Teaching youngsters how to fly
 

I have a question on how you would approach a young kid. I had a student take his first lesson last week, he was 13. I tried many different combinations of pillows, but could not get him to reach the rudder pedals in the Skyhawk. Since his dad wanted to come along, we could not use the 150. I think that's probably what I should end up suggesting them. As far as studying goes, what books would you recommend? When I heard him say "CarbuLetor heat" while reading the checklist, I thought I am in for a challenge! I let him have fun, just had him look outside while I kept my hands off (feet in of course) and let him know he was flying. I suggested the AOPA Flight Training magazine for now and not really get serious until he is close to 16 or so...

Is it the kids dream or dads? I dealt with this issue with a slightly older young girl and it didn't go well.

Sadly if the kid is serious he just has too much time between now and when he can legally do anything "fun.". I think you are on the right path with him in the meantime, but it's a tough situation to be in. Hope he holds his interest and continues.

Sounds like you are doing a good job to me. In my experience, at that age it is not productive to overwhelm him with the technical information that must be grasped prior to his ppl or solo. He still has 3 years to go prior to the solo, so I'd say just keep him full of magazines and allow him to set the pace.

c

Send him to glider field, he can solo next year and won't have to worry about carb heat.

This is what I did, starting in gliders is seriously the best way to learn. I highly recommend it.

They are very simple to fly yet require very complex decision making skills to fly well. One of the best reasons to start in gliders it that it deeply instills into knowledge the pitch-power relationship since pitch is the only way to control airspeed. He will not have all the negative learning that comes from driving a car especially when he moves on to airplanes.

If he seems motivated enough, urge him to take a demo ride at a gliderport.

I agree. Send him out to a glider port. It's why Germany had such an advantage in the early stages of WWII. "Wir don't need no Stinken Motor" I can always tell in my airline flying if a guy ever flew a glider. He'll never drag it in, depending on power to reach the field. Stick that runway in the first third...I digress.

Otherwise, ditch dad and use the 150. Cover all the instruments so the kid strictly looks out the window. In no time, if he's truly interested, he'll land better than the heavy jock over in the ARSA Class whatever we call it now. Tell dad he can come along after the 150 lesson in the 4 seater to go buy you all lunch.:D

Speaking of, I'm currently based in Phoenix-Mesa. Anyone recommend a glider port?

Thank you. As far as I can tell the kid wants to fly, but the dad (i hope jokingly) wanted to come along since he is paying for it. With all seriousness, in the long run he would benefit by being able to use rudder pedals. Unfortunately, the closest glider operation for our area is about 60 miles away. I can always suggest that. I have seen 14 year old kids flying the Light Sport aircraft, and also the 150...

I just did a lesson with a 9 year old yesterday - his dad bought him the cushion from Sporty's and that solved all the problems with reaching the controls.

Hi. Im 16 Im going to start Lessons pretty soon, And i just wanted to know how their going to start me off? Iv been into Aviatian for a long time and being an airline pilot is my dream! Regards Omar

On your first meeting with your instructor the instructor should sit down with you and describe the process of obtaining the Private Pilot Certificate. This includes describing the curriculum he/she uses, how many hours of flight time the FAA requires before you can take your Practical Test (the instructor should also explain that the hours required by the FAA prior to the Practical Test and the hours it may take you to become proficient enough to take the test often differ, sometimes substantially). He/she should also give you a list of books and gear that you need to have for your training.
Then it's time for the fun! The two of you will do an aircraft pre-flight inspection together, a lot will be foreign to you and completely over your head at this point. But have no fear, you will catch on to all the aviation jargon soon enough through training. Once the pre-flight is completed, it's time to start the engine. You will be piloting from the left seat (captains seat),and the sense of steering the airplane on the ground (taxiing) with your feet will be a little confusing at first, but become natural to you sooner than you think. After a check of your engine and systems during the run-up check it's time to taxi onto the runway for takeoff. From there it's up up and away for a short little flight to get you hooked!

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