I've been doing flight training for a little over a month now. I have 10 hours under my belt. I'm studying for my written like mad. Sometimes though, I just feel like giving up. I don't think I'll go farther than my private pilot and I get SO nervous when I'm up there. Instructor tells me to relax but then starts freaking me out whenever I do something wrong (yelling, making me feel like a complete idiot) which makes me more nervous. Did anyone else go through this? Should I just give up if I'm starting to not enjoy flying and I get freaked out so easily? Or does it get better and its all worth the trouble?

 

Try switching instructors first...you are the customer and it is your right to do so. If you still feel the same way afterwards, post again.

 

Shortone,

First of all, do not give up. If you are nervous up there, then talk to your instructor about it. Trust me, you aren't the first person to get nervous about being in the air. Like Slice said, you are the customer...you deserve a respectful CFI who is going to help try to calm your fears...not make them worse. Every instructor has a different teaching technique, and every student learns in a different way. Don't feel like you'll offend the instructor if he just doesn't fit your style of learning.

Whether it's worth all the 'trouble' is up to you. Flying isn't easy as pie...it does take a lot of studying, however I do believe that just about everyone who wants to do it, can. Learning to fly is a challenge and adventure. If your not looking forward to your next lesson, then your going to lose interest. If you feel as if it's the instructor who's making you uncomfortable, then ask the school to switch you...if they wont, change schools.

As an instructor I'd go out of my way to comfort a student who's not comfortable up there. There's nothing wrong with this feeling, and if you give up - you will always wonder what if? Your instructor shouldn't be hesitant to help you through your nervousness...sounds like he is, and that's no good for the student.

What exactly is it that's making you so uneasy up there? Read into things like engine out procedures, read through aerodynamics, stalls, etc. When you really understand what's going on, the sounds and feelings will start to feel normal. All in all, don't give up so quickly. Talk to your instructor, get a new one, or read up on the things that are making you uneasy. Ask away when you have questions here...we are here to help, and if we can help make you feel more at ease up there - we'd be happy to assist.

Hope everything works out for you. Keep us updated.
PCJ

 

Switch instructors!

Its unprofessional and unacceptable for the instructor to shout at you when you are dishing out the cash. With the new instructor explain precisely what is making you feel apprehensive and nervous. Dont hold back, be honest with him or her so as to overcome the anxiety.

Learning to fly is challenging and its going to take gumption to get through it. After all, we humans weren't designed to fly, especially after just 10 hours!

Erik

 

There's abosolutely no reason at all for an instructor to raise their voice while teaching you.

...unless you try 90° nose down :P

 

Id concur with the above. Change instructors first. If that doesnt do the trick then maybe reassess at that point. Apprehension is normal, certainly at only 10 hours.

 

Change instructor. I went through 4 before my ppl check ride. I ended up with an old fart who was cool as ice. I wish I could find him again for my ifr rating.

 

Welcome to the FBO world...Its in your FBO/CFIs best interest to keep you nervous and slow your training.

Get a new instructor. Maybe that will help. However, chances are the experience will have soured you to aviation. If you do decide to continue I would recommend flight training academies or small family owned accelerated schools for your ratings. Don't waste your time and money at an FBO.

You meet some very shady people at FBOs. That goes for CFIs and owners. Protect yourself and your financial / mental health.

Recommendations for flight training: All Atps, Falcon Air (Atlanta area), and Prarie Air Service.

-LAFF

 

Not designed to fly after 10 hours?

Get real...He should have soloed by now and had a few hours solo under his belt.

I bet his CFI does all the taxi, radio, and most of the take-off / landings...Anything to string students along.

A student pilot should do all the radio / taxi / take-off / landing work from the 1st minute...You should solo them between 6 to 8 hours.

-LAFF

 

LAF, just curious. How many hours of dual have you given?