remaining clear of stall-warning indications.
- Solo Cross-CountryA student-pilot cross-country flight conducted as the sole occupant of the aircraft after receiving the required instructor endorsements under 14 CFR 61.93. Solo cross-country flights must meet distance and landing requirements that count toward private pilot certificate experience.
- Solo FlightA flight in which the student pilot is the sole occupant of the aircraft. Before the first solo, the student must receive endorsements from their flight instructor certifying competence in the specific aircraft type and at the specific airport.