LilLurkerGirl

Hi all,

I've just properly started out on my 'aviation journey' and have been taking lessons for a few months now - about to move on to 'turning'
I love flying to bits and have no doubts about doing this as my career. However, I want to get the absolute most out of my lessons as I can so I can grow to be a GOOD pilot, particularly considering how much it costs (and the crappy jobs I have to work to make the money...). I also don't want my instructor to dread spending an hour in a Cessna with a cocky teenager trying to kill him on approach.
What makes a good student? How can someone who is still navigating their angsty younger years become a safe, skilled pilot who isn't a PITA? I think I'm doing quite well so far, but I'm always looking out for advice on how to improve.


I want to be like you cool airline guys one day - just less wrinkly

rickair7777

Well, I think you're mostly there because you recognize that your decisions and the CFI/Student relationship is an important factor in your training success. A few ideas...

- Be punctual.

- Understand what the instructor expects of you, and by all means asks if you're not sure.

- Study in advance of all lessons. If you're going to be practicing a particular maneuver, make sure you know the procedure cold. An airplane is an expensive place to memorize procedures.

- Try to fly at least 2-3 times/week if you can. This will help to keep your training moving forward without having to do too much review of stuff you already covered.

- Keep your head in the game. Think and read about aviation, and maybe practice doing flight planning/performance on days when you're not even going flying.

Be aware that the instructor has some things he/she needs to be doing as well. If the instructor is not holding up his end of the deal, find a new one.

Quarryman

This^. Also, ask questions. Ask plenty of questions. Never leave any doubt or lack of knowing unanswered. If you don't know something, ask your instructor. If he or she doesn't know, find out together.

Be humble but assertive. That delicate balance is achieved over time but you'll get there.

And one more thing: Never pick a fight with the weather. Mother Nature doesn't hesitate to slap pilots and planes out of the sky when she is disrespected.

Enjoy the journey.

A.FLOOR

Honestly just be engaged with your instructor. As an instructor I am MUCH more willing to go above and beyond with those students who show me they care. As opposed to those who no-show or show up late and never study at home etc. Of course training will always require immense amounts of home studying, but always remember your relationships you build now could last a lifetime. If your instructor isn't an @$$ y'all could go on to share a cockpit professionally. Additionally I think the points that rickair pointed out are all valid as well. Just accept that you can make mistakes learn from them and you're not gods gift to aviation (trust me you'll meet plenty who think they are) and have fun! One of the many things I love about instructing is simply having fun with my student and often even learning from them!

LilLurkerGirl

Thank you, this is what I was looking for

CLazarus

All excellent advice so far. I'd add that don't let any negative feedback get you down, we've all made mistakes and had setbacks. If you can set aside a bruised ego and learn from the feedback it will serve you well. Especially later on when you are on a four day trip with a Captain who is less agreeable than most. When I get the occasional criticism, I nod my head politely and promise I'll do better next time. I might ask some questions to clarify what I did wrong if I don't already understand. Don't argue, but don't walk away confused either. Usually I'm better off for not getting upset and having kept an open mind to improvement.

Also, if you fly with different instructors, don't be upset if you find they sometimes contradict each other. They are human too, and sometimes they confuse required procedure with personal techniques. Being able to sort through different techniques and figure out what works best for you is important. Good luck.

Gordie H

I’ll add make sure your flight instructor is a good fit for YOU! Looking back on it all, probably one of the most important things. Absolutely show up prepared, be respectful, listen, etc. But if you’re having a hard time understanding concepts your instructor is trying to explain or maybe you just don’t “like” the person that much, might be time to find someone else. Unlike military pilot training or airline training, YOU’RE paying for this so YOU get to choose. When I started my first instructor was “ok” but then I flew with someone whom I thought was great – more knowledgeable, easier to ask questions, more fun, just had better rapport with. And so I went to the Chief Pilot and had him assigned as my primary instructor – a very good move, only wish I did it sooner.

TheWeatherman

The biggest for me is having a student be prepared before our lesson. Nothing worse than a student not looking at anything that you assigned him at the end of the previous lesson. Then they wonder why they are at 70 hours and not close to taking the practical.