This is a question for you CFI's out there. I have a student who is nearing the end of his instrument training but is still having quite a bit of difficulty. I think it all boils down to a lack of confidence. His knowledge isn't that bad and he can fly an airplane ok, but he can't demonstrate that he can do everything on his own. He is constantly behind the airplane.

I am constantly having to remind him to do his checklists and tell him what to say on the radios. Every time approach gives him a clearance or instruction he then looks at me and asks if we should do what the controller told him to do. He also begins over-controlling anytime his workload increases. He also demonstrates very poor situational awareness and judgement. To give you an idea, recently while VFR and practicing holding patterns, approach told him there was traffic inbound to the VOR he was holding over at the same altitude and only a short distance away. He failed to acknowledge the controller or take any corrective action to avoid the other traffic. When asked if he heard the radio call, he said he did but showed no concern for the other traffic and continued holding at that altitude.

I give him positive reinforcement when he does something right and have tried to let him fly approaches, holds, etc. without any help from me to try and build his confidence. I literally have had to sit on my hands and let him fly, brief approaches, talk on the radios, etc but he continues to be behind the airplane. It seems as if he has plateaued the last several weeks as he is not making any real progress. I am trying to arrange for him to do a flight with another instructor so maybe he can hear it from someone else other than me, but it is likely that won't be possible for another week. I am confident if I were to sign him off for a checkride he would not pass on the first attempt.

Any tips or advice would greatly be appreciated.